Sharing the Road: Tips to Stay Safe on North Carolina Highways

The number of motorcycle riders has increased in recent years and it is easy to see why: motorcycles are fun to ride, less expensive than cars and more fuel efficient.
Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle can also be a risky activity, particularly on crowded highways. According to recent statistics, when an accident occurs, motorcyclists are three times more likely to be injured and five times more likely to be killed than those driving automobiles.

Bikers everywhere can reduce their risk of accidents and serious injury by following a few simple safety tips:

*Visibility. Many car-motorcycle crashes occur because drivers have difficulty seeing motorcycles. Motorcyclists should use their entire lane and should maintain as much space as possible between themselves and other vehicles. Brightly colored protective clothing and reflective tape also make riders easy for motorists to see.

*Intersections. Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, drivers often misjudge their speed and can cause accidents by pulling out into traffic too early. To help avoid these kinds of accidents, bikers should approach intersections carefully and attempt to make eye contact with drivers waiting to enter traffic.

*Passing. Motorcyclists should signal their intention to pass a car well in advance and should only begin after checking all blind spots. Complete the pass as quickly as possible and avoid spending too much time in a driver's blind spot. When being passed by a car, bikers should ride in the left third of their lane and should maintain their speed.

Overall, motorcycle riders can go a long way in preventing accidents simply by taking steps to be visible to other drivers. Of course, no matter what steps a biker may take, accidents can happen.