Car drivers--it’s time to take some responsibility for the astronomical number of motorcycle accidents each year involving both cars and bikes. Yes, that’s right. Ask yourself, how often are you aware of every vehicle around you on the road. How many times have you looked into your rear view mirror and suddenly spotted a bike right behind you? Do you make careful left turns, looking for all makes of vehicles before you cross an intersection? If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t.

Of the 4,697 motorcycle accident deaths in 2006, more than half of the victims died in collisions with another vehicle. And more often than not, the car driver claimed to never see the bike. Not all motorcycle riders are hot-dogging it at high speeds. Many are careful riders that wear protective gear, signal, and obey all traffic laws. So why don’t car drivers see motorcycle riders on the road? Because they aren’t looking for them!

Motorcycles are less visible than cars. Motorcycles are less stable than cars since a much smaller area of the tire touches the road. Motorcycles are also lacking the benefit of protection of a “cage” around the driver during an accident. They don’t have seat belts; they only have the protective gear of a helmet and clothing. However, motorcyclists must follow the same rules of the road as any other vehicle. So they should be accorded the same courtesy as every other driver on the road.

Many drivers have forgotten the basics of driving with courtesy. Forgetting to signal, breaking quickly, or crossing intersections without completely checking for oncoming traffic of every make and model is a recipe for disaster for a biker. Let’s also add that many drivers are not even aware a bike is riding behind or beside them. A car’s gonna end up the winner every time in a fight with a motorcycle.

Drivers must be aware of what they can do to prevent motorcycle accidents. Your action begins with being more aware of who is around you on the road. You have to look for the bikes! You must be aware that your vehicle has at least two blind spots, if not more, and adjust your driving accordingly by using your mirrors and good judgement. Use signals and allow adequate breaking distance between you and the motorcycle behind you. Leave space around your car for your and other driver’s errors.

So how should you react when a motorcyclist aggressively zips between two cars on the white line? What should you do if a biker suddenly appears close to your bumper? Slow down slowly. Yield to the bike. Give him room. Signal well ahead of time for turns and lane changes. Do not be a party to teaching the biker a lesson. Hopefully, he’ll learn to drive with caution before having an accident that just might take his life.

Sources: Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety