In Kentucky, more than 100,000 people own motorcycles. That means that in the summer months, thousands of motorcyclists take to the roads along with other drivers.
However, more than 100 of those motorcyclists face the risk of being involved in a fatal collision on the road. Even more of them could face life-changing injuries in the event of an accident.
There are several ways that motorcyclists can help increase their safety on the road, especially by:
- Wearing a helmet and protective gear
- Confirming their bike is in good condition to ride
- Driving responsibly and defensively
But the more drivers that know how to share the road with motorcycles, the safer the roads will be for all motorists.
Here are some tips for motorists to help improve motorcycle safety:
1. Look twice for motorcycles
Motorcycles are smaller and often faster than other automobiles on Kentucky roads. This makes it easier for motorcycles to fit in a driver’s blind spot when they are turning or changing lanes.
In most accidents involving a motorcycle and a car, the driver often states that they did not even see the motorcyclist.
Looking twice—and looking specifically for motorcyclists—can help avoid these catastrophic accidents.
2. Give motorcycles plenty of room
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to the environment and the elements while riding. They do not have the same protection of a nearly one-ton automobile surrounding them as other motorists on the road do.
If drivers keep a three-second following distance between them and the motorcycle, it can decrease the risk of a fatal rear-end collision and make both the motorcyclist and driver more comfortable.
3. And most importantly, don’t drive distracted
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that when drivers look down at their phone for less than five seconds while driving 55 mph, they drive the length of a football field without looking.
In that time, many distracted drivers do not even see other vehicles that are the same size as theirs. So, it is incredibly unlikely that they will see a motorcycle then.
Keeping one’s attention on the road is one of the best ways that drivers can effectively—and safely—share the road with motorcyclists and other drivers.
