Motorcyclists depend on other drivers for their safety

You’ve probably heard the term “share the road”.  It’s a neat little phrase intended to remind all drivers that they aren’t the only ones traveling the busy roads and highways around Virginia.  But what the folks at places like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) hope the phrase will do is remind drivers to always keep an eye out for motorcycle riders to avoid traffic accidents.

The message is especially important now because May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.  In addition, warm spring weather will bring more bikers out onto the roads.  Motorcycles are especially vulnerable to the actions of other drivers because of their small size – they are sometimes difficult for drivers to see, and their small profile makes it hard for drivers to judge the speed and distance of an approaching biker.

In addition, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable in a crash because they lack the steel cage, airbags, seatbelts, and myriad other protections afforded to other motor vehicle drivers.  If involved in an accident, bikers risk serious injury and death.

It is important for drivers to keep an eye out for motorcycle riders.  Sadly, many drivers involved in accidents with motorcyclists say they never saw them or saw them too late to avoid a crash.  Read more about motorcycle safety tips for bikers in our law library article “Motorcyclists – How to Protect Yourself on the Road”.