Drivers: 10 things you need to know about sharing the road with motorcycles

Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows it comes with risks. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates that 4,762 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2009. Now for the good news: It was the first time in 12 years that motorcycle fatalities decreased.

While motorcyclists are doing their part to keep themselves safe by wearing helmets and taking other safety measures, it’s important that motorists increase their awareness of motorcycles.

Allstate, provider of car and motorcycle insurance, provides this list of 10 motorcycle safety tips for drivers:

1. The No. 1 reason bikers crash is because motorists don’t see them. It’s not due to bikers’ bad driving or aggression, but because motorists often can’t spot the motorcyclist.

2. Bikers can easily disappear in your blind spots. Always be aware of traffic around you and look twice before changing lanes or turning.

3. Bikers may be closer than they appear. Because they are smaller, it’s hard to judge a motorcycle’s speed and proximity to your car. Always assume a bike is closer than it looks.

4. Bikers don’t always use their brakes to slow down. Because it’s sometimes safer for a motorcyclist to slow down by downshifting, you might not always see brake lights when they decelerate. Allow a little more following distance for motorcycles.

5. Bikers use the whole lane to be safe, not to be reckless. Bikers must change lane position to avoid debris, adjust to the wind or be in a better place to be seen by vehicles.

6. Motorcycles’ turn signals don’t click off automatically. Because of this, riders occasionally forget to turn them off, so make sure a biker actually turns when he is signaling.

7. Don’t expect that a biker can get out of your way. While motorcycles have more maneuverability than cars, don’t put them to the test.

8. Bikers have a hard time stopping quickly on wet roads. Allow more following distance when roads are wet.

9. Bikers are people like you. But they don’t have seatbelts and airbags to protect them.

10. Hitting a biker will be something you regret. Keep in mind that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. It’s not something you want on your conscience.

For more motorcycle safety tips or information about motorcycle insurance coverage options, visit www.allstategarage.com.