Every year, millions of motorcyclists take to the highways to enjoy the open road.
But while the thrill of cruising on two wheels has a definite appeal, it also has a potential downside: safety. The truth is that motorcycle riders face far greater safety risks than drivers of cars and trucks. In fact, federal government estimates show that the number of deaths per mile traveled on motorcycles in 2019 was nearly 29 times the number of deaths in cars.
Why so loud? Part of this risk can be attributed to the lack of protection motorcycles provide, especially compared to an enclosed vehicle. But it̵
7;s also clear that other drivers also play a role.According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. And for the most part, the car or truck driver – not the motorcyclist! – is wrong.
Always be aware
So what can you do? As drivers of cars and trucks, it is our job to be aware of motorcyclists. So here are four things to remember as we part ways:
- Be aware of motorcyclists during warmer months. The warmer the weather, the more likely you’ll be riding alongside riders. Awareness can help you react more quickly to your surroundings.
- Check your blind spots. Twice. Remember that motorcycles are much smaller than the car you are driving, so they are not always easy to spot. Checking your blind spots before turning or changing lanes will help keep motorcyclists safe. In fact, when Erie Insurance surveyed riders on their biggest pet peeve, the number one pet peeve was drivers who don’t check their blind spots before changing lanes.
- Don’t get too close. Always keep a longer safety distance when following a motorcycle. Motorcycles can come to a stop much faster than your car, and sometimes they slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle – so you might not see their brake lights. Make sure you leave enough distance to stop safely and avoid a possible collision. (Guess what? In our survey, riders listed “tailgate drivers” as a pet peeve, too.)
- Stay in your lane. Motorcycles are allowed full use of a lane. You should always give riders as much space as possible. Never swerve to share a lane with them.
Ride worry-free
Whether you’re cruising on two or four wheels… you need the right insurance to protect your ride. Contact us today to request a free motorcycle insurance quote.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home office: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to do business in all states. See the company’s licensing and business information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are effective as of July 2022 and are subject to change at any time.
Insurance products are subject to conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long-term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based on applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer any questions you may have before you buy.
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