Motorcycle Safety

When spring is in the air, motorcycles are everywhere. Do you long for the freedom that comes with riding on the open road? Then it’s critical to respect your machine and improve your skills throughout your lifetime.

But that’s only half the story. Motorists interested only in four-wheeled vehicles still have a major responsibility in keeping motorcyclists safe on the road.

motorcycle safety

Drivers: Do You Ever Think About Motorcycles?

The vast majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. They’re cars and vans and trucks. It’s quite possible that as a driver you rarely think about motorcycles.

This is a problem.

“When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, it is usually the other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way,” according to an issue statement from NHTSA. “There is a continuing need to help other motorists ‘think’ motorcycles and to educate motorcyclists to be aware of this problem.”

Why do drivers often violate motorcyclists’ right of way?

  • Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don’t see them
  • Drivers don’t anticipate motorcycles’ movements
  • The driver’s view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle’s blind spots or other vehicles
  • The driver is distracted

Driver education programs should emphasize these issues – especially in programs for mature drivers who may have diminished abilities.

If you’re going to ride a motorcycle, it’s important to commit to a lifetime of learning new skills and brushing up on the old ones.

  • The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets, downloadable Rider Course handbooks, videos, quick tips, white papers and more. They also can help you find a motorcycle safety course near you.