At Nance Cacciatore, we specialize in personal injury law in Brevard County. We proudly serve the people of Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, and beyond. From motorcycle accidents to car and truck accidents – even to airplane crashes – we provide some of the best legal representation in the area.
Practice Defensive Driving
While we are here for you if you’re ever in an accident, we hope you never are (and you probably do too)! So, in this two-part blog, we want to focus on motorcycle safety. When it boils down to it, staying alert and practicing defensive driving can save the lives of motorcycle and car drivers alike. We must remain vigilant! So, what are some ways that both motorcyclists and automobile drivers can try to keep each other safe on the road? To start off, we want to address all the car drivers out there. Read on!
Be Aware of the Risk of Injury
It’s important to remember that driving a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a car for multiple reasons. For one, they offer less protection than cars or trucks do because of their design. The risk of injury if someone is in a motorcycle accident is much higher than the risks associated with other vehicles because of the lack of structure surrounding the motorcycle driver. An accident can leave a motorcyclist in much worse shape than if they were in a car, protected by the outward steel frame that larger vehicles have. The stakes are higher for motorcyclists, so please keep that in mind when on the road.
Check Your Blind Spots
It can be very easy for a car driver to fail to see a motorcyclist, particularly if they are in a “blind spot.” Motorcycles are smaller than cars and, therefore, less noticeable. Most car drivers would agree that it is easier for a motorcycle to slip into their blind spots then it is for a larger vehicle simply because of the size difference. So, car drivers, simply checking your mirrors before switching lanes might not be enough. If a small vehicle is in the lane next to you, even if you check your mirrors before switching lanes, you run the risk of colliding into it. That’s why it’s important to not only check twice before switching lanes but to also physically look! A glance behind your shoulder to see if there is a motorcyclist next to you can make all the difference. One of the biggest things we can stress to automobile drivers is just to be aware at all times to protect the safety of motorcyclists and other drivers. Check twice before switching lanes, turning, and pulling out. This is especially vital when at busy intersections. Oftentimes a small vehicle can fly under the radar, so it is up to us as drivers of cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. to pay a little extra attention and just check an extra time when on the road. You could save somebody’s life by being aware and double-checking.
In our next blog, we will address motorcyclists and go over safety measures they can take when on the road. In the meantime, drive safely everyone!
