3 Key Reminders for Sharing the Road Safely with Motorcycles

As the weather warms, we'll see more and more motorcyclists on the road, both riders who use motorcycles as their main transportation and pleasure riders who enjoy the exhilaration of the open road.

The key, of course, is seeing the motorcycles. Motorcyclists are over-represented in fatal and injury crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2023, which is 15 percent of all traffic fatalities.

"I've seen firsthand the damage done by inattentive and reckless drivers, and I've heard the at-fault driver say they just didn't see the motorcycle," said Michael Bryant at Bradshaw & Bryant PLLC. "It's everyone's responsibility to pay attention to our surroundings."

In honor of Motorcycle Awareness Month in May, Bradshaw & Bryant is sharing important tips for safely sharing the road with motorcyclists:

1) Look both ways, and look again before turning. When you're driving a passenger car, almost 40 percent of your field of vision is blocked by blind spots. Your brain also may have difficulty processing motorcycles or their distance away because of their relatively smaller size and the fact that they are less common than other vehicles. Take the time to look slowly and carefully to avoid missing important visual cues.

2) When driving behind a motorcycle, leave extra space between the motorcycle and your vehicle. Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road, but they can also stop faster than other vehicles. Allowing additional following distances gives both your vehicle and the motorcycle space to maneuver around hazards safely or respond to unexpected situations.

3) Don't drive distracted — no texting, no eating, no social media, etc. while driving. Even if you only look away from the road for a few seconds, your surroundings, the quality of the pavement, and the vehicles around you can change dramatically in that time. Don't risk the safety of yourself, your passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians by taking your attention away from the road.

For their part, motorcyclists can reduce their chances of a serious accident by avoiding driving under the influence, avoiding speeding, and ensuring they are familiar with the motorcycle's operation and balance before hitting the road. Unfortunately, even when motorcyclists do everything right, they still might be involved in a devastating crash.

At Bradshaw & Bryant, their attorneys hope you or a loved one is never injured in an accident, but if you are, don't sign anything until you talk with a lawyer. They are dedicated to ensuring justice for the injured and will work quickly to find and preserve valuable evidence. They know insurance companies have attorneys working to minimize your compensation, so they bring the full force of their experience and expertise to protecting your interests.

Learn more and schedule a free consultation at minnesotapersonalinjury.com or by calling 800-770-7008.