Defensive driving key for vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders

MOSES LAKE — Spring is here, summer is coming and, among other things, that means motorcycles returning to the road. That means vehicle drivers may need to readjust their thinking, and motorcycle riders may need to reacquaint themselves with the bike. 

Jeremy Weber, public information officer for Washington State Patrol Region 6 – and a motorcycle owner himself — said safe driving with bikes on the road is a lot like safe driving any time of year.  

“As drivers, it’s our responsibility to be aware at all times when we’re on the roadway,” Weber said.  

Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said visibility is key, and not just for seeing bikes. 

“For all the warmer months where there are good road conditions, expect there to be motorcyclists on the roadways. And because they’re on the roadways, make doubly sure that you’re looking both ways at the intersection, that when you’re looking both ways at an intersection that you’re scanning not only for cars and trucks, but also for motorcycles,” Foreman said.  

Weber said vehicle drivers usually know there are blind spots, but they don’t always realize where they are or how many there are. In modern vehicles, up to 40% of the car or truck can have blind spots, he said.  

That means drivers have to pay attention, and he cited a habit of his own, looking back and checking that blind spot on the driver’s side.  

“People forget that last head check,” he said. “That head check is so important because that (blind spot) can easily hold a motorcycle or a small car.” 

Weber said he’s one of those drivers who can forget. 

“I have to tell myself to do that, because I live in my mirrors,” he said. “I guess my message would be, (vehicle drivers) just have to be more attentive.”  

Foreman said it’s also important for bikers to drive defensively. 

“Make sure your motorcycle’s headlight is on – I know some motorcycles have the capability of having a pulsing headlight to increase visibility,” he said. “Wear your protective gear, especially a helmet. Drive defensively, keep an eye out for other motorists on the road. Remember, they may be having a hard time seeing motorcyclists. Try to gauge if the other motorists see you before attempting moves that would cause you to collide.” 

Bikers also should pay attention to weather conditions, he said. 

“If it clouds up and gets dark outside, it’s going to make a motorcycle a bit more difficult to see. If it begins to rain it makes the pavement slicker,” he said.  

Weber said speed is a major factor when riding a bike. 

“We just need to be focused, out of all (conditions) on our speed,” he said. “Motorcycles nowadays are very fast – they just tend to be way too fast for the roadways we have here.” 

Motorcycle riders can get into the speed and the road and think they are more visible than they are, he said.  

“When you’re on a bike, you’ve got a big view. With that helmet, you can see 180 degrees, no problem, in front of you. (Realize) that just because you can see everybody doesn’t mean they can see you,” Weber said. 

Both drivers and bikers should remember that a motorcycle doesn’t offer the same kind of protection for a rider that a car or truck does for its passengers. Riders must wear a helmet, and helmets must pass the standards set by the Washington Department of Transportation.  

“Having a helmet and having the right riding gear on will definitely help minimize injuries if you are involved in a collision,” Foreman said. 

Bikers should take a few days to get used to the bike again, since it’s different from driving a car.  

“For newer riders, I would suggest practicing on roadways that are less traveled by other vehicles,” Weber said.  

The key is defensive driving, both for drivers and bikers. 

“Being a safe rider is going to make you a much better driver,” Weber said. 

    Spectators check out motorcycles on display. Both drivers and bikers should be aware a motorcycle can be hard to see.