Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders & Drivers

Traffic safety is taking center stage this holiday season, especially with the trending gifting categories of e-scooters and e-bikes. Similarly, motorcycle safety is a source of particular concern, given a motorcyclist’s physical exposure compared to other drivers on the road. 

Over a recent weekend in Las Vegas, four motorcyclists were killed in fatal accidents over approximately 24 hours. That number far outpaces the area’s annual average, which is about one motorcycle death in Southern Nevada every 5-6 days.

Because motorcyclists are relatively small on the road, and riders are almost fully physically exposed to other vehicles, a rider’s safety depends on a variety of factors. Many of the most important factors are in the control of the rider, while others are not. To help improve safety for motorcyclists and drivers alike, and hopefully reduce the amount of tragedy, we at Sam & Ash Injury Law have created a list of critical safety considerations for both motorcyclists and automobile drivers.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

• Always Wear a Helmet: Not wearing a DOT-compliant helmet dramatically increases risk of fatal head injuries. Helmets reduce death risk by about 40% and brain injuries by about 70%.
• Ride Sober: Alcohol is involved in about 30% of fatal crashes. Impaired riders have reduced judgment, balance, and reaction times.
• Obey Speed Limits: Excessive speed is a factor about 1/3 of fatal crashes (especially among younger riders), and even more on supersport bikes.
• Seek Training: Inexperienced riders are at higher risk, so formal training courses help improve skills and reduce crashes, especially before a rider gains much saddle time.
• Do Not Ride Tired or Distracted: Fatigue and distractions impede concentration and control. Be aware of your physical condition and do not ride beyond your body’s capability. 
• Avoid Blind Spots & Be Seen: A leading cause of multi-vehicle crashes is drivers unable to see motorcyclists coming toward them, or riding beside them, or riding behind them. Staying out of blind spots is imperative. Wearing bright or reflective items and clothing, and riding with headlights always on, also helps. 
• Ride Deliberately: Do not move from behind a car too quickly; they may miss your move and think you disappeared. Change lanes with intent and pass cars and trucks quickly.
• Anticipate Other Drivers’ Behavior: Auto drivers turning left in front of motorcyclists, driving while distracted, or failing to yield at intersections are common errors.
• Note Road & Weather Conditions: Potholes, debris, slippery surfaces, or curves contribute to single-vehicle crashes. Nighttime or poor weather increases risks.

Share The Road Tips for Car & Truck Drivers

• Check Blind Spots Twice: Motorcycles can disappear into your blind spots due to their size. Always perform a shoulder check in addition to using mirrors before merging or changing lanes.
• Be Extra Vigilant: Before turning left, look twice. Oncoming motorcycles often disappear into the background, resulting in the most common fatal crash type (including one recent wreck in Las Vegas).
• Follow Further Behind: The rule when driving behind a car may be a “2-second distance,” but motorcycles can stop quicker than cars. Behind a motorbike, allow at least 3 seconds of following distance (and more in bad weather) to give yourself time to react.
• Avoid distractions and drive sober: Distracted or impaired driving is a leading factor in crashes. Put away your phone, keep music at a reasonable volume (to hear approaching motorcycles), and stay fully focused.
• Use turn signals early and anticipate motorcycle behavior: Signal your intent with plenty of notice to give the motorcyclist time to adjust. Motorcyclists may shift position within a lane for visibility or safety; don’t assume they’re changing lanes.
• Be vigilant at intersections and in bad conditions: Motorcycles are harder to spot in rain, fog, or at night. Watch for road hazards like potholes that affect motorcycles more severely.
• Drive Friendly: Riding a motorcycle is a completely different experience from driving in a car or truck. Along with their physical exposure to other vehicles, riders are more impacted by weather, noise, and road hazards. A little courtesy goes a long way.

If you have been in a traffic accident involving a motorcycle and injuries, make sure you select a professional, responsive personal injury attorney with a deep level of experience dealing with crashes, accident investigation, insurance companies, and all the details necessary to resolve your case in the best manner possible. Call Sam & Ash. We will do what’s right — for you.