With the upcoming warm weather of the spring and summer season quickly approaching the motorcycles will be back on the roads. Everyone needs to be aware of the safety tips for motorcycle riders it could mean life or death. Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Transportation close to 5,000 people died in a motorcycle accident in 2013. While 7,200 people who died as a result of a car accident in 2013. Considering there are only about 9 states where motorcycles are on the roads year around, those statistics are certainly not in favor of motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to accidents than other cars. Many accidents happen because motorcycles are unseen in a car’s blind spot. It is imperative motorist always visually check for motorcyclists using their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcyclists
- Don’t ride when the weather is bad.
- Use your turn signals every time you turn or change lanes.
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Don’t speed.
- Don’t drink and ride.
- Don’t let a passenger distract you.
- Take a safety training class each year.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Use extra caution on wet roads, dirt roads and gravel.
- Make yourself visible to cars and trucks.
- Don’t ride side by side with a riding buddy.
- Don’t show off doing “wheelies” or other stunts like weaving in the lane.
Motorists
- Always use your mirrors and turn your head to see around your blind spot before changing lanes or turning.
- Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle allow a little extra space between you and the motorcycle.
- Be more cautious at intersections. Most accidents happen when a motorist does not see a motorcyclist and makes a left turn in front of the motorcycle.
- Give a motorcycle the whole lane – you wouldn’t try to share a lane with another car don’t try to share one with a motorcycle.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t speed.
- Don’t text or talk on a cell phone while driving.
- Don’t try to pass on the highway if you cannot see all the vehicles coming up behind you. If a motorcycle is not in the center of the lane, you’re not going to see it coming.
If both motorists and motorcyclists use common driving/riding courtesy everyone has a better chance of getting home to their loved ones. For more information about auto insurance coverage in Wisconsin please contact Bob Wolfgram Agency, Inc., located in Waukesha.
