How To Make Your Motorcycling More Visible
Michael Babboni
Motorcycle Accidents
Florida, for obvious reasons, is one of the most popular states in the country in which to own and ride a motorcycle. Our mild, year round weather, as well as some spectacular, scenic driving routes, such as going down to the Keys, means that Florida is one of the few parts of the USA where using a motorcycle is practical all year round.Unfortunately, because there more motorcyclists on the road, and all year round, this also means that Florida also has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the country. Accidents with motorcycles tend to be much more serious than accidents between two cars, because a motorcyclist lacks much of the protection of a driver. Aside from a helmet—which isn’t even legally required for adults—there’s very little in a motorcycle that compares to airbags, roll cages, seatbelts and other car safety mechanisms.
It’s also important to note that the reason motorcycle accidents occur is most commonly associated with visibility. The majority of motorists, when questioned about why a collision with a motorcyclist took place, often say that they simply didn’t see the motorcyclist, and made a maneuver in their vehicle, not realizing they were about to swerve into, or make contact with, a nearby motorcyclist.
This is why one of the safest things that a motorcyclist can do is take visibility into account when on the road. The more other drivers in cars can see you, the less likely you are to get caught in an accident. Here are some of the things you can do to achieve this.
Avoid The Blind Spot
Probably the most important, life-saving habit when on the road as a motorcyclist, especially on busy freeways and other types of expressway. Drivers are often looking to move into another lane and make the switch as quickly as possible. Sadly, this means that the legally required “check the blind spot” will sometimes be by-passed, or only “going through the motions,” not really checking thoroughly.
So when you’re on the road, and passing, or overtaking, make sure to do it quickly. If you’re keeping pace with a four-door car, and right in its blind spot, you’re putting yourself at risk with each passing second. Pull ahead or drop back when you can.
Wear A Brightly Colored Helmet
In Florida, it’s not legally required for motorcyclists to wear helmets, provided they are adults, and they have the required insurance. But for your own personal safety and protection, a brightly colored helmet is one of those things that is very difficult to not notice, even casually. When you wear a brightly colored helmet, people can see you, and they can react to your presence appropriately.
Tap Your Brakes
While your brakes are designed to slow you down to control you maneuvering on the road, they also serve another function. They can alert drivers behind you to stay alert. By tapping your brakes, your rear brake lights will light up, and this can often act as a “wake up call” to the driver behind you that you’re about to do something, such as start slowing down, or changing lanes. It’s also a good way to force people to drop back behind you and give you some room if they’re tailgating. As soon as they see those lights come on, they don’t want to get into a collision.
Get The Right Help
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident and it’s because the other driver didn’t see you, or made some other driving error that cost you an injury, get legal help. A motorcycle attorney experienced in Florida accidents can be a big help going forward.