results of car and motorcycle crash

Betras, Kopp & Markota observes Motorcycle Safety Month by offering life-saving tips

The weather is breaking and that means people across the Valley are breaking out their motorcycles. Each year at this time we re-post this video from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), AAA, law enforcement, and the National Highway Safety Foundation: https://vimeo.com/543457795 and important tips for car and truck drivers who aren’t used to seeing bikers on the road.

The tips are critically important because statistics show car and truck drivers are at fault in 60% of the accidents involving a bike and another vehicle.

1. Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots, so check — then check again — before changing lanes or making a turn.

2. Predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks. A motorcycle may look farther away than it is because of its small size, and it may be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it appears.

3. Keep a safe distance. Motorcyclists often slow by rolling off the throttle or downshifting, thus not activating the brake light, so allow more following distance, about 3 to 4 seconds.

4. Understand lane shifting. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

5. See the person. When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle, see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.

Bikers please stay safe and if you or someone you know is involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the local lawyers who will fight to win the settlement you need and deserve: Betras, Kopp & Markota.