Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is observed in May
As the weather warms and we enter peak riding season in Colorado, more motorcyclists are out on the road, serving as a reminder for everyone to watch out for bikers.
Unfortunately, thousands of motorcycle accidents happen annually across the nation, and in Colorado, the trend is no different. According to KOAA News 5, 136 bikers were killed in the state last year.
Being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, May presents the perfect opportunity to recognize the dangers motorcycle riders face when other drivers are negligent. Motorists should remember to focus on safety and do their part to prevent severe and fatal motorcycle wrecks.
Tips for safe motorcycle riding
To help improve motorcycle safety, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shares some important safety tips for bikers:
- Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear.
- Take advantage of motorcycle safety training courses.
- Make sure you're legally authorized to ride by obtaining an endorsement from your local DMV.
- Remember always to follow traffic laws, including obeying speed limits and other rules of the road.
Keep in mind that while biker safety is a shared responsibility, it is crucial for drivers in larger vehicles to be aware of their surroundings and always watch out for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.
Tips for sharing the road with bikers
Check for motorcycles in your blind spots
Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can be challenging to spot in certain situations, especially in a driver's blind spot. Motorcycles accelerate and maneuver quickly and may suddenly appear without warning. Remember to check blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning.
Look twice before pulling onto a roadway
When pulling onto a roadway from a driveway or side street, it's crucial to look both ways to ensure the road is clear. Always yield to motorcycles as you would a larger vehicle, and remember that a motorcycle's speed can be hard to judge due to its size and low profile.
Avoid distractions while driving
Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles. Activities such as texting or talking on the phone can divert your attention from the road, making it harder to spot and react to potential road hazards or changes in traffic. Always remain focused on the task of driving so that you don't overlook motorcyclists and cause a crash.
Never follow motorcycles too closely
Keeping a safe following distance is essential when driving behind a biker. Motorcycles have a much shorter stopping distance than cars, trucks, or SUVs, and if you are tailgating a biker, you increase the risk of a rear-end motorcycle accident. Instead, maintain a following distance of at least 3 to 4 seconds and be prepared to slow down or stop if the motorcycle ahead does the same.
Get an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, legal help is available. At The Longo Law Firm, LLC, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With years of experience representing injured motorcyclists in Colorado, we understand the challenges injured bikers face in the aftermath of a crash. We focus on finding the facts that matter, building strong cases, and working tirelessly for the results you deserve. To learn more about how an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can help you, contact us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.