Motorcycle accidents can have devastating effects on victims and their families. Unfortunately, far too many accidents occur due to poor traffic awareness. Learn how to safely share the road with motorcycles in Indiana to reduce the risk of causing a serious crash.
Recognize the Rights Every Motorcyclist Has
You may find motorcycles dangerous and prefer that riders stay off major roadways. However, bikers have the same rights as every other motorist. Drivers should grant them space within a lane just as they would for a car or truck. Standard traffic laws also apply to them, so riders must abide by all signs and other rules of the road.
If you don’t follow basic traffic laws and end up colliding with a motorcyclist, you could be liable for their injuries and property damage. Depending on your percentage of fault, you may be ineligible for compensation.
Sharing the Road With Motorcycles
Whether you’re traveling on I-65 to Indianapolis or passing through South Bend via I-90, chances are you’ll find motorcyclists traveling alongside you. To safely share the road with motorcycles in Indiana, there are a few steps you should take as a driver.
Always Check Your Blind Spots
One of the common causes of motorcycle accidents is a driver changing lanes without noticing a motorcyclist. The biker’s lane positioning may make it difficult for drivers to spot them. If a motorist tries to merge or switch lanes without checking their blind spots, they could collide with a motorcyclist or force them to veer off the road.
Don’t just rely on your side and rear-view mirrors. Quickly turn your head to look for other motorists beside or behind you.
Give Bikers Ample Space
You keep a safe following distance from other cars to prevent a rear-end collision. Why not give the same courtesy to motorcyclists?
Riders need time to react to others around them. If they suddenly need to swerve or slow down to avoid hitting an object in the road, you should grant them the space to maneuver their bike accordingly. This type of defensive driving may reduce safety risks for you and others around you.
Adjust Your Driving in Poor Conditions
You may need to share the road with motorcycles in Indiana when the asphalt is slick or the visibility is low. These conditions can create motorcycle safety risks. Be respectful of those sharing the road with you and practice the utmost safety while driving.
Depending on the road conditions, you may need to:
- Reduce your speed
- Increase your following distance
- Use your high beams when other vehicles aren’t around
Always Use Your Turn Signals
Say you decide to switch lanes on the highway yet fail to signal your intention to those around you. If you don’t check your blind spots, you may not think that changing lanes will be an issue because you don’t see any other motorists. However, a motorcyclist in your path could be in danger if you suddenly switch lanes.
Using your turn signal lets them know to give you space so you can move into the other lane.
Our Lawyers Represent Accident Victims in Indiana
Keep these safety tips in mind before you share the road with motorcycles in Indiana. If the unimaginable happens and you collide with a motorcyclist or some other vehicle, Stewart & Stewart Attorneys may be able to help.
Our personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of accident claims, including motorcycle and pedestrian accidents. You may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries depending on your level of fault. Reach out to our firm at 1-866-926-2419 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.