Summer in Michigan means lots of extra traffic, including motorcycles. New drivers already have a lot to be aware of without adding the extra curveball of motorcycles. Here are some helpful tips to keep new drivers mindful and respectful of motorcyclists on the road:
- Check you mirrors and blindspots. It’s important to check these when you get into the car for the first time as well as while driving (especially when performing lane changes and/or merging). Motorists take up much less space on the road and can easily “hide” in those pesky to see places. So, check and double check your blind spots!
- Call out our motorcycles on the road – Even if your child is not driving, it is important for them to be aware of them. It can help the adult driver be aware of them, as well as familiarize the student on being on the look out for them as a safe driving habit.
- Keeping your radio volume at a safe noise level. Being able to hear fast approaching motorcycles, sirens, and warnings from others in the car who may see something before the driver could mean the difference between life and death.
- Give motorcyclists extra time and space while on the road. Oftentimes it is difficult to gauge the speed of a motorcycle. A mild fender-bender in a vehicle could cause a fatal accident when involving a motorcycle.
- Generally, it’s best to give 3-5 seconds of following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. How do you calculate that? Pick a target (let’s say a speed limit sign), and once the vehicle in front of you passes it, count how many seconds it takes you to reach the target object. For motorcycles it is recommended that you double the standard safe driving distance.
We hope these tips are not only helpful, but also help ease your mind when driving with motorcycles on the road!
