As a motorcyclist, a car making a left turn in front of you is one of the most dangerous situations you can encounter on the road. Left-turning vehicles are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, and riders must take steps to avoid these difficult situations.

Last week on the Proner & Proner Facebook Live broadcast, Mitchell Proner, the managing partner of Proner & Proner, and Jim Barr, the founder and past President of Long Island ABATE and the founder and Director of the National Council Of Independent Riders, discussed how to stay safe on the road this season by riding your bike defensively against left turning vehicles. To view the broadcast recording, you can visit our YouTube channel here.

Although several factors may contribute to a potential accident this riding season, even the most careful rider could fall victim to a driver who fails to see a motorcyclist on the road. Here are some of the tips that Mitchell and Jim discussed for avoiding left-turning cars while on a motorcycle:

1. Stay Visible: One of the most important things you can do is to stay visible to other drivers. Wear bright clothing and use reflective gear, especially if you’re riding at night. Use your headlights and position yourself in the lane where other drivers will most likely see you.

2. Anticipate Danger: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Look for cars that may be turning left, and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

3. Slow Down: If you see a car turning left in front of you, slow down immediately. Refrain from assuming the driver has seen you, even if you have the right of way. Be prepared to stop or swerve if necessary.

4. Use Your Horn: If you feel that a driver hasn’t seen you, use your horn to alert them to your presence. A loud horn can be a lifesaver in situations where visibility is low.

5. Stay Focused: When riding, staying focused on the road ahead is essential. Avoid distractions like signs on the side of the road or your reflection in the glass of a store, and always keep your eyes on the road.

6. Practice Defensive Riding: Defensive riding is all about anticipating potential hazards and taking steps to avoid them. Practice defensive riding techniques to improve your skills and reduce your risk of accidents.

7. Take a safety class: Motorcycle riding classes are an essential resource for new and experienced riders. These classes give riders the skills and knowledge to operate their motorcycles safely and responsibly. In a motorcycle riding class, riders learn about the rules of the road, how to maneuver their motorcycles in different situations, and how to anticipate potential hazards. They also learn about the importance of protective gear and how to maintain their motorcycles properly. Experienced riders can benefit from taking advanced motorcycle riding classes, which can help them improve their skills and learn new techniques for handling their motorcycles. Overall, motorcycle riding classes are a valuable investment in the safety and enjoyment of riding a bike. Organizations like ABATE and COIR offer classes and resources to find classes near you.

8. Consider joining a motorcycle organization like ABATE or COIR: Abate provides a wide range of services to its members, including access to legal assistance, discounts on motorcycle insurance and gear, and a variety of social events and activities. Members of ABATE or COIR have access to a vast network of resources and support, and the organization works hard to ensure that its members can enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with riding a motorcycle. COIR also provides its members with various services, benefits, and a solid and supportive network of fellow riders.

Remember, as a motorcyclist, you are responsible for protecting yourself and others on the road. By staying visible, anticipating danger, slowing down, using your horn, staying focused, and practicing defensive riding, you can reduce your risk of accidents and stay safe. If the unexpected happens and you get into an accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like Mitchell Proner.

Contacting a lawyer after a motorcycle accident is crucial to protecting your rights and interests. A law office that understands riders and the motorcycle community, like the ones at Proner & Proner, can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages you may have suffered.

A good lawyer can also help you deal with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your case and negotiate with other parties involved in the accident. By working with a skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your legal rights are being protected and that you are doing everything you can to recover from the accident.