Sharing the Road with Motorcycles (and Scooters)

As promised, I would share some of my knowledge from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Rider’s Course, keeping in mind that many of my colleagues may never ride on a motorcycle. Rather, I wanted to focus this blog on sharing the road with motorcycles.

Given today’s high gas prices, I have seen more and more motorcycles and scooters on the road as people are looking for alternatives to cars to save on gas. Take a look around. It’s not quite India or China, but there is an explosive growth of two wheeled vehicles in Salt Lake Valley.

It is vital that all drivers are aware of the special needs of the two-wheeled motorist. In the span of 6 weeks, I have read of, or known several individuals that have lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. Some of these were due to the part of motorcycle/scooter operator (lack of helmets, for example). Nonetheless, half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. The following is an excerpt from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
• Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle
• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed
• Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

I recommend you take the time to view this 2-minute youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxxG2guvYLw

Here are some links to some great articles:
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/060308/opi_285842012.shtml
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/ShareTheRoad/images/ShareTheRoadwithMotorcycles.pdf