There are many different types of vehicles on the roads in New Jersey. Some are at greater risk for dangerous accidents than others due to size and other circumstances. One example is motorcycles, who are often at a disadvantage in crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration takes a close look at motorcycle safety and how to improve it. They examine the high fatality rate of motorcyclists involved in crashes compared to the drivers of covered vehicles. Unfortunately, some of the contributing factors cannot be changed. This includes the fact that motorcycles aren’t covered, increasing a rider’s chance of being thrown over the handlebars in an accident. Their size is an issue as well, as it makes them harder to spot by other drivers.
However, there are actions that both motorcyclists and drivers can take to reduce the possibility of a crash occurring. Motorcyclists can employ the use of reflective gear and ensure they aren’t riding in a driver’s blind spot or weaving through traffic. Drivers can keep in mind that motorcyclists are on the road and make sure to double check any time they merge lanes or make a left-handed turn, which are areas that are most common for motorcycle-car crashes. By remembering that other, smaller vehicles share the space, it can cause a driver to look twice before making sudden moves, which can make all the difference.
Just by increasing the awareness of motorcyclists on the road, damage can potentially be prevented. The more other drivers remain aware of motorcyclists and the more motorcyclists take care to remain visible, the safer the roads will be for everyone involved.
