May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, But These Tips Always Apply

Safety should be, above everything else, a rider’s first priority. While this month is officially the month to be especially aware of rider safety while out on the road, we wanted to review a few tips for other motorists to keep in mind while they are in their vehicles.

We encourage you to share this blog with some of your non-riding friends to help spread awareness. Who knows… doing so may just help keep someone safe.

How a Driver Can Increase Road Safety Around Riders

Give Riders a Wide Berth

A motorcycle is just another vehicle, and as such, they need to be treated accordingly on the road. A rider should be given the full width of the lane, so it is important that a driver doesn’t try to drive alongside them. On the same token, tailgating is an even more serious issue when a rider is the one being chased. Giving riders the share of the road you’d give them if they were in a car is a good rule of thumb.

Be Extra Aware of Your Surroundings

Drivers should also keep an extra eye out for motorcycles on the road, as well. If you think a car is easy to miss in your blind spot, imagine how easy a motorcycle would be—and is. With more motorcycles on the road, it’s more likely that one could be there. It pays to double-check. This is especially true at intersections, where drivers often turn left in front of motorcycles after failing to see them.

On the other side of the coin, riders should work to keep themselves out of the blind spot at much as possible. Using turn signals at intersections (as well as keeping all your lights on at all times, also high beams during the day) helps boost a rider’s visibility.

Be Especially Aware in Poor Weather Conditions

While we, as riders, generally prefer to stay out of less-than-optimal conditions while riding, there’s always the chance that we might get caught in the rain. Everyone on the road should therefore be exercising extra caution while out in the rain.

The road can be a fun place for everyone, but it is important that we all maintain the appropriate diligence and awareness while we’re out there.