Far too often, motorcycle riders in Tennessee are in serious accidents where the other driver either was not paying attention, or just did not see them. These accidents tend to be quite severe in nature, with those on motorcycles absorbing much of the impact with little protection.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise. In fact, in 2011, motorcycle fatalities made up 14 percent of the total number of motor vehicle-related fatalities. This same year there were 4,612 people killed in motorcycle accidents.
And while those riding motorcycles certainly play a role in this number, there are still quite a few accidents caused by other drivers not paying attention and not being on the lookout for motorcycles. For others, there is also just a general lack of understanding when it comes to what a motorcyclist needs from other motorists when riding.
When it comes to sharing the road with motorcycles, drivers need to use turn signals when switching in and out of lanes. Seeing these signals gives the motorcyclist time to react and get to a safe spot on the road. Without using a signal, a motorcyclist will not know where to be and could end up getting sideswiped by a car or truck.
Additionally, when sharing the road with a motorcycle, remember to allow for more following distance. This provides more room for reaction time for all drivers, including those on motorcycles who often need to quickly maneuver around road hazards, such as potholes.
In the end, the message to remember is that all motorists -- including those on motorcycles -- have rights and privileges that need to be respected. With this, all drivers need to be on the lookout in order to avoid preventable accidents.