Helpful Tips for Kansas City Motorists; Keep the Roads Safe for Motorcyclists

May has been announced Motorcyle Safety Awareness Month! With motorcycle accidents rising each year state and local highway safety, law enforcement, motorcycle organizations along with the Kansas City motorcycle injury attorneys would like to see a decrease in accidents and fatalities in 2010.

Here are a few safety tips for automobile drivers to remember in order to help keep motorcyclist safe:

• Motorcycles are vehicles and are allowed all the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the road
• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width--never try to share a lane
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic 
• Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle - motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed
• Allow more following distance between you and the bike so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don't tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars
• Never drive while distracted.  This includes putting away the cell phone and focusing on driving.
  

Here are a few tips for motorcyclists to keep themselves more safe:

• Avoiding riding in bad weather conditions
• Wear bright colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet

• Use turn signals every turn or lane change
• Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention from drivers
• Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers
• Never driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, alcohol or illegal drugs
  

Make this a year for motorcycle fatalities to decrease. Help share the responsibility by driving safely and sharing the road. Enjoy the Weather!

 

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, contact the experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys of Roswold Law Group for a free consultation.