Yesterday, our community was struck by a tragic accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist—a loss that has hit close to home. As someone whose husband is a Harley rider and who personally enjoys being on the back of a bike, I still worry about the risks involved despite taking every safety precaution. The reality remains: no matter how vigilant or aware motorcyclists are on the road, they are at a significant disadvantage when accidents occur. Unlike cars, which are engineered with airbags and other safety features that form a protective bubble, motorcycles offer virtually no physical protection to their riders. This sobering truth should compel us to drive more mindfully and extend a degree of respect to every motorcyclist sharing our roads. In honor of the motorcyclist who lost his life yesterday—and as a call to action for all of us—this post outlines essential tips for driving safely around motorcycles.
Put Respect on Their Name
It might sound like a rallying cry from a local advocate, but “put respect on their name” is a vital reminder: give motorcyclists the space they need. Tailgating a motorcycle isn’t just a display of impatience—it’s a hazardous behavior. Motorcycles are far more vulnerable to sudden disturbances like a wobble or tire slip. By maintaining an extra car length of space behind a motorcycle, you not only protect your vehicle but also honor the rider’s safety on the road. Plus in the unfortunate event an accident or disturbance occurs to the motorcyclist in front of you, you will have plenty of time to safely come to a complete stop and furthermore be of aid to those involved until emergency services can arrive.
Lane Splitting: A Safety Strategy, Not a Speeding Ticket
Lane splitting—riding between lanes along the white dotted line—is often misunderstood. In truth, it is a legally sanctioned maneuver designed to help motorcyclists safely navigate through traffic. When approaching an intersection, motorcyclists may use lane splitting as they near a red light, avoiding the risks associated with being stuck behind or between vehicles that could possible prevent other motorists from even realizing they are there. Believe it or not but, this practice not only protects them but also contributes to smoother traffic flow. And if you ever worry about getting stuck behind a motorcyclist that that lane splits at a red light, rest assured: most riders learn to accelerate quickly and merge out of your way with impressive speed.
Be Aware of Motorcyclists
We often focus on the vehicles directly in front of and behind us, but it’s crucial to extend our vigilance to motorcyclists sharing the road. These riders are acutely aware of the dangers they face—after all, a collision with a car can be far more devastating for them than for a car driver, who may walk away with minor injuries. By being observant and mindful of motorcycles around you, you contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone. A few ways to increase your awareness of motorcyclists are: when merging lanes always be sure to check the lane you’re moving to two times to be sure there are no motorcyclists, remember motorcyclists are typically moving much quicker than they appear in your mirrors and when you’re driving stay focused on driving. We all know how easy it is to zone-out on the drive home but for the safety of motorcyclists and yourself, stay attentive to what is happening on the road around you
What To Do in the Event of an Accident
Should you ever witness or be involved in a motorcycle accident, follow these guidelines to help ensure safety and provide essential assistance:
Do:
Pull over and call 911 immediately.
Stay at the scene until emergency services arrive to prevent further collisions
Provide law enforcement with any details you can about the incident.
Don’t:
Assume someone else will call it in
Block the flow of traffic unless someone is injured in the roadway
Move any vehicles involved in the accident until told to do so by law enforcement
Assisting the Motorcyclist
If the motorcyclist is in the roadway either:
light a road flare or activate your emergency flashers
to warn oncoming traffic
If the motorcyclist is non-responsive:
do not attempt to remove their helmet—leave that to the EMTs.
If there is a suspected spinal injury:
avoid moving the motorcyclist to prevent potential paralysis or further harm.
If the rider is awake:
try to keep them calm and advise them to stay as still as possible until help arrives.
The tragic loss in our community is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of life and the critical need for safe driving practices. By giving motorcyclists extra space, respecting the safety protocols like lane splitting, and maintaining heightened awareness on the road, we can help prevent future tragedies. Let this unfortunate event inspire us to drive more thoughtfully—because every life on the road is precious.
Drive safe, drive smart, and remember:
RESPECT ON THE ROAD BEGINS WITH YOU!
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