The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has developed a motorcycle safety awareness program for car drivers. The purpose of the program is to educate car and truck drivers on how to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.
The MSF safety program strives to let drivers know that over half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle. In the majority of those cases, the driver of the vehicle, not the biker, caused the accident. Because of the small size of motorcycles, they are easily hidden in blind spots, or by objects outside the car (fences, trees, etc.). This makes motorcyclists vulnerable to turns by other vehicles. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation stresses to drivers that they should actually turn and look for motorcycles before making a turn. Countless accidents and deaths could be avoided if drivers would follow this advice.
The small size of motorcycles makes them look much farther away than they are, when viewed in a side or rearview mirror. Drivers of passenger vehicles need to be aware of this fact. Many accidents are caused by drivers who see a motorcycle in the rearview mirror and think they have time to change lanes in front of the motorcycle. Because bikes are much closer than they appear, and judging a motorcycle's speed from inside a moving vehicle is so difficult, drivers should always err on the side of waiting before changing lanes in the path of a motorcycle.
Another danger on the road is motorcycles being rear-ended by passenger vehicles. Motorcycle riders sometimes reduce speed by letting off the throttle or downshifting. While this does reduce the bike's speed, the brake light does not come on. Drivers who are following behind motorcycles must know this, and not follow the motorcycle so closely.
In addition to safety tips, the MSF attempts to put to rest some of the stereotypes and prejudices drivers have against motorcycles. In addition to pointing out that most motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles, the MSF also explains some of the more common reasons bikers drive differently than cars. MSF presents this information in a tactful, nonconfrontational manner.
The MSF safety program does an excellent job getting the facts about motorcycles to the general public, as well as giving potentially life-saving driving safety tips.
If you have questions about motorcycle accidents in Mississippi, please contact Jackson MS motorcycle accident lawyer Curt Crowley at 601.944.1984.