Many drivers enjoy spending time on the road during the summer, but car and truck drivers need to remember they’re not alone. Motorcycles often get hidden in blind spots due to their relatively small size, putting the operator at risk. As a driver, there are measures you can take to avoid getting into an accident. The scheduled maintenance experts at Professional Automotive of Anchorage, AK, specialize in engine and brake repair services that make your car safer to drive.

Here, the team offers some tips for sharing the road with motorcycles.

1. Keep Up With Maintenance

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained lowers your risk of having a collision. Your mechanic will make sure you have adequate tire pressure and treads, working brakes, and bright headlights, so you can see other vehicles on the road and stop to avoid an accident. Following your manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance recommendations ensures your car will handle properly, giving you the confidence you need to share the road safely.

2. Always Use Your Signals

In the event of a crash, a motorcycle offers little protection to its rider. As such, motorcyclists tend to ride defensively, watching the vehicles in front of them while anticipating their next move. As a driver, you should always signal your intentions so they can adjust accordingly.

3. Let Them Swerve

For most vehicles, driving over a bump, gravel patch, or pothole is not a big deal. For motorcycles, however, riding over potholes and road debris at a high rate of speed can be fatal. So if you notice a rider swerve within their lane or suddenly change lanes—even without signaling—give them as much room as possible.

4. Increase Your Following Distance

You can’t depend on the brake lights of the motorcycle in front of you to determine when to hit your brakes. Riders can slow down by downshifting, and they have a quicker stopping distance compared to bigger vehicles. Allow yourself at least four seconds of following distance when traveling behind a motorcycle to minimize your chances of rear-ending the rider.

5. Look Three Ways

Make a conscious effort to be aware of bikers on the road and remember that a collision can have severe implications. To stay safe, make a habit of looking ahead, at your rearview mirror, and side mirrors before changing lanes. 

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your car is ready for all driving conditions, including sharing the road with smaller vehicles. Whether you need a tuneup, brake repair, or engine replacement, the team at Professional Automotive is ready to handle your scheduled maintenance. Call (907) 562-2471 or visit the shop’s website for more information.