How can we keep our motorcyclists safe?

Our beautiful state is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle. There is a lot to see and a lot of road to cover. While being out on the open road is exhilarating, it can also be extremely dangerous. While we hope that other drivers on the road have our best interests in mind, that is not always the case.

The idea that some drivers don’t see motorcycles seems funny, but it’s a very serious and real issue. Motorcycles are small and can easily fall into blind spots or be camouflaged by other objects around the roadway. When you’re a driver of a car or truck on the road, it’s important to take extra precaution when you are on the road. Take an extra second to look around to make sure there are no motorcyclists in your blind spot – do not always rely on your mirrors. In many cases, motorcyclists are traveling faster than you think and they are closer to you than they look.

Take into consideration the weather conditions outside. A motorcyclist may need extra time to stop, so if you stop suddenly, they may end up crashing into you. Yes, motorcycles can stop faster than most four-wheel vehicles, but that does not mean they can in all situations and weather conditions.

Finally, remember that motorcyclists sometimes have to make fast position changes on the road because of potholes and debris. Don’t assume the rider is trying to show off or is acting dangerously.

The hope is that everyone on our roadways respects each other and does their best to keep safety a top priority. After all, we know that when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the injuries are oftentimes devastating or fatal.