Cagers, also know like those in cars and trucks with whom we share the road, clearly outnumber our riders. As motorcyclists, it can seem impossible sometimes to share the road with these drivers because many of them seem to be oblivious to our presence. The careless cagers often cut in front of us in traffic, turn left in front of us in intersections, and merge into our lane without even a thought. Why don’t they see us on the road?
The dangers of Cagers, not seeing MotorcyclistMotorcycles are built to be low profile. This is part of what makes them so much fun to drive. Nothing feels as good as flying down the open road on your motorcycle, with the wind whipping around you. Yet, it is precisely this low profile that makes motorcycles so difficult to see in traffic. Cagers are used to recognizing other large cars and trucks on the road and looking for two headlights at nighttime. A bike can simply get lost in the traffic and not register as an individual entity until it is too late and the result is a motorcycle accident. Another reason cagers don’t see motorcyclists on the road may very well be distracted driving. While recognizing the presence of a motorcycle may be difficult under normal circumstances, when a motorist is not giving their undivided attention to the road – the results can be disastrous for motorcyclists. Drivers routinely check email, text colleagues, surf the Internet, put on makeup, some even read while driving – making them even more likely not to see a motorcycle on the road. What Can Cagers do to Avoid Accidents with Motorcyclists?There are numerous things motorists can do to avoid accidents with motorcyclists. · Avoid distracted driving – never use your cellphone while driving and avoid multitasking in the car. · Double-checking their blind spots – before changing lanes in traffic, always look twice to be sure a motorcyclist isn’t in the lane next to you or splitting traffic lanes. · Look twice before turning left at an intersection – motorcyclists may be difficult to see when approaching an intersection, especially in poor weather conditions. Before turning left, take an extra second to look again for any oncoming motorcyclists. · Avoid tailgating a motorcyclist – A good rule of thumb is to follow 4 seconds behind a motorcyclist on the road. Motorcyclists who are hit from behind can sustain deadly injuries, even at low speeds. What Can Motorcyclists Do to Protect Themselves from Cagers? While all drivers have a responsibility to look out for motorcyclists on the road, riders can also minimize their risk of being involved in an accident. · Run daytime headlights at all time – this increases the likelihood of a driver noticing you in traffic · Wear bright and reflective clothing at all times. While black may be a popular biker color, it is not easily recognized on the road. Consider wearing brighter colors, like yellow and orange, especially when riding in poor weather conditions. · Never ride in the blind spot – be careful when riding next to cars and trucks on a busy freeway. Whenever possible, avoid riding in blind spots. Position yourself – Position yourself to be “seen” not “unseen”. It’s important for motorcyclists to be aware of their time and space requirements in case you have to react quickly. The greater the space cushion you have from other vehicles, the safer you will be. Regardless of how careful we can be accidents, unfortunately, do happen. When you are in a motorcycle accident and not sure where to turn to make sure you call the Law Tigers Motorcycle Attorneys at 1-888-863-7216 or visit us at www.LawTigers.com |