By: John M. Piro, Esq.

Without a doubt, at one time or another, all auto drivers will encounter, and have to share the road with, a motorcycle. Sometimes, more than one, at any given time. Some drivers get understandably nervous when this happens. Even the sleekest of sports cars lack the maneuverability of the average motorcycle. Some drivers tend to ignore motorcycles, perhaps thinking that it is the rider who assumes the risk by choosing to ride such a vehicle that leaves them so vulnerable. Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road, even smaller than the average Smart car. Motorcycles also are typically not equipped with seat belts and air bags like most cars and truck on the road.

Regardless of how you feel about motorcycles or those who ride them, safety on the road is not only the responsibility of motorcycle riders, but on all motorists.

Riders of motorcycles usually receive special training on how to operate them on the road with their 4-wheeled cousins. Residents of New Jersey who wish to ride motorcycles must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their existing driver license or obtain a separate motorcycle license. To ride a motorcycle in New York, state residents must have a Class M or Class MJ (junior) driver license or learner’s permit. But what about training for auto drivers who have to sometimes share the road with motorcycles? Here are some quick tips that all auto drivers should be aware of:

1. Even if you don’t see or hear them, be consciously aware that motorcycles may be sharing the road with you at any given time. However, if you do see or hear them, don’t ignore them;

2. Recognize that even though you may not hear or see a motorcycle close to your vehicle, it still may very well be. Because of its small size, a motorcycle could easily be hidden in an auto’s blind spot (door/roof pillars) or be masked by objects or backgrounds outside an automobile (bushes, fences, etc.) Playing loud music while driving, especially with the windows closed, could mask out a motorcycle’s engine. Make an effort to take a moment to check your blind spot, especially when either changing lanes or turning at an intersection;

3. If you do notice a motorcycle, be mindful that, because of its small size, a motorcycle may actually be closer to your vehicle than it appears. This is especially important to note when checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway.

4. If you are traveling behind a motorcycle, be mindful that you may not be able to rely on its rear brake light to indicate that it is reducing speed. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, which does not activate the brake light. You should therefore increase your driving distance when you find yourself behind a motorcycle. Following the “4-second rule” is recommended. Choose an object (a tree, road sign, or house) and count the seconds between when a motorcycle passes and when you pass. In other words, allow for more following distance of between 3-4 seconds. This cushion gives you time to react an unexpected event.

5. Do you get frustrated when you see a motorcycle swerving and weaving in their lane from side to side? Understand that typically, motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them. For example, for a biker, avoiding a pot hole in the road could literally mean the difference between life and death. Also take into consideration other road hazards that bikers need to avoid such as road kill, oil spots and other forms of road debris. Motorcyclists also often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily by other vehicles besides yours and to stay out of their blind spots. In light of this, give motorcycles as much room as is safely possible. Don’t crowd them.

6. A motorcycle rider has enough to worry about regarding road conditions when there is good weather. Under inclement weather conditions however, such as rainy, snowy or sleety condition, things become even that much more hazardous. Under such conditions, it is advisable to give the rider a little more extra space. If following behind a motorcycle under poor weather conditions, allow for more following distance then you might usually do during good weather. Don’t assume that a motorcycle, or you for that matter, will be able to maneuver smoothly in poor weather. While stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, slippery pavement makes stopping or maneuvering quickly difficult.

7. If you notice a motorcycle’s turn signal, it could be an indication that they are about to turn, but you should not automatically assume that. Unlike cars and trucks, turn signals on motorcycles are not always self-canceling. Some riders, especially beginners, sometimes forget to turn their signal off after a turn or lane change. If a motorcycle is close to you, take a moment to determine if the rider’s signal is genuine before taking any quick action to go around them.

It is a given that not all accidents can be prevented. The very definition of “accident” is “an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury”; “an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause”. Hopefully, the above tips provide you with a better understanding of motorcycles and a greater awareness of what’s involved in sharing the road with them.

Be safe out there and be well.

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https://www.esurance.com/info/car/sharing-the-road-with-motorcycles – Motorcycle Safety for Car Drivers
https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Motorcycle.htm
http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/motorcycle-license.php
www.msf-usa.org – Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles.
https://www.esurance.com/info/car/sharing-the-road-with-motorcycles – Motorcycle Safety for Car Drivers
www.drive-safely.net – Motorcycle Safety Tips – How to Drive Around Motorcycles
https://www.esurance.com/info/car/sharing-the-road-with-motorcycles – Motorcycle Safety for Car Drivers