Wisconsin motorcyclists often complain that the joy and fun of riding their bikes can be ruined by reckless and distracted car drivers. They have a point: motorcyclists are five times more likely to be hurt in crashes than car drivers.

What should Wisconsin passenger car drivers know about motorcycles?

• There are far more cars and trucks on the road than motorcycles, which means their drivers are not used to "recognizing" motorcycles, the vision of which does not trigger the necessary danger signals to the brain;
• Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is, and its speed is also more difficult to gauge;
• A smaller motorcycle can also easily be hidden in a car's blind spot, both to the right and to the left of the car;
• Bikers often slow down by downshifting, or merely rolling off the throttle. Car drivers should be aware that a motorcyclist can slow down without the visual warning of the brake lights;
• Turn signals on a motorcycle are not self-canceling, and riders at times forget to turn them off;
• Motorcyclists often ride in the middle or to the left of the lane. They do this to be seen, or to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles and wind.
• Motorcycles are very maneuverable at lower speeds, but car drivers should not assume that bikers can dodge out of the way in all circumstances;
• Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but only on dry pavement. On a wet road surface, a motorcyclist has to brake very carefully to avoid blocking the front wheel, sliding and falling;
• Car drivers should not think of a motorcycle as a vehicle, but as a person, without any protection.

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Hupy & Abraham, S.C. has offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton in Wisconsin, and Gurnee and Bloomington in Illinois. If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, contact Hupy & Abraham today at 800-800-5676 (toll-free) or 414-223-4800 (local) for a free evaluation of your case, or send us an e-mail with your questions.