Distracted driving is a threat to your safety that you likely worry about every time you ride your motorcycle. Drivers who become distracted are less likely to see what is going on around them on the road and are more likely to cause an accident.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the U.S., approximately 3,000 people die in distracted driving-related crashes. As a motorcyclist, it is up to you to notice the signs of a distracted driver and take precautions to prevent an injurious or fatal accident.
Signs of a distracted driver
While you are on your motorcycle, look out for drivers who consistently weave in and out of traffic and who suddenly hit their brakes for no apparent reason. Other signs of distraction include drivers who linger at intersections, drivers who go over the center line and those who wear headphones while they drive.
Precautions you should take
Once you identify a distracted driver, try to maintain as much space between your motorcycle and the other driver as possible. You may also want to turn on your headlight, avoid riding in the driver’s blind spots and if necessary, honk to get the driver’s attention.
Even if you take these precautions, wear reflective clothing and always wear your helmet, you may still sustain injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by a distracted driver. If this happens, take steps to protect your legal rights, so that you can obtain fair and proper compensation for your injuries.