Sharing the Road with Evansville Motorcycles

Because motorcycles can typically be the smallest vehicles on the road, they are susceptible to all kinds of dangers. Not only are they small, but they are also very exposed, and even the most minor hits can cause serious or fatal injuries to the driver. Because of this, it is essential that you are extra cautious when sharing the road with Evansville motorcycles.

Be Cautious When Passing

Legally, the rules for passing a motorcycle are the same as passing any other vehicle. However, there are a few extra precautions you should keep in mind. For example, it is important to note that the structure of a motorcycle is much different than that of cars, and therefore it will be much more affected by the turbulence. The turbulence that develops as you pass, especially if you are in a large vehicle like a semi truck, could affect the motorcyclist. Because of this, it is important that you signal your lane change well in advance and ensure there is at least two cars’ distance between you and the motorcycle before you return to the lane.

When passing, be sure to double-check your blind spots. Because of the smaller size of a motorcycle, it is not uncommon for them to get lost in a blind spot. It is essential that you double-check your blind spot multiple times before you make the move over. This small effort could save a life.

Exercise Extra Caution

It is important to note that motorcycles are not typically as safe in certain conditions as cars are. Because of this, you should exercise extra caution when sharing the road with motorcycles in the following driving conditions:

• At night
• In severe weather
• At intersections

Countless motorcyclists are injured and even killed because of a lack of caution exerted at intersections. If you are at a light, waiting to turn left with a green light (not a green arrow), and you see a motorcycle approaching in the distance, it is often wise to yield until the motorcycle passes. Drivers often misjudge the speed at which the motorcycle is approaching, and this can lead to a dangerous collision.

Keep Enough Distance

The rule of thumb for most vehicles is to keep one car length from cars on main roads, and two cars’ distance on the highway. When dealing with motorcycles, this number should typically be doubled. It is important to note that, since motorcycles are much smaller than most vehicles, they can stop much more quickly. Because of this, it is extremely dangerous to follow the motorcycle too closely.

Watch for Their Signals

As noted previously, motorcycles can come to a stop much more quickly than other vehicles. Because of this, you should pay close attention to the motorcycle so that you might be able to react accordingly if it is going to stop, slow down, turn, or switch lanes.

Help from an Evansville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

While extra precautions should be taken when sharing the road with motorcycles, many drivers fail to practice this, and the results can be devastating. If you were injured in an Evansville motorcycle accident because of another driver’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Hensley Legal Group today for a free consultation or contact us online.