Posted on May 01, 2015
Attorney Jason Abraham standing next to his motorcycle

With the weather finally warming up, and just in time for riding season, the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. At Hupy and Abraham, we like to stress that EVERY day calls for motorcycle awareness, and that riders always deserve their due diligence. But during May, the increased number of motorcycles on the road is a good reason for extra precautions and renewed reminders of proper safety and etiquette.

Hupy and Abraham has attorneys and investigators who ride, and understand the risks that come from sharing the roads with hundreds of motorists who may not be aware of their presence. Aside from riders being conscious of their surroundings and making themselves visible, there are many things that automobile drivers should also do to protect riders.

  • Look and look again. Look twice before changing lanes, and always check your blind spots. Also, before pulling into traffic, look again. Motorcycles are harder to spot than cars, but taking an extra second to look could save someone’s life. There have been four fatalities on motorcycles already this season, and all of them were right-of-way violations.
  • Give motorcyclists room to swerve. For a rider, avoiding potholes and other road debris can be the difference between life and death. Many riders need to frequently change positions in their lanes. Leave riders as much space as possible and don’t crowd them.
  • Stay back. When driving behind a motorcycle, increase your following distance and leave an extra car length as a buffer. Motorcycles have a much shorter stopping distance than cars and the rider is completely exposed. It is important to practice all of your defensive driving techniques around riders.
  • Remain aware and considerate. Always watch for motorcyclists. Riders can only do so much to protect themselves. Make a mental note (or physical one with a WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES bumper sticker.) You will be a safer driver all around. If you’re specifically looking out for small motorcycles, you’re sure to see anything else as well.

Motorcycle riders are 25 times more likely to die in a car crash than occupants of an automobile. At Hupy and Abraham, we want to ensure that safety precautions are being followed and upheld, no matter what time of year it is.

Help keep the roads safe and save a life!   To request your FREE “Watch for Motorcycles” bumper sticker, CLICK HERE!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham today for a free consultation. Call 800-800-5678.

Jill Erin Wellskopf
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Director of Marketing, Hupy and Abraham