Top 10 deadly driving habits that put motorcyclists at risk
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a collision than you, ensconced in the safety of your car's sheetmetal, with crumple zones and airbags to protect you. There are a number of bad driving habits that can put motorcyclists in terrible danger; here are ten of them.
On your phone much while driving? Happily biting into that garage pie while you're looking for that playlist on spotify, maybe? Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can be enough to wipe out that biker and to land up in jail.
We're not saying that motorcyclists are never at fault - often times they travel way faster than the speed limit and don't always obey traffic laws. But the fact of the matter is that there aren't airbags or crumple zones to protect a biker's head and body the way a car protects yours. (These are some of the safest cars in SA.)
In this article, we will discuss 10 of the deadliest driving habits that put motorcyclists at risk. We will also provide tips on how motorists can avoid these habits and help to create a safer environment for motorcyclists.
1. Distracted driving
Whether you're talking on the phone, composing/checking messages, eating, or applying makeup while driving, when you're distracted, you are much more likely to make a mistakes that could cause someone's loved one to get killed.
Related: 10 Holiday roadtrip tips to keep you safe
2. Tailgating
This is when a driver follows another vehicle or a motorcycle too closely. Tailgating makes it difficult for the driver to stop in time if the motorcyclist in front of them brakes suddenly. Always ensure you keep a good, 2-second following distance, at least!
3. Changing lanes without indicating, or slamming on the brakes for no good reason
This is a surefire way of causing an accident - you will completely catch a biker by surprise, and remember that he has nothing to protect him but his helmet and his leathers (if he has them).
Did you know that lane-splitting is legal in South Africa? (This is the practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. It is also known as stripe-riding or whitelining.)
4. Not yielding the right-of-way
This includes not yielding to motorcyclists at intersections. You should always yield to traffic coming from the right, so keep your eyes open and stop to let other traffic pass.
You should always be aware of other traffic around you and what everyone's doing. Taking a defensive driving course can teach you to be more aware of your surroundings when you're behind the wheel.
5. Making illegal U-turns
This puts the motorcycle directly in the path of oncoming traffic. Once again - please bear in mind that there are no airbags or rolling cages to protect the flesh and bones of the biker. This kind of reckless behaviour can cost someone their life.
6. Speeding
The faster you drive, the longer it takes to bring your car to a stop. You may think you enough time and space to avoid hitting that guy on the bike, but then again, you may just kill him. This will most likely be followed by expensive lawyers, court cases, and ultimately, jail time.
7. Driving under the influence
This impairs your judgment and reflexes, causing you to react too slowly to brake and/or swerve to avoid a biker, cyclist, or any other road user. (We'd like to remind you that South African prisons are not pleasant places.)
8. Not checking your blind spots
Motorcyclists can easily be hidden in blind spots, so it is important for drivers to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging. And as always, don't forget to indicate!
(Looking for a cheapie? These inexpensive small cars are some of the safest ones.)
9. Opening car doors without looking
Your door can hit an unsuspecting motorcyclist who just happens to be passing by at that moment. Just have a good look around you before you open that door, please!
Read all our content on the best cars for students and young, inexperienced drivers, here.
10. Being oblivious to the presence of motorcyclists
Motorcyclists can be difficult to see, so it is important for drivers to be aware of their presence and to take extra precautions when driving near them. This basically boils down to distracted driving in no 1, so be in the present when you drive!
