Spring is Almost Here! The warmer weather has people coming out of their homes and hitting the highways here in Southwest Virginia. We live in an awesome place and enjoying the scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway or on rural country roads is a pasttime favored by many.
Whether you’re taking the family minivan to the Peaks of Otter, cruising in a convertible to Mabry Mill or taking the RV out for a weekend trip, keep in mind that motorcyclists will be hitting the road too, and be on alert for these vunerable vehicles.
Stay Calm Around 2 Wheeled Vehicles:
Many drivers become nervous when driving behind or beside motorcycles. They worry that the operator of the motorcycle might lose control and cause and accident or that the motorcyclist may speed up or slow suddenly and cause an accident. While these scenarios can happen, its best not to create additional anxiety just because of the presence of a motorcycle.
Understanding motorcyclists’ behavior may also help to relieve anxiety when driving near them. Many drivers tell me that they don’t like driving around “bikes” because the motocycles tend to weave in and out of lanes, sometimes suddenly. An experienced biker will tell you that they are often trying to miss potholes or other obstructions on the road. Potholes are usually no problem for a car, but a pothole or even loose gravel can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. The weaving has nothing to do with trying to annoy other drivers.
Because motorcycles are smaller than the average vehicles, they seem farther away than they actually are. It is best to follow the 4 second driving rule when behind a motorcycle to allow for plenty of reaction time if the cyclist gets into trouble. If inclement weather is present, allow 6-8 seconds between you and the motorcycle.
Make Eye Contact
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 44 percent of all motorcycle accident related fatalities occured when the car wa
s turning left when a motorcycle was going straight. This indicates that the driver of the car did not see the motorcycle before making the left turn.
Remember Motorcycles are NOT Equipped with the Same Safety Options as Cars
Motorcyclists are the most vunerable vehicle operators on the roads. Equipped with little more than a helmet and clothing, there is nothing else to protect motorcycle riders from serious injury that may occur when a truck or passenger hits them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Sterling, Harrisonburg or Abingdon, Virginia call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation. The call is free and there is no time limit on your consultation. We are here to help you find a lawyer in Roanoke. Call today (540) 777-4900
