Road Safety for Motorcycles and Cars

By: Christiaan Bijl

We often talk about road safety and how important it is to manage trips effectively. This includes adhering to regulations, planning your trip, and safe driving techniques when driving a motor vehicle necessary to ensure a company remains accident-free.

Unfortunately we do not pay much attention to the definition of what a motor vehicle is. It means any vehicle, equipment, tractor, trailer or semi-trailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power. This includes motorcycles.

There have already been a number of accidents in 2015 involving motorcycles, some with grave injuries, and others that have caused fatalities. Whether you are protected by 2,000-3,000 kilograms of metal and a seatbelt, or are relying on motorcycle riding gear and a helmet, all drivers are responsible for motorcycle safety.

Tips for motorcyclists

1. Wear a helmet! If you do anything, wear a helmet. Eating through a straw or lying on a hospital bed with legs and arms in a cast or with a spinal cord injury is not my idea of fun.
2. Wear the gear. If you’re riding a motorcycle, regardless of weather conditions, wear correct the gear. Your first instinct in a spill is to put out your hands; if you’re not wearing gloves, you’re going to get injured.
   Also, wear proper footwear. Sneakers and sandals are not proper riding gear; if you fall, or tip over your bike, sandals will only ensure your injuries are going to be more severe.

    

   Wear a proper jacket and pants, preferably made of leather or Kevlar material. Wearing shorts may make you think you look cool, but sliding down the road on your hip while wearing said shorts will give you road rash that looks like your leg has been through a meat grinder.

3. Dress to be seen and protected. Wearing reflective clothing and bright colours helps other drivers to see you better, especially early in the morning and around dusk.
4. Never use the front brake first. A motorcycle has two wheels. If you need to use the brakes to avoid debris, oncoming vehicles, or an animal, always use the REAR brakes. If you grab the front brake first, you’re going for a short flight, with an extremely hard landing. This is not a question, it is a fact. Brake first with your foot, not your hand.
5. Look where you want to go. On a motorcycle, you go where you look. When you enter a sharp curve or corner, it is imperative that you turn your head and look through the turn to where you want to go. If not, you’ll go straight – off the road that is, or worse, into opposing traffic.
6. Never come between a car and the off-ramp. Too often have I seen a car or truck veer across three lanes of traffic to take the off-ramp at the last second; usually without using its turn signal. When approaching off-ramps, it’s best to be in the left lane, or at least ensuring there are no vehicles to your left.
7. Don’t drink! This should be simple; don’t drink and drive. Having consumed two beers while riding a motorcycle is far more dangerous, not only because alcohol slows your reaction time, but because riding requires you to make split-second decisions and reacting with confidence and precision. You can’t do that if you’ve been drinking.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than motor vehicles, but it is up to everyone to be motorcycle aware. I live for the ride, but I ride to live. So should everyone.

If you’re driving a vehicle – car or truck, here are some tips for you:

1. Treat motorcycles like they are as big as other vehicles. Allow motorcycles plenty of lane space. They may not be as big as a car or pickup, but they are more affected by road debris, wind and passing vehicles.
2. Double-check those blind spots. I ride a motorcycle, and I cannot tell you the number of times a car or truck has changed lanes and nearly caused an accident because they did not see me. If you’re driving a vehicle, use your turn signal and your rearview mirrors to ensure the way is clear before switching lanes. I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of using both.
3. Back off! Stopping distances for cars and motorcycles are about equal. However, a motorcycle can stop quicker, albeit under less control. Give yourself space between your vehicle and the motorcycle. What may be an insignificant “fender bender” between two cars will be much more serious if a motorcycle is involved. Keep your distance!
4. Be cautious when passing a motorcycle. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can appear farther away than they actually are. They can also be hidden behind other larger vehicles. Ensure you have lots of space when passing a motorcycle and before pulling back into your lane.
5. Change lanes for merging motorcycles. This is an important rule of the road for all vehicles merging onto the highway, but it is particularly important that you leave room for motorcyclists.
6. Yield the right of way. If you’re turning into traffic, or in a turning lane, remember that opposing traffic has the right-of-way. This includes motorcycles. Look twice before turning; motorcylces are smaller and more difficult to see; especially at dawn or dusk.
7. Drive defensively. Keep your eyes moving, continuously look in your mirrors and scan the road ahead so you can anticipate problems. Use the two-second rule on heavily traveled roads. Use your turn signals.

    
   Don’t tailgate, especially if you’re behind a motorcycle. Adapt to road conditions. If it’s raining, roads become much more dangerous for those on two wheels; give a motorcycle space.

Remember, as a driver, you are responsible for your actions; regardless of what type of vehicle you drive. At Black Gold Emergency Planners, we always want you to be safe, whether it’s at work or at play, safety should always be your priority.

For more information about bike safety, see the Rider’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing Motorcycles, and Power- Assisted Bicycles here>>