Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
How to Split Lanes While Riding Your Motorcycle (Part B)
Be Aware of Nervous Drivers
Drivers tend to get anxious at certain points on the highway, including sections where freeways merge, on and off ramps, and spots where traffic begins to speed up or slow down. Motorcycle riders should exercise additional caution in these areas when splitting lanes.
Splitting Lanes in Dense Traffic is Safer
Perhaps contrary to what a rider might think, splitting lanes in heavier traffic is actually safer than doing so in light traffic. This is because drivers are more alert when there are more cars around. A driver paying closer attention has a much better chance of spotting a motorcycle before he veers into the next lane.
Use Mirrors, While Avoiding Them
Use car mirrors to gauge drivers’ intentions. Remember, if you can see yourself in a driver’s mirror, then they can also see you. Also consider that mirrors are all the way to the right and left of a motor vehicle, and are generally at the same level as your motorcycle. As such, they generally are the point of collision during motorcycle accidents that occur when splitting lanes.
Beware of Big Gaps Between Cars
After sitting in traffic for an extended period of time, drivers suddenly confronted with open space are unpredictable. There’s no way to tell what they’ll do, including changing lanes without signaling or taking off quickly. This can easily result in a serious or fatal motorcycle accident, so use extra caution when moving into a wide gap.
Maintain Awareness of Trucks and Trailers
Larger vehicles usually have back sections that can sway or bounce around as you pass. This means that the space you thought you had as you initiate the pass can quickly contract as you move further alongside the vehicle. Therefore, you need to exercise extra caution while splitting lanes around these vehicles.
The Decision to Split Lanes Belongs to the Biker
Ultimately, the biker is the one to decide whether splitting lanes is worth the time savings. If the rider feels uncomfortable with the practice, the answer is simple: don’t do it. An extra half hour sitting in traffic is a small price to pay for avoiding a potentially serious motorcycle accident.
When looking for a Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorney ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing law; what is the largest settlement or verdict you have obtained; or do you have experience with motorcycle accident claims in Massachusetts? You should also order a FREE copy of our consumer guide, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? A Biker’s Guide to Accidents and Injuries.
The Kiley Law Group works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained Andover motorcycle accident lawyers wins your case. Contact us today for a FREE evaluation - 800 – 410-2769
