Share the Road: Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 2018
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 2018: Raising Awareness for Drivers and Motorcyclists
It's May 1, and that means Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month has just begun. With winter behind us, more motorcyclists will be taking the opportunity to hop on their bikes, hit the open road, and enjoy the weather.
Long before Rokform started creating the most rugged phone cases and mounts, our leaders worked in the powersports industry. So, it should come as no surprise why safety and quality are at the center of every product we make. We encourage motorists and motorcyclists to share the road, making highways around the country safer for everyone. We’ve gathered a few tips for both the motorcyclist and automobile driver to help make roads safer every day.
Share the Road
Did you know motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle? That means that sharing the road isn't a courtesy, but a right. Drivers should always keep an eye out for motorcycle riders.
Give Motorcyclists Extra Space
If you're driving a car or truck, remember that sharing the road means giving motorcyclists extra space when following them. Motorcycles operate differently than automobiles and should have enough space to maneuver or stop in an emergency. The NHTSA recommends three to four seconds of following distance between a vehicle and a motorcycle.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
For motorcyclists, remember that many cars have large blind spots. When passing or riding near a driver, visualize where their blind spot is and avoid it. The majority of motorcycle crashes occur from the front, when a motorcyclist is in an automobile driver’s blind spot.
For drivers, always check mirrors and blind spots before merging or changing lanes as motorcycles are much smaller than cars and can often be hidden from easy view.
Always Wear a Helmet
No matter how short or far your ride is, always wear a helmet when on your bike. According to the NHTSA, over 1700 riders are saved by helmets in accidents annually.
Check & Use Your Turn Signals
Drivers and motorcyclists alike should always remember to use turn signals when making a turn or changing lanes. This allows both parties to anticipate traffic flow and allow for lane space if necessary. Additionally, make sure you signals are functioning properly. Many motorcycles do not have self-cancelling turn signals, which means that they will continue to blink after making your turn.
Don't Text and Drive
This should be a no brainer for both motorcyclists and drivers. In 2014, more than one quarter of all car crashes involved cell phone use. Distracted driving impairs all aspects of driving distractions--visual, manual, and cognitive. We encourage everyone on the road to store their phones in a safe, secure manner.
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With Rokform’s beginnings in the powersports industry, a phone mount made specifically for motorcycles was high on our priority list. Our collection of motorcycle mounts help motorcyclists have secure, handsfree access to their phone for navigation.
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