Motorcyclists are usually very safe riders, but they have to count on other drivers to help keep them safe. There are many ways that this can happen. The most important of which is for the drivers to keep a close eye on the road. Because of the small profile of motorcycles, it’s sometimes easy for drivers to miss them.
One of the risks of riding a motorcycle in traffic is being rear-ended. The other drivers on the road might not see that the motorcycle has stopped. If they rear-end the motorcyclist, there is a chance that the rider could end up sandwiched between two vehicles.
It’s often suggested that motorcyclists ensure they have a way out in case they see someone coming up behind who they feel won’t be able to stop. This is often accomplished by riding near the shoulder of the road so they can make a quick escape.
Another option for some motorcyclists is splitting the lane, which involves driving between two lanes of traffic. Motorcyclists in Texas should be warned that this isn’t a legal maneuver in this state. Those who do opt to lane split anyhow should make sure they only do so at a slow speed or when traffic has stopped. Lane splitting isn’t ever appropriate at higher speeds.
Motorcyclists who are rear-ended by another vehicle might suffer serious injuries. It’s imperative that they get medical care so they can receive appropriate treatment. They may also opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help them recover the damages they’ve experienced due to the crash. This can include the wages they missed on earning due to the injuries, the medical expenses and other costs directly attributed to the wreck.