Learning to be safe on the road
Both motorcycle riders and regular motorists are at risk for being involved in driving accidents. Familiarizing yourself with all relevant driving rules before beginning to drive in a new location can help keep everyone safe on the road.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. By following laws put in place, drivers of all kinds can learn to share the road and travel together in harmony.
Responsible U-turns
Both motorcycle riders and regular motorists are at risk for being involved in U-turn-related accidents. Although not all U-turns are dangerous, there are important rules to follow when making them safely.
The 2013 Utah Driver Handbook provides tips on how to make U-turns safely. The handbook specifies that a driver cannot safely operate a vehicle if he or she does not know how to make proper turns.
In general, a good turn involves:
1. Making up your mind before you get to the turning point
2. Signaling and safely moving into the proper lane well before your turn. If you cannot get into the proper lane at least 100 feet before your turn, do not attempt the turn.
3. Giving the proper turn signal at least two seconds before reaching the point where you plan to turn.
4. Slowing down to a reasonable turning speed.
5. Making the turn properly.
In addition, there are rules governing how to specifically make a U-turn.
The Utah Driver Handbook specifies that you must never make a U-turn:
1. On any curve
2. Near the top of a hill where you cannot see or be seen from both directions for 500 feet
3. Where prohibited by an official traffic control device.
4. On a railroad track or railroad grade crossing.
Each city has its own laws regarding U-turns, so be sure you know the specific laws before you drive in a new place. A U-turn should only be made on a street or highway that is sufficiently wide enough to allow a turn to be made from the left hand lane or just to the right of the center line or center of the street.
In addition to these U-turn laws, the Utah Driver Handbook provides guidelines to motorists and motorcyclists about sharing the road and driving with courtesy. In the event of an accident, motorists have the advantage of using larger, heavier cars while traveling. Motorcyclists must be more alert, since their motorbikes might not be easily seen by motorists in traffic. Similarly, motorists must always be on the lookout for motorcyclists. The Utah Driver Handbook promotes the use of “SEE” as a guide to heighten awareness of potential road problems.
The acronym “SEE” stands for:
1. Search for factors in the area. Drivers of both cars and motorcycles should be alert and on the lookout for each other, as well as other potentially dangerous elements on the road.
2. Evaluate the potential risks and options. Especially if a driver is considering doing something out of the ordinary, like a U-turn, they need to evaluate the severity of the posed risks and options. Particularly when traveling on a highway, drivers need to always make smart, safe choices.
3. Execute with control and precision. Plan your specific driving moves in your mind, then execute them safely and surely. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and one poor decision can result in terrible consequences. All road users need to focus on their driving, remain alert, and stay safe on the road.
Reaching Out
By working together, we can make the road a safer place for all drivers. However, we know that accidents <i>do</i> happen. If you have questions or concerns regarding road accidents involving motorcycles, please feel free to contact an attorney from Christensen & Hymas at (801) 506-0800. We at Christensen & Hymas are ready to assist you in any way we can.
Photo Courtesy of Sancho McCann and Creative Commons
Photo Courtesy of Kristin Nador and Creative Commons