Motorcycle Awareness

While spring as arrived and summer is approaching, you may notice the increase of motorcycles on the road. May is a month "Motorcycle Awareness", not only to protect your life, but also the lives of others surrounding you on side roads and highways.

Unfortunately, over two-thirds of accidents that involve both cars and motorcycles are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists. Why? Well, often times, drivers tend to look for other cars, not motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see...often hiding in blind spots. It's harder for a driver to predict a motorcyclists reaction to certain things. For instance, as a driver, you may just drive over a piece of debris in the road, but a motorcyclist would have to swerve around it to avoid what could be a fatal situation.

As drivers, we could be more conscious during hazardous road conditions that may cause a motorcyclist to take a more evasive action than you. Be careful of your blind spots, especially if you are driving a bigger SUV or truck. And be careful when your view is obstructed by other large vehicles. Motorcycles have a way of "suddenly" appearing.

Always give motorcyclists the proper amount of travel space. They need all the same priveleges as all other vehicles on the road. Be clear with your signals. Look out at intersections. Try to anticipate responses by a motorcyclist by noticing possible obstructions. Allow plenty of space.
Although two-thirds of accidents involving cars and motorcyles are caused by the driver of the vehicle, that still implies that one-third of accidents are caused by motorcyclists and that there is still a need of safety on the behalf of the motorcyclist. What can you do as a motorcyclist?

Properly position yourself in the lane of traffice. Don't "hide" in the driver's blind spot...if you can see the driver in their side view mirror then the driver can also see you! Always use proper signals letting other drivers know exactly what you intend to do. Use your headlight and wear contrasting colors that make you more visible. Always wear a helmet just in case. Be aware of possible things that may obstruct a driver's view of you.

As always, make sure both your car and motorcyle is properly insured in case an accident does occur. Do you have the proper insurance limits that would cover you if the other driver isn't insured? Do you have insurance to cover Medical Expenses? Give us a call with questions regarding your policy....or for a free QUOTE!

Podmaska Insurance Agency, located in the Providence Area....your local one stop insurance shop for all of your insurance needs.