Norfolk, Newport News, & Eastern Shore Motorcyclists: Are You Visible on Virginia Roadways?

If you are a Virginia motorcyclist, you are probably aware of the fact that your motorcycle is less visible on the roadway than large trucks or even cars. What you may not realize, however, is just how "invisible" you are to many drivers, simply because they aren't looking for motorcycles on the roadway. To decrease the risk of serious injury from Norfolk motorcycle accidents and other Virginia crashes between motorcycles and larger vehicles, follow these tips for making yourself more visible on the roadway (adapted from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's booklet on riding tips).

• If your motorcycle is an earlier model that doesn't have a hard-wired headlamp (which turns on the headlight when the engine starts), turn your headlight on every time you ride.
• Wear bright clothing, using retroreflective material at night or in times of low visibility.
• Your back is the biggest part of you or your motorcycle that drivers traveling behind you will see, so make an extra effort to ensure that your back stands out.
• Always use turn signals to indicate where you're going, and, if you feel as if you may not be easy to see, use hand signals in addition to your lighted turn signals.
  
• When you've made your maneuver, turn off your signals to avoid confusing other drivers.
• Use your horn when necessary.
• Look around you, and try to put your motorcycle in a position where it can be seen, following all traffic laws about motorcycle positioning.
• Specifically, avoid riding behind large trucks or in the blind spots of other vehicles.

Although taking these precautions and following motorcycle safety regulations can lessen the risk of becoming involved in an Eastern Shore motorcycle accident or Norfolk, Nassawadox, or Newport News crash, larger vehicles still pose a threat on the roadway to Virginia motorcyclists. If you or a family member has been hurt in a Virginia vehicle-motorcycle wreck, feel free to contact Virginia vehicle accident attorney Lawrence Land for free answers to your pressing questions. Contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198.