Wanted: Advice from Motorcyclists

Have you ever wished you could give “cagers” a piece of your mind? Well, here’s your chance.* We’re calling on our readers to share their stories and safety tips to help make the road a safer place for everyone. Here are a few examples to get you started.

Advice from motorcyclists to other drivers

1. You don’t own the road. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway—only they’re harder to see.
2. Please check your blind spots. Due to their small size, motorcycles can be completely hidden from view. Always check for motorcyclists by thoroughly checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
3. Use your turn signals. Always signal your intentions well before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
4. Some road surfaces are more dangerous for us. Remember that road conditions, which are merely annoying to you, can pose major hazards to motorcycles. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or suddenly adjust their position within a lane.
5. We may be closer than you think. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
6. Back off. Never crowd motorcyclists. They need space to maneuver in case of an emergency.

Please post your own safety tips or brief stories in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you!

*Your opinion is important to us, but MotorEagles reserves the right to moderate comments. Please keep the tone of your comments civil and profanity-free.