The Legal Examiner Affiliate Network The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner search instagram avvo phone envelope checkmark mail-reply spinner error close The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner
Skip to main content

It's amazing how many cases we get from people making turns in front of or into motorcycles. It simple cases of drivers not keeping a look out. The injuries are usually devastating. Please take the time to take a look before making the turns.

It's clear from registrations that the number of riders on the roads is growing. Spikes in gas prices have usually been the most cited reason for the increase. Plus bikes are often easier to park, use, and maintain.

There is an interesting website that should be reviewed by all riders. The things I found interesting were:

The typical reasons why cars don't see motorcycles-

    • Most car drivers aren't familiar with motorcycles, so they don't think to look for them in traffic.

    • Motorcycle riders typically wear dark colors and can easily blend into the background and "disappear."

    • Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, so they are more difficult to spot in traffic and can be hidden by other vehicles or roadside features.

    • Daytime headlight use does not give motorcycle riders much of an advantage anymore, due to the widespread use of daytime running lights on cars.

    • The smaller size and single headlight on the motorcycle makes it more difficult for other drivers to judge a rider's speed and distance.

And tips for motorists:

Watch aggressively for motorcycles.

  • Search the traffic around you constantly and expect to see motorcycles.
  • Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging, especially in heavy traffic.
  • Double-check traffic at intersections before you turn or pull out.
  • Motorcycles can easily be hidden in traffic. Look for a helmet above, tires below, or a shadow alongside a vehicle that you can't see around.

Anticipate hazards that may confront the motorcyclist and predict how the motorcyclist may react to the situation.

  • Poor road conditions, bad weather, flying debris, oil slicks, and heavy traffic pose high risks for motorcyclists.

Allow a minimum two-second "space cushion" when following a motorcycle.

  • Pick out a fixed object ahead of you. When the motorcycle passes the object, count off, "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you haven't passed the same object after two seconds, your following distance meets the two-second minimum.
  • In poor driving conditions, at higher speeds and at night, use a four or five-second following distance to give the motorcyclist more space.

Watch out when turning left.

  • Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left at an intersection. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look for motorcycles.
  • Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, it is harder to see them and more difficult to judge their approach speed in traffic.

Share the road.

  • Do not drive your car in the same lane as a motorcycle. It is unsafe and illegal.
  • Treat motorcyclists with the same respect and courtesy you afford to other motorists.

Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.

  • Failure to obey and yield the right-of-way can result in the death or serious injury of a motorcyclist.
  • Stay focused on the driving task. Inattentive driving is a major cause of car-motorcycle crashes.
  • Use turn signals to indicate your next move. This allows the motorcyclist anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
  • Remove all possible distractions that can interfere with the driver's attention, and remove any objects that may block the driver's view

It's clear that the road is big enough for every one. Let's make sure we look out for each other.

2 Comments

  1. Mike Bryant

    Interesting email I got:

    : Tonight, I saw lots of motorcyclists. I particularly liked the group of four that did not like that there was traffic on Hwy 62 eastbound through Edina (road construction can really be a pain). I saw them weave in and out of traffic, even though only one lane was open. I saw them popping wheelies in dense traffic. I saw them pounding on cars (including mine) if they were not provided enough room in the single lane that was open. I saw and heard them as they passed me on both the shoulder and the left side of only lane available for traffic

    After the road construction, I was passed be another cyclist, whom I estimate was going over 100 mph.

    I see these cyclists. I don't need to start seeing them. I only wish that Law Enforcment would start seeing them and throw their sorry asses in jail.

  2. Mike Bryant

    The writer makes a good point that everyone needs to ride safely on the roads. I many writers here at the Legal Examiner write about those topics all the time.

Comments for this article are closed.