Motorcyclists on New Hampshire’s roads are vulnerable to other drivers for various reasons. You may enjoy motorcycling as a practical form of transportation or as a hobby, so it is important to know some of the common mistakes drivers make against motorcyclists.
Improper left turns
Many motorcycle accidents happen because a driver makes a left turn without seeing a motorcycle coming towards them, due to the motorcycle’s smaller size. It is also easy for a driver to misjudge how close a motorcycle is.
Drivers who are making a left turn should always check carefully for any oncoming motorcycles. If there is a motorcycle coming, it is usually best to let the motorcycle safely pass to avoid the risk of an accident.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving continues to be a major problem on New Hampshire roads, no matter what type of vehicle. However, distracted drivers can cause a serious motorcycle accident since even a quick distraction can cause a driver to miss a motorcycle altogether.
All drivers on the road should practice defensive driving and maintain focus. Many motorcycle accidents are caused simply because a driver did not see a motorcyclist.
Unsafe passing
When a driver is passing a motorcycle, they should do so safely. This means slowing down, maintaining a safe distance and not making any sudden moves.
Drivers who speed around motorcycles, weave between lanes or otherwise drive recklessly while trying to pass a motorcycle significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Tailgating
Tailgating any vehicle is dangerous, but tailgating a motorcyclist is particularly careless. The light size and weight of a motorcycle make motorcyclists able to stop faster than other vehicles, which often leads to a rear-end collision if a motorcyclist brakes in front of a tailgating vehicle.
Blind spots
Blind spots exist in every vehicle. But a motorcycle’s size means that it can easily be missed in a driver’s blind spot.
Drivers commonly change lanes without fully checking their blind spots. If a motorcycle is in the blind spot, failure to check could mean a serious or fatal collision. Drivers should always thoroughly check blind spots before safely changing lanes.
Road rage
Road rage is one of the most risky and negligent actions a driver can engage in. Since they are on smaller vehicles, motorcyclists are at a higher risk from aggressive drivers.
Typical forms of aggressive driving include honking a horn, tailgating, gesturing, speeding, or shifting between lanes without turn signals. You should avoid these types of drivers at all costs if you are on your motorcycle. If you cannot, try pulling over in a safe area until the aggressive driver is gone.
All New Hampshire drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and reasonably. This does not always happen.
What to do after a motorcycle accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention as soon as you can, even if you do not believe you are badly injured.
Obtain the contact information of everyone involved in the accident and take photos and videos of the accident scene. Taking these steps can help you build a strong case for negligence in a personal injury action.