Sharing the Road with Motorcycles: 5 Safety Tips
Have you ever wondered how to drive safely around motorcycles? We understand — they're compact and hard to see, especially in heavy traffic or busy city environments. The next time you're sharing the road with a motorcycle, use these safety tips to drive with confidence. For more information, visit us at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Westminster, California, serving Los Angeles and Orange County.
1. Keep Your Distance
The easiest way to stay safe around a motorcycle is to give the rider space. A generous following distance gives you time to react. After all, motorcycles can stop faster than passenger vehicles — if you're too close and the rider needs to brake hard, you might not be able to slow down in time to avoid a collision. Leave even more space in low-visibility conditions; brake lights on a motorcycle are small and difficult to see.
2. Signal Your Intentions
It's always important to use your turn signals, but even more so when you're sharing the road with motorcycles. Anytime you change lanes or turn onto a different road, signal well in advance. Motorcycles can be difficult to spot in your rearview or side mirrors — the signal gives them time to move over, even if you can't see them coming up alongside your car. When you're in traffic, activate your indicators earlier to account for the motorcycles that weave between cars.
3. Watch Your High Beams
Does your vehicle have automatic high beams? The car's sensor system might not be able to recognize motorcycles after dark, particularly when you're coming up behind them. To avoid blinding the rider, you might need to turn off the high beams manually.
4. Double-Check Your Blind Spots
Most motorcycle riders take care to stay out of other drivers' blind spots. It's still important to check both of your blind spots carefully before you switch lanes, especially on a busy road. This helps ensure that you don't accidentally side-swipe a motorcycle that's about to pass.
5. Take Left Turns with Care
Left turns are dangerous for motorcycles. The rider tends to blend into a setting with lots of cars, people, and businesses — you might not notice that they're about to pass through the intersection until it's too late. Any time the traffic from the left has the right of way, take an extra second to scan the road for motorcycles before you turn.
When you're alert and conscientious, it's easy to share the road with motorcycles. Are you thinking of joining the ranks of motorcycle owners? Call us at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County, or visit our location in Westminster, California. Our team serves both Los Angeles and Orange County.