Be Aware of Motorcycles and Share the Road

This week, we saw a tragic accident in near Muskegon, Michigan, where an unaware and intoxicated driver plowed into an oncoming motorcycle. A tragic car and motorcycle crash like this reminds us to be on the lookout for motorcycles on the road at all time. It's a misconception that fatal motorcycle accidents occur because bikers are aggressive or dangerous drivers - the truth is that many motorcycle accidents occur because people driving cars and trucks don't see them or aren't looking for them.

Here are 4 steps a car or truck driver can take to make the roads safer for everyone:

• Check your rear view and side view mirrors often. Be aware of your blind spots, even if it means turning quickly to peek behind you.
• Don't tailgate or follow too close. While rear-ending a car or truck can be a simple fender-bender, rear-ending a motorcycle can often be fatal.
• Simply be aware the riders are on the road - consciously look for them when turning onto a highway or merging, and purposely think about the possibility of motorcycles when changing lanes.
• Don't drive impaired. The motorcyclist killed this week was killed by a drunk driver pulling out of a bar. But drinking isn't the only way to impair your driving - be careful when taking cold medicines, pain killers, and prescription drugs. Also understand that driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving drunk.