When driving behind a motorcycle, many drivers are nervous, and why wouldn’t they? Because motorcycles are hard to see and have a narrow margin for error, this concern is genuine. If you bump your car into a motorcycle, it is for sure a fender-bender and also an exchange of insurance information. If you bump your car, there is a chance of approx 80% of you sending them flying/causing serious injury.
It is important to keep a good distance from motorcycles when following them. For rough calculations, It is recommended that you be 3 seconds behind them. This extra space allows you to perform sudden actions whenever:
- A motorcyclist hits sudden breaks
- The motorcyclist falls off!
Driving Behind a Motorcycle, You Must
WHEN YOU WANT TO PASS A MOTORCYCLE:
Whenever you are trying to pass a motorcycle, you should give them enough space.
HOW TO PASS A MOTORCYCLE SAFELY?
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes.
- Double-check your side-view mirrors
- Make sure to check blind spots also
- Completely move into passing lanes, when driving behind a motorcycle
- Cancel your turn signals after changing lane
- Take a look in the back view mirror
- Always signal your intentions, change lanes, and cancel your turn signal after changing the lane.
Tip: Give plenty of space to motorcycles passing your vehicle. Do not crowd their lane and avoid speeding up.
Lane Space For motorcyclists
Motorcycles do not take up much space in a lane. It is due to their size being narrow. But, they often use the entire lane to avoid hazards and be more visible. According to laws, same as any vehicle, it is their right to use a full traffic lane.
Tip: NEVER SHARE A LANE NEXT TO A MOTORCYCLIST, WHEN DRIVING BEHIND A MOTORCYCLE OR BESIDE A MOTORCYCLE
Anticipate the Rider’s Actions and Reactions
- Assume that the rider is more vulnerable and reactive than a car driver
- Watch for potential hazards such as potholes, debris, or animals
- Avoid sudden moves that may startle or surprise the rider
- Be extra cautious at intersections, turns, and lane changes
- Keep your eyes and attention focused on the road and the rider
Tips you need to follow:
EXTRA SPACE :
As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to maintain a space of about 3 seconds. This is enough time to perform the immediate and appropriate action. However, you can increase this time according to your skills or recommendations.
BLIND SPOTS :
When driving on a road, always double-check your blind spots. It is because they are difficult to spot, due to their small size. Double-checking your blind spots will make you able to be a better and more responsible driver.
Also check out: What are blind spots
WEATHER FACTOR:
In rainy weather, motorcycles are more likely to slip. So, you should be careful when driving in rainy weather. If you are talking about a motorcycle, you should be even more careful. You’ll need extra time to adjust under any circumstance.
PASSING:
If you open your car’s window and stick your hand out, you can easily tell how much wind your car generates when you’re driving. This wind pressure is increased when passing up to pass. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more easily pushed by wind pressure. Firstly, avoid passing by a motorcycle. If it is necessary, try to slow down your car. By slowing down, your car will generate less wind pressure. This allows you to pass without generating much air. To pass a motorcycle urgently, execute the pass in a more open area.
LANE RESPECT:
A motorcyclist has the same rights as a car. It is entitled to use a full lane. If you are driving on a 3-lane highway, do not try to steal their lane at a time of busy traffic. You will be guilty of any accidents.
TURN LEFT WITH CARE:
According to the results, nearly half of the motorcycle accidents come when a car takes a left turn.
So you need to be extra careful when making a left turn on the road.
CONCLUSION
When driving behind a motorcycle, you need to be careful and maintain a distance of 2 seconds. You can increase that time according to your needs. Stealing lane is not allowed. If you need to pass by a motorcycle, make sure to slow down your car to decrease the wind pressure. Try passing a motorcycle in an open area to avoid getting involved in any circumstance.
FAQ’s
Distances of at least 2 seconds should be allowed
1. Be aware of your blind spots at all times.
2. Passing should be done with extra caution.
3. A motorcycle reacts much faster than a car.
4. Warning for bad weather.
5. For motorcyclists, night riding can be dangerous.
6. Don’t stray from your path.
7. Make sure motorcyclists are aware of your intention to turn.
8. There is danger at intersections
1. Consider taking a safety course. …
2. Before heading out, check the weather. …
3. Make sure you wear motorcycle gear. …
4. Make sure your motorcycle is in good working order before each ride. …
5. Follow traffic rules, use your signals, and drive within the speed limit.
6. Make yourself visible. …
7. Watch for road hazards and be observant. …
8. Keep a safe distance from others
No law prohibits you from driving with two feet on a driving test. You shouldn’t fail your test if you do this. Instructors and examiners, however, will tell you not to drive with two feet.
You should slow down until you have enough space between you and the other vehicle. For good road conditions and moderate traffic, the three-second rule is the minimum safe distance.
Distance between following and stopping. When driving behind a motorcycle, drivers should allow at least “three to four seconds” of following distance. A motorcycle rider can safely stop or maneuver within this distance.
Due to their small size, motorcycles can easily fit into other vehicles’ blind spots. As motorcycles are more susceptible to being blinded by high beams, dim your headlights when approaching them.
Distance between you and the car ahead can give you more time to recognize hazards and respond safely. According to the National Safety Council, the following distance of three seconds is recommended.