3 Ways to Stay Safe in Traffic Jams
The end of the summer typically has more families taking those last-minute road trips, which means that more people will be flooding the highways and tourist areas throughout Florida. For motorcycle riders, this can be dangerous as those who are unfamiliar with state driving laws can pose a risk to the safety of motorists. For your best chance at staying safe on the roads, here are three tips for navigating traffic jams.
#1. Stay Alert to Changing Lanes and Road Conditions
Most car accidents happen when drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings and fail to notice changing lanes or road conditions. This is especially true in traffic jams where there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic. As a motorcycle rider, you need to be extra vigilant of your surroundings and be on the lookout for any changes in traffic flow.
If you see a car changing lanes without signaling, be prepared to brake or swerve out of the way. Remain vigilant of merging lanes or lanes that end (i.e. a straight lane that suddenly turns into a right-turn-only lane.) Also, watch out for potholes, debris, and other road hazards that can cause problems for motorcycle riders.
#2. Create a Buffer Zone
Another way to stay safe in traffic is to create a buffer zone between you and the other vehicles around you. This will give you some space to maneuver if someone else makes a sudden stop or change in direction. You can do this by riding in the middle of the lane instead of hugging the side of the road.
This will also increase visibility to other drivers and give them more time to react if they need to brake or change lanes.
#3. Have an Exit Strategy
In any traffic situation, it is crucial to have an exit strategy in case things go wrong. Before setting out on the road, plan your route ahead of time so that you know where you can turn off the highway or take a back road if necessary.
St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Our Florida attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience helping motor vehicle accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. When you or a loved one needs legal assistance for a personal injury claim, call (904) 849-2266 to schedule a free consultation.
