For Motorcycle Safety Month, the Florida Transportation Department is reminding drivers that motorcyclists have the same rights as any driver on the road. Among basic safety rules:
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane's width. Although it may seem as though there's enough room in a traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the full lane to maneuver safely.
• Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow.
• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle's blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always check mirrors at intersections and before entering or leaving traffic.
• Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle; they're usually not self-canceling, and riders sometimes forget to turn them off.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor obstacles for passenger vehicles can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. They may need to change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly if faced with potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.
