New Jersey motorcyclists understand that you are taking risks every day just by hitting the road. Though any driver faces the potential of being injured, it is a known fact that motorcyclists face higher rates of danger and more deadly crashes than drivers in covered vehicles. Can anything help improve these statistics?
According to the National Safety Council, there is actually one simple thing that drivers can do which may help to instantly improve the safety of motorcyclists. It is as simple as keeping motorcyclists on your mind when on the road. One of the biggest contributors to crashes between drivers and motorcyclists is the fact that they are an “out of sight, out of mind” problem. The small size and speed of motorcycles makes it difficult for drivers to spot them. They can pass quickly through blind spots, disappear behind other vehicles, and are generally in and out of other driver’s lines of sight often.
By remembering that you share the road with motorcyclists, you are increasing your attention to the space around you. You are more likely to think twice before merging into other lanes, check all of your blind spots more thoroughly, and give ample warning before making sudden lane changes or turns if you are aware of the fact that motorcyclists may be around without you even being aware of them. This awareness may also help you predict how a motorcyclist intends to move, which can help you avoid crashes.
There are other things that can be done in order to make roads safer for motorcyclists as well. However, this is a good place to start.
