Do you go on a lot of road trips? As you travel along America’s highways, stay alert and keep your eyes peeled for other motorists—especially those on motorcycles! Learn how to share the road safely with bikers and remember these safety tips while on your next road trip adventure.
Be Careful When Passing
Sometimes, you need to pass a motorcyclist on the road; as long as you’re on a stretch of road that allows passing, it’s legal to do so. However, when you speed up as you pass, the resulting gust of wind could throw the motorcyclist off balance.
Keep several car lengths between you and the biker you’re passing, and don’t forget to use your turn signal to indicate your intent.
Turn Off High Beams
If you’re driving at night and there’s a motorcyclist sharing the road with you, avoid using your high beams and stick with your regular headlights. Driving with your brights on can temporarily blind other drivers, and motorcyclists are at greater risk of crashing due to that blindness.
Follow Intersection Protocols
When you’re just sharing the road with other cars, it’s easy to become complacent, especially at intersections. However, intersections are common locations for accidents between bikers and motorists, and according to motorcycle accident statistics, bikers are more likely to die in those crashes than passenger car drivers.
If you need to make a turn at an intersection, signal earlier than you normally would. Come to a complete stop and look both ways before turning at a slow, steady speed.
Double-Check Blind Spots
When driving, you should check your blind spots regularly even if you’re not sharing the road with motorcyclists, but it’s imperative when bikers are on the road. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger cars and often remain hidden in those blind spots.
Don’t just rely on your mirrors; turn your head to physically check your blind spots regularly if you know there’s a biker near you.
Remove Distractions
If you’re sharing the road with one or more motorcyclists, don’t let your eyes drift from the road, even for a second. Keep both hands on the wheel, and if you need to change your road trip playlist or check your map, have another passenger do it for you. If you’re driving solo and need to make a call or look for directions, pull over into a safe location before doing so.
On your next road trip, practice these driving safety protocols, especially if you’re sharing the road with motorcyclists. Let these tips encourage you to be a courteous and cautious driver, no matter where the road takes you.
Do you go on a lot of road trips? As you travel along America’s highways, stay alert and keep your eyes peeled for other motorists—especially those on motorcycles! Learn how to share the road safely with bikers and remember these safety tips while on your next road trip adventure.
Be Careful When Passing
Sometimes, you need to pass a motorcyclist on the road; as long as you’re on a stretch of road that allows passing, it’s legal to do so. However, when you speed up as you pass, the resulting gust of wind could throw the motorcyclist off balance.
Keep several car lengths between you and the biker you’re passing, and don’t forget to use your turn signal to indicate your intent.
Turn Off High Beams
If you’re driving at night and there’s a motorcyclist sharing the road with you, avoid using your high beams and stick with your regular headlights. Driving with your brights on can temporarily blind other drivers, and motorcyclists are at greater risk of crashing due to that blindness.
Follow Intersection Protocols
When you’re just sharing the road with other cars, it’s easy to become complacent, especially at intersections. However, intersections are common locations for accidents between bikers and motorists, and according to motorcycle accident statistics, bikers are more likely to die in those crashes than passenger car drivers.
If you need to make a turn at an intersection, signal earlier than you normally would. Come to a complete stop and look both ways before turning at a slow, steady speed.
Double-Check Blind Spots
When driving, you should check your blind spots regularly even if you’re not sharing the road with motorcyclists, but it’s imperative when bikers are on the road. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger cars and often remain hidden in those blind spots.
Don’t just rely on your mirrors; turn your head to physically check your blind spots regularly if you know there’s a biker near you.
Remove Distractions
If you’re sharing the road with one or more motorcyclists, don’t let your eyes drift from the road, even for a second. Keep both hands on the wheel, and if you need to change your road trip playlist or check your map, have another passenger do it for you. If you’re driving solo and need to make a call or look for directions, pull over into a safe location before doing so.
On your next road trip, practice these driving safety protocols, especially if you’re sharing the road with motorcyclists. Let these tips encourage you to be a courteous and cautious driver, no matter where the road takes you.
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