Roads in New Jersey are very diverse. You may find yourself driving on a rural two lane road and a major interstate all in a matter of minutes. Therefore, knowing how to share the road with lots of different kinds of vehicles is important so that driving can be a safe experience for everyone. Here are some tips for safe driving when sharing the road with motorcycles.
In the event of an accident, motorcycle riders are particularly prone to injury because they are so exposed. Plus, because of their size and speed, it is often difficult for car drivers to see motorcyclists until they are already in the same space. Therefore, the American Association of Retired Persons advises it is important that you remain constantly aware of what is going on around you when you are driving your car. This means checking your mirrors often, knowing what is going in front of you and avoiding becoming distracted.
In addition, because they are so small, it may look like there is enough room in the lane for both your car and a motorcycle. However, riding side by side is dangerous and you could easily collide. Even though the motorcycle is small, you should really consider it a car and give it as much space as if it were a car.
Finally, intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. In fact, one of the major causes of fatal motorcycle crashes is cars turning in front of them. Therefore, you should always make sure that the coast is clear of both cars and motorcycles before making a left turn.
