Driving Practices to Ensure the Safety of Motorcyclists on NJ Roadways
In recent years, motorcycles have become an increasingly popular form of transportation. Motorcyclists are a diverse demographic of people seeking adventure, freedom, and agility. Many choose this form of transportation to save on gas costs. However, with all its conveniences and thrills, driving a motorcycle also comes with significant safety risks. Motorcycles experience a disproportionately high rate of accidents compared to other types of vehicles. The National Safety Council reported that in 2020 alone, motorcyclists were approximately 29 times more likely to die in a crash than individuals in a car. This staggering statistic shows just how important it is to raise awareness of safety measures for motorcyclists and those sharing the road with motorcycles.
Making Motorcycles Visible on the Road
Ensuring the safety of motorcyclists and others around them and thereby reducing motorcycle fatalities is the responsibility of all motorists. Perhaps you have seen the popular bumper sticker that reads “START seeing motorcycles”. The statement is a reference to the incredibly common defense or plea of a motorist that accidentally strikes a motorcyclist that the driver simply “did not see them.” It is true that motorcycles are small and less visible than other vehicles. They may also move quickly around vehicles and into their blind spots. However, increased awareness and attention to important safety measures concerning motorcycles on the roadways is critical to ensuring the safety of all motorists.
Always Check Before Changing Lanes
This tip may seem obvious but, like the sentiment of the popular bumper sticker, many motorists are oblivious to motorcycles around them. They can be difficult to spot due to their size and ability to slip into a vehicle’s blind spot, and congested traffic areas and poor weather conditions can make spotting motorcycles a bit difficult. It is therefore all the more essential for motorists to remain vigilant and aware of the motorcycles around them by frequently checking their mirrors and performing shoulder checks before changing lanes.
Motorcycles Have Different Braking Capabilities: Maintain a Greater Following Distance
Motorcycles can stop quicker than cars and can catch a driver behind them off guard. This makes it very important to keep an adequate distance in between your vehicle and a motorcycle in front of you. They need a lot less braking time to come to a complete stop than you do, so relying on their brake lights only with too little distance between you is a recipe for a rear end collision.
Giving Motorcyclists Time to React: Signal, Then Move
It is also important to signal your driving intentions to motorcyclists early and clearly. Even more so than most drivers, motorcycles are constantly relying on predictable behavior from the drivers around them. If you are going to change lanes, signal your move with adequate time for motorcyclists around you to react and make any necessary maneuvers. Avoid braking abruptly whenever possible as this gives motorcyclists around you less time to react.
Remember Road Conditions Impact Motorcycles Differently
Road conditions like potholes, wet roads, loose gravel, or ice that might be minor nuisances for large vehicles can be deadly hazards for motorcycles. As such, it is wise to give the motorcyclists around you extra space to maneuver around these hazards. Reducing your speed and giving them extra space can help them to safely navigate around challenging road conditions. Whenever possible, you should also avoid kicking up debris or splashing water onto motorcyclists. Not only is it rude, but it can also impair their ability to maintain control of their bike.
Preventing Collisions with Motorcycles at Intersections
Intersections are a particularly dangerous area for motorcyclists, with a significant amount of all motorcycle accidents occurring at intersections. This is often due to other drivers failing to see a motorist turning or entering an intersection or misjudging the motorcycle’s speed. Always take an extra moment to look for motorcycles before entering or proceeding through an intersection and, of course, obey all traffic lights and signs very carefully.
Put Down the Phone Until You Arrive at Your Destination
Distracted driving, whether due to talking on the phone, texting, browsing the internet, or any other number of activities that takes your attention away from the road and those around you, is a leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents. Due to their small size and lack of protection of the surrounding sheet metal of a car, distracted driving accidents are much more likely to be deadly for a motorcyclist involved. Stay alert, put down your phone, and remember that it can wait until you get to your destination.
Using Your Horn Safely Around Motorcycles
While your horn can sometimes be a useful tool, it is wise to use it sparingly and only as needed on the roadways, as using your horn can startle a motorcyclist and possibly cause them to lose control of their bike.
Legal Ramifications of Accidents Injuring Motorcyclists
Every driver on the road has a legal responsibility to drive like a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. When a driver deviates from this standard by failing to exercise proper safety precautions like failing to signal a lane change, speeding, texting while driving, or not leaving enough distance between them and the car in front of them and their failure results in an accident, they may be legally liable for the resulting damages. If the accident involves a motorcycle, those damages may include compensation for serious and extensive injuries or even a wrongful death claim if the accident is fatal.
Let an Experienced Attorney at Cohen & Riechelson Fight for Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence in New Jersey, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer at Cohen & Riechelson is a critical first step. With over 50 years of background handling motorcycle accident claims and other injury claims on behalf of clients in Hamilton, Princeton, Trenton, Titusville, West Windsor, and throughout Mercer County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, and the rest of New Jersey, our attorneys will assess the strength and value of your claim and begin to compile evidence to help you negotiate the strongest outcome with insurance companies or, if necessary, bring your case to trial to ensure you are able to recover the compensation you are entitled to. For more information and to receive a complimentary consultation about your case, please contact us at (609) 528-2596 today.
