Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Sharing the Road Safely
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and while we spend our days repairing vehicles after collisions, we'd much rather see everyone arrive safely. Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on our roads, and as drivers, we have a responsibility to share the road with care and attention.
Understanding the risks motorcyclists face—and how we can help prevent accidents—can save lives. Here's what every driver needs to know about sharing the road safely with motorcycles.
Why Motorcycle Safety Matters
Motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no protective barrier in a collision. There's no airbag, no crumple zone, no seatbelt—just the rider and the road.
Many motorcycle accidents involving cars happen because the driver simply didn't see the motorcycle. The phrase "Look twice, save a life" exists for a reason. Motorcycles are smaller, harder to spot in traffic, and can be easily hidden in a vehicle's blind spot. What seems like a quick lane change to you could be catastrophic for a motorcyclist.
Common Collision Scenarios
Understanding how motorcycle accidents typically happen can help you avoid causing one. Here are the most common scenarios:
Left-turn collisions are the deadliest. A car turning left at an intersection fails to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. The driver either doesn't see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed and distance. Always look twice before turning, and remember that motorcycles are often traveling faster than they appear.
Lane changes cause serious accidents when drivers fail to check their blind spots. A motorcycle can disappear entirely in the space between your side mirror and peripheral vision. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors, turn your head to look over your shoulder, and signal early.
Following too closely is dangerous for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars in many situations. If you're tailgating and the motorcycle brakes suddenly, you won't have time to react. Maintain a safe following distance—at least three to four seconds in good weather.
Opening car doors into traffic has injured and killed motorcyclists in urban areas. Before opening your door after parking on the street, check your mirror and look over your shoulder for approaching motorcycles or bicycles.
How to Share the Road Safely
Give motorcycles space. Don't crowd them or try to share a lane. Motorcycles need the full width of a lane to maneuver safely, especially in poor road conditions or high winds. Treat them like any other vehicle and give them room.
Check your blind spots—always. Motorcycles are small and can easily hide in areas your mirrors don't cover. Before changing lanes or merging, physically turn your head and look. Make it a habit every single time.
Use your turn signals early. Give motorcyclists time to react to your intentions. Sudden lane changes or turns without warning are especially dangerous for riders who may be traveling in your blind spot.
Be extra cautious at intersections. Look left, right, and left again before proceeding. Scan actively for motorcycles, not just cars. And remember: motorcycles with their headlights on during the day aren't showing off—they're trying to be seen.
Don't assume you know what a motorcyclist will do. A flashing turn signal on a motorcycle doesn't always mean the rider is about to turn—some motorcycles don't have self-canceling signals. Wait to see the rider actually begin the maneuver before proceeding.
Adjust for weather conditions. Rain, wind, and poor visibility affect motorcycles even more than cars. Give extra space and extra caution during bad weather. Wet roads, gravel, and potholes that are minor annoyances to you can be serious hazards for a motorcycle.
If You're Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. If you're involved in a collision with a motorcycle, here's what to do:
Check for injuries immediately. Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable in crashes. Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Do not move an injured rider unless there's an immediate danger like fire.
Secure the scene. Turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles if you have them. Protect the accident scene from further collisions.
Don't move the motorcycle. Leave it where it is unless it's blocking traffic and creating a safety hazard. Moving evidence can complicate insurance claims and investigations.
Document everything. Take photos of the scene, both vehicles, road conditions, and any visible damage. Get contact information from witnesses. File a police report even if the accident seems minor.
Contact your insurance company. Report the accident promptly. Be honest about what happened, but avoid admitting fault at the scene—let the insurance companies and authorities determine liability.
We All Share the Road
At Autosport Bodyworks, we see the aftermath of collisions every day. We repair the damage to vehicles, but we can't undo the injuries or trauma that often accompany motorcycle accidents. That's why we're passionate about prevention and awareness.
A few seconds of extra caution can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Let's all do our part to keep roads safe for everyone.
If you or someone you know has been in a collision and needs professional repair services, we're here to help. Call us at (334) 745-2166 or visit betterfasterrepairs.com.