This month, we address the importance of using extra caution when a motorcycle is nearby, securing your vehicle to reduce theft and how to avoid “rear-end” accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents
An accident between a motorcycle and a motor vehicle usually results in a serious injury and is often fatal for the motorcyclist.
- Motorcycles can be heard from a distance, warning you that one may be approaching.
- Always anticipate an unsafe move by a motorcyclist. They often attempt to squeeze through a narrow space or make an unsafe move to avoid stopping for a red light.
- Use EXTRA caution when roads are slippery, or when the weather is inclement as a motorcyclist’s vision will be impaired.
- Don’t let unsafe acts by a motorcyclist trigger a road rage incident.
- Let a motorcycle pass you, even if it is an unsafe passing.
- Beware: Riders sometimes jump off their motorcycles in a different direction than the motorcycle is heading in the event of an accident.
- Keep a safe distance from motorcycles on highways. They often travel at high speeds.
- Never assume a motorcyclist will cooperate if you need to suddenly change lanes to respond to a street hail. Motorcyclists have many other things to focus on and may not realize what you are intending to do.
- Always be courteous to motorcyclists.
Stay Safe and Secure
- Always lock your vehicle and do not leave the engine running when you are visiting a restroom, gas station (to pay the cashier), picking up food, or any other location – even if your vehicle is within your line of sight.
- When you return to your car, beware of thieves waiting for your return, so they rob you or carjack your vehicle.
Rear-End Collision Accidents
Rear-end collisions are generally caused by tailgating. Always maintain a safe following distance.
- Add time and space to your following distance if you are tired, stressed, or the roads are slippery from ice or rain, or if the road was recently paved.
- Use extra caution at deer crossings.
- Always anticipate that a taxi may stop suddenly and without warning to respond to a street hail.
- Don’t immediately proceed when a signal turns green. First, scan the area to be sure others are not making unsafe, last-minute turns in front of you.
- Always be aware of surrounding vehicles. Do not become a victim of insurance fraud, where a vehicle in front of you stops for no apparent reason, and the vehicle next to you (conspiring with the vehicle in front of you) prevents you from taking evasive action.
- Try to always maintain a clear lane on all sides when traveling on a highway.
- Never text or use a cell phone while driving and beware of others who may be doing so. It could be the reason another driver is going so slowly.
