Whether you’re gripping the throttle of a motorcycle or the steering wheel of a car, one thing you cannot avoid is sharing the road with other commuters. With significant differences in size, speed, and visibility, motorcycles and cars present distinct kinds of dangers to each other. This has been the cause of contention for many drivers and riders, and frustration over sharing the road often leads to aggressive driving behavior that puts everyone in danger.
It’s important that we coexist, however, not just for safety, but for legal reasons too.
The Disparity Between Cars and Motorcycles
There are several differences between cars and motorcycles that impact safety. It’s important to be aware of these differences and take them into account so that we can share the road harmoniously and avoid accidents. After all, accidents are painful, traumatic, and expensive.
Typically, cars are larger and more durable, with several safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and modern driver-assistance systems. Motorcycles, on the other hand, provide less protection to their riders and, due to their smaller size, are less noticeable on the road.
Essentially, motorcyclists are more vulnerable in an accident because they are exposed to greater physical risk. And because motorcyclists are difficult to see, drivers may underestimate their speed or completely ignore them, increasing the probability of a crash.
This highlights the importance of both motorcycle riders and car drivers exercising extra caution.
The Mutual Need for Safety
Safety is not the sole responsibility of one individual. Taking steps to avoid an accident should be a priority for motorists and motorcyclists alike, given the dangers posed to both parties. As explained by attorney Dante Weston, legally speaking, the concept of “duty of care” applies to everyone on the road. In the event of an accident, the legal system will investigate the actions of both parties involved.
Whether you favor cars or motorcycles as your mode of transport, let’s take a look at best practices for ensuring duty of care.
For Motorcyclists
Make Yourself Visible
In the case of a collision, the law places a significant amount of weight on whether or not the parties involved took reasonable precautions to increase their visibility to one another. When traveling at night, be sure to think about wearing bright clothing, using reflectors, and having adequate illumination.
Use Signals and Hand Gestures
As the saying goes, communication is key. Always make sure to utilize your turn signals, and when it’s safe and proper to do so, augment these signs with hand gestures. When your actions are consistent and easy to anticipate, it is much simpler for other drivers on the road to coexist with you.
Positioning
A favorable road position might improve your visibility and give you alternate routes to use in the event of unexpected obstacles. A good position on the road also has the potential to serve as a clear indication to other drivers about your intentions, decreasing your liability in any potential legal tangles that may arise.
For Car Drivers
Check Your Blind Spots
Motorcycles are more speedy and significantly smaller than cars, meaning they can easily hide in your blind spots. A minute’s delay in checking your blind spots could result in an accident that leads to a claim for personal injury. Therefore, before changing lanes or making turns, you should always check your blind spots, and then check them again.
Keep a Safe Distance
The practice of tailgating is frowned upon by the law, and for good cause. Keeping a safe following distance not only provides you more time to react in the event of an accident but also puts you in a better position legally in the event of an accident.
No Sudden Moves
Turns, pauses, or sudden changes in lanes can be very dangerous for motorcyclists. In order to avoid negligence as a motorist, you should always signal your intentions well in advance so that other drivers and riders know your next move.
How Good Behavior Benefits You Legally
While best practices are the first step towards safety on the road, taking these steps also has legal implications. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision, the way you conduct yourself while driving can have a considerable impact on any legal actions that follow.
Comparative Negligence
When it comes to assessing who is responsible for an accident, several states use a system called comparative negligence. If you have followed standard procedure and taken reasonable steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others, it is less likely that you will be considered at fault. This can help reduce damages that you’re liable for.
Insurance Claims
Not only can safe driving help support your argument, but it can also have a positive impact on insurance claims. People who drive in a way that is both safe and in compliance with the law are more likely to be favored by insurance companies.
Legal Defense
Should you find yourself requiring legal defense, the evidence of your good behavior can be a cornerstone of your case. It can help demonstrate that you met your “duty of care,” thereby tipping the scales in your favor.
Conclusion
The road is a shared space, and having a respectful attitude toward other users is essential for preventing accidents. It’s not only about staying out of harm’s way physically; you should also take precautions to protect yourself from any legal implications that may arise. In this story of asphalt and engines, both motorcyclists and car drivers have important parts to play. Rather than facing accidents, injuries, unnecessary expenses, and legal issues, let’s all do our part to make sure our roads are safe.
From safety to insurance and legal claims, maximizing your visibility on the road and ensuring you communicate your intentions and always stay aware of others is imperative for all road users. Remember, whether you’re a motorist or a motorcyclist, always follow the rules of the road to protect yourself.
