One of the common causes of motorcycle accidents is automobile drivers turning into another lane, right in front of a motorcycle and too close for the motorcycle to avoid a collision. While Georgia drivers have a responsibility to watch out for motorcycles before turning into another lane, there are steps you as a motorcyclist can take to determine if another vehicle is likely to shift into your lane.
Ride Apart explains that if you are riding your motorcycle down a highway and you notice traffic in one lane is proceeding more quickly than other lanes, it is time to be wary of lane changes. Some drivers in slow moving lanes may decide that they would rather be in the fast moving lane. If you are riding in the fast moving lane, you will be at added risk of vehicles cutting in front of you. Shifting into a slower lane may be safer.
Blind spots are another area of vulnerability for motorcycles. Because of their small size, motorcycles can get lost in the blind spot of a car or truck. If you are aware you are riding in a blind spot, do your best to move out of it. You never know when the driver may decide to turn into your lane, and it is possible the driver may not see you before making the turn.
There are also signs that an automobile is about to switch lanes. You may notice a turn signal start to flash. The wheels of the vehicle can start turning. The head of the driver is turned toward your lane. Also, some cars start to wander in their lanes. This is a likely sign that the driver is checking the neighboring lane to make a turn. If you can spot these signs, you can prepare for a coming turn.
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out, motorcycle riders can also take steps to make themselves and their bikes more visible to other drivers, such as wearing brightly colored clothing. Steps such as these can increase the odds that another driver will see you and not turn into your lane. Even so, there is no substitute for driving defensively as you ride your motorcycle on Georgia roads.
