Motorcycle Safety

A multiple vehicle accident resulting in a Boise motorcyclist's death reminds us that it is warming up outside and we need to be on the lookout for both motorcycles and bicycles while driving. For more information regarding this accident, please see KTVB.com's article at: Motorcyclists talk safety after deadly crash. Remember, always wear your helmet while on a motorcycle. 

If you have any questions regarding Motorcycle coverage on your insurance policy, please contact your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent.

Please see information below from the Idaho Driver's Manual. 


Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other
highway users, and they must obey the same traffic laws.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. They’re easily hidden
in a car’s blind spot. Because it may be hard to judge the distance to
motorcycles, or to tell how fast they are moving, be alert to their presence
and be extra cautious.

Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor
vehicle, so it is important to practice safe driving in order to help avoid
collisions.

Since approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another
motor vehicle, including important safety practices for drivers will help
avoid collisions. Here are some situations that call for special attention
when motorcycles are around.

• Left turns: Cars turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle cause
nearly 40 percent of serious car/motorcycle crashes. Drivers may fail to
see a motorcycle rider in the traffic scene. Or a driver may fail to judge
the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. As a driver, the correct precaution
is for you to look and then look again. Make sure you see the motorcycle
and know its speed before you make a left turn.

• Turn signals: Most motorcycles do not have turn signals that turn off
automatically. At times, motorcycle riders may forget to switch the signal
off. Before you make a turn in front of a motorcycle with a signal
flashing, be sure the motorcycle is turning and not continuing straight
into your path.

• Lanes: Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as all other
vehicles. Good motorcycle riders are constantly changing positions
within the lane so they can see and be seen, and to avoid objects in the
road. Never move into the same lane alongside a motorcycle, even if the
lane is wide and the motorcyclist is riding far to one side.

• Bad weather: Weather conditions and slippery surfaces can be serious
problems for motorcycles. Allow even more following room when it’s
raining or the road surface is slick.

• Road surface: Unusual road surfaces and irregularities in the road that
don’t affect other vehicles can create problems for motorcycles. Gravel,
debris, pavement seams, small animals, and even manhole covers may
force a motorcycle rider to change speed or direction.

• Visibility: Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking
mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic or an
intersection. Motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or
missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always use turn signals
and brake lights to signal your intentions for turning, changing lanes,
merging, slowing and stopping. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate
traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Allow more than 3 seconds
following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle. This allows
you and the motorcyclist enough time to maneuver or stop in an
emergency.

Excerpt from the Idaho Driver's Manual (courtesy Idaho Transportation Department), April 2011 edition.