It is official—May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As the weather becomes the ideal climate to jump on the bike and head out on the open road, it is also a good time to remind motorcyclists, and motorists, how to keep the roads safe.
Make the Roads Safe for Motorcyclists
According to the Office of the Governor Robert F. McDonnell, over “350,000 Virginia motorists have a motorcycle endorsement on their operator's license.” With that amount of motorcyclists on the streets, it is imperative that certain safety practices be followed.
In the spirit of safety awareness this month, below are some ways that motorists can help avoid collisions with motorcyclists:
- Don’t be distracted behind the wheel. There has been a lot of emphasis on distracted driving and for good reason. It has been a factor in countless car and motorcycle accidents.
- Give motorcycle riders some space. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends giving a motorcyclist a full lane width to travel in. Above all else, don’t share the lane.
- Remember to signal. Before you change lanes or merge with traffic, be sure to turn on your right or left blinker. This action will help a motorcyclist adjust appropriately.
- Watch those blind spots. We know that motorcycles are small, but did you know one could be entirely hidden in your vehicle’s blind spot? Before you change a lane, you need to check your mirrors one more time to ensure there is not a motorcycle rider in your path.
- Follow at a greater distance. The NHTSA recommends allowing a 3- to 4-second following distance. This distance gives a motorcyclist enough time to react to an emergency.
When You Are Hurt in a Virginia Motorcycle Crash
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Virginia motorcycle crash, you are likely wondering about your rights. For a free case evaluation or to simply get answers to your questions, contact an experienced Warrenton motorcycle accident attorney today at the law firm of Dulaney, Lauer and Thomas. You can reach us by calling one of our many locations:
- Warrenton 540-341-0007
- Culpeper 540-825-6046
- Front Royal 540-636-7100
- Charlottesville 434-985-6000
- Fredericksburg 540-371-8808
