Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. That’s why officers in California have become focused on helping one group of people: motorcyclists in California.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The police take motorcycle safety seriously, and the authorities are taking the time to remind people that motorcyclists have a right to be on the road. Drivers are being reminded to watch out for others and to share the road.
Remember, motorcyclists are harder to see
The police remind drivers that it’s a fact that it’s harder to see motorcyclists. They’re in smaller vehicles, and they may not be as visible as others. Despite that, drivers have a responsibility to prevent accidents by keeping their distance and making sure they watch their speed.
Throughout May, officers will be focused on enforcement. They will be stopping those who violate traffic laws that directly increase the risk of collisions with motorcyclists. The Pasadena Police Department plans to take three days, May 3, 10 and 17, to crack down on violations specifically.
What do drivers need to do to prevent motorcycle crashes?
Drivers can take a few steps to prevent accidents. These include:
- Slowing down behind motorcyclists, keeping a distance
- Allowing legal lane-splitting; Be fair and share the lane while they pass
- Always checking intersections twice before moving forward
- Always using your signal to change lanes, and if you see a motorcyclist with a signal on, allow them to do what they need to do before you continue
- Checking your mirrors, making sure that there is not a motorcyclist in your blind spots
With these tips, more accidents can be avoided in the future.