Motorcyclists flock to the roadways in Albuquerque and across New Mexico during the summer months. More favorable weather increases the likelihood of encountering a motorcyclist while you’re out and about. Learning how to share the roadways instead of becoming a road hog can help prevent a devastating accident that opens you up to a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Whether you’re driving a motorcycle or an extended cab passenger truck, you have an equal right to the roadways. All drivers – regardless of their mode of transportation – should practice caution and courtesy for others to prevent crashes.
Here are some things all motorists can do to ensure they’re not being road hogs.
Every vehicle has blind spots that increase the risk of collision. On most automobiles, those blind spots are located at the front, rear, and both sides behind the windshield pillars. Some newer vehicles come equipped with safety systems that monitor these areas and alert drivers when they’re in danger of striking another motorist. While these features can be handy, they can fail.
Motorcyclists can change lanes without much warning. Since they are smaller and more difficult to see than full-size vehicles, you should always shoulder check and be mindful of where others are on the roadways, especially motorcyclists.
Motorcycles, like other motor vehicles, have brake lights and turn signals. Some bikers still may use hand signals to alert other drivers of their intentions. Hand signals are easy to learn and can mean the difference between colliding with a motorcyclist and avoiding an accident. Here’s a quick refresher on the most common hand signals motorcyclists might use.
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and freeing experience. It also can be terrifying because you’re at the mercy of other motorists on the roadways. Most motorcyclists wear safety gear when riding, but it’s not a guarantee they won’t sustain serious injuries if you collide with them while driving your 4,000-pound (or more) vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent crashes is to follow the 3-second rule. Doing so provides bikers with adequate space for making abrupt stops or dealing with other road hazards that can affect their speed and control of their motorcycles.
Never assume a motorcyclist knows you’re behind or alongside them. Bikers deal with a lot of road noise when riding and may not hear you approach. If you’ve followed the previous rule about making space for everyone, then passing with caution shouldn’t be difficult.
Take these steps when passing to ensure everyone’s safety:
Distracted driving is the number one reason for most automobile accidents today. Talking and texting on mobile phones cause the bulk of distracted driving crashes in New Mexico. Cell phones aren’t the only things taking drivers attention away from the roadways. Eating and drinking, fiddling with the stereo, and engaging with other passengers can all interfere with your ability to maintain focus behind the wheel.
Even when drivers take all the necessary precautions, accidents can happen. If you’re a motorcyclist who has been seriously injured because of another driver’s carelessness, you have a right to fair compensation. Schedule a free case evaluation with the experienced personal injury lawyers at Romero Law to discuss your options.
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