As beautiful weather comes back into the daily forecast, more motorcycles will be hitting the roads in California. As a driver, you hold some responsibility for the safety of those on these smaller vehicles. Motorcycles lack the protections you have in your vehicle. Any accident with a motorcycle is much more serious and has a greater potential to be deadly for the motorcycle rider than for you. When everyone pays attention and shares the road, it can keep all vehicles on the roadways safe.
When you see a motorcycle on the road, Direct Auto and Life Insurance suggests that you give them a bit more room. Do not crowd motorcycles. Let them have some space. This also ensures you can see them clearly and react in a timely manner when they slow down, make a turn or come to a stop.
You should also make sure to always use your turning signals to let motorcycles and other drivers know what you are doing. You also want to check your blind spots and ensure lanes are clear before moving over. Cutting across in front of another vehicle may only result in an angry horn honk, but for a motorcycle you cut off, it could be deadly.
One last thing to know about motorcycles is that the turning signals on these vehicles are completely manual. They do not automatically turn off like yours in your vehicle. So, you should always yield to a motorcycle’s signals, but also be aware they might not turn when indicating. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
