Riding a motorcycle on North Carolina or other roadways may have the potential to be hazardous in certain situations. For instance, attempting to pass or be passed by another vehicle could pose risks such as gusty winds or items being thrown out of a car. When passing another vehicle, motorcyclists are encouraged to check multiple times to ensure that the other lane is clear and that other vehicles are given plenty of space.
When riding in moderate or heavy traffic, motorcyclists are encouraged to remain as visible as possible. This may mean staying out of a vehicle’s blind spot or refraining from riding alongside other vehicles. When passing through intersections, riders should keep their bikes as close to the center of the road as possible for extra visibility. Riding with the headlights on may make a motorcycle more visible to other drivers on the road.
Those who ride at night should use their high beams and may also benefit from paying attention to lights on other vehicles. This may help drivers identify hazards in the road or better prepare for tight curves, which may make night riding safer for everyone on the road. If a motorcyclist rides with a passenger, that person should wear safety gear and follow the instructions of the person operating the motorcycle at all times.
Individuals riding a motorcycle may suffer serious injuries in a collision with a car or in any other type of accident. If an accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, it may be possible to take legal action. In some cases, entities responsible for keeping roads properly maintained may also liable in a motorcycle accident case. If successful, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings.