Lesson 12: Play it safe, give bikers more space!

Welcome back for the 12th lesson in our Motorcycle Awareness Month series.

There are many reasons to give motorcyclists more space when following in traffic. For one, they can brake quicker. Motorcycles don’t have as much weight, so they tend to slow down at a much quicker pace than 4-wheeled vehicles. They also face more hazards, and are forced into situations that require quicker emergency braking more often. Road debris, distracted drivers, potholes and other traffic dangers are a constant threat when riding a motorcycle, so the possibility for fast deceleration is always there.

Motorcyclists also tend to notice and react to changes in traffic more quickly than drivers. Because they aren’t surrounded by four doors and a roof, they are more alert. Therefore, a biker may begin braking for a red light or stop sign long before other drivers even notice the intersection.

Since fender benders can result in a fatal injury when the collision involves a motorcycle, it is best to play it safe and allow plenty of following distance. So, don’t forget this most basic of motorcycle awareness lessons: Give motorcyclists more space!