Motorcycle Visibility: Important Items to Consider

If you ride a motorcycle, it is possible that you had an experience where the driver of a car did not see you.  In fact, a major cause of motorcycle accidents is when the driver of another motor vehicle does not see the motorcyclist on his or her bike. Even though a motorcyclist cannot control another driver’s behavior or actions on the road, there are some things that bikers can do to help make themselves more visible on the road.

Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing

One of the easiest things motorcyclists can do to improve visibility is to wear bright, reflective clothing while riding. This should help make them more visible to other drivers on the road.

This also holds true in terms of the motorcycle’s color and brightness. The brighter the color of the bike, the more visible it is going to be to other drivers. By adding reflective tape to your bike, helmet, and/or clothing can also help you become more visible to other motorists.

Use Your Headlight and Turn Signals

All motorists on the road, including motorcyclists, must comply with the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and other applicable laws and regulations. Motorcyclists should familiarize themselves with these laws and regulations, including those that require the use of headlights and turn signals in particular situations. Before every ride, take a couple of minutes to check that the motorcycle’s headlight and turn signals are working properly.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

All motorists on the road have a duty to use reasonable care to avoid an accident. For this reason, motorcyclists must always be aware of their position on the road and do what they can to maximize their visibility to other vehicles. Prudent motorcyclists are mindful of other drivers’ blind spots and are always on the lookout for cars that enter their lane of travel. This enables a motorcyclist to take evasive action if necessary.

Do Not Tailgate

The Vehicle and Traffic Law requires motorists to not follow other motorists too closely. Even if the following motorist is alert and focused on the vehicle ahead, he or she may not avoid a collision when the driver in front suddenly brakes. When a driver follows another driver too closely, their reaction time and ability to take evasive action may be delayed. What qualifies as “following too closely” will always depend on the specific facts, taking into account the vehicles involved, speed, and roadway conditions, among other things. A two-door sedan can stop faster than a cement truck.

Injured In A Motorcycle Crash? Call William Mattar.

Despite all of the best intentions, sometimes accidents do happen. If you have been in a motorcycle accident where the other driver did not see you, it may be worth speaking with an injury attorney at William Mattar law offices to see what your options are. Contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers today at (844) 444-4444.