Thanks to the year-round warm climate, Florida is one of the most popular states in the country for motorcyclists. However, regardless of your means of transportation, if you’ve driven through Florida you know that heavy traffic is the norm here. As nerve-racking as bumper-to-bumper traffic is for drivers in passenger vehicles, it is even more tense and dangerous for motorcycle riders.
Just take a moment and imagine vehicles cutting you off, surrounding you, boxing you in and virtually acting like you’re not there. It’s easy to see why navigating heavy traffic can feel like a nightmare for a motorcyclist, especially if you are an inexperienced rider. The following strategies may help motorcyclists stay safe when riding through heavy traffic.
Anticipate the moves of other drivers
Drivers in cars, trucks and other vehicles aren’t really watching motorcycles and, as a rider, you can’t expect them to be. Instead, you have to ride defensively, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. It also helps to anticipate the moves of the surrounding vehicles. For example, if there is a gap in front of you, anticipate that the vehicle in the lane next to you may try to switch lanes quickly and whip into the gap. Be prepared to take evasive maneuvers to avoid impatient and inattentive drivers.
Know how to use your lane
For motorcycles, a single lane can essentially be a triple lane. You can ride on the left, right or in the middle of the lane. Know how to use the lane to minimize the odds of an accident. For example, if you’re riding in a lane between two motor vehicles, it makes sense to ride in the center of the lane giving yourself space from either of the other drivers.
Take a safety course
Regardless of your riding ability, it is imperative to know how to safely handle a motorcycle. A motorcycle safety course is one of the best ways to learn how to ride appropriately and safely. You can do a quick internet search to find courses in your area. Consider signing up for a course before taking to the roadway.
Unfortunately, there will always be drivers out there who are not as careful as they should be behind the wheel. Even if you take the proper precautions and do everything right, you can still be involved in a motorcycle accident. Suffering injuries from an accident caused by a negligent driver is a scenario that no person wants to experience. If you’re involved in an accident like this, there are resources readily available for you to seek justice and compensation.