Assume that no one can see you.

While driving defensively is always a good idea, when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s a must. With all the distractions that car drivers have, they often aren’t paying attention like they should—and if you’re on a bike, you’re likely to lose in an accident.

Make yourself visible: turn on your headlight, wear brightly colored clothing and gear, and use hand signals as well as your bike’s turn signal. As you approach the intersection, be sure to stay out of drivers’ blind spots. Changing your lane position once or twice increases your visibility to those around you. Even a slight variation in your position will get the attention of drivers.

Have an escape plan in mind.

If you anticipate possible trouble spots as you ride, and create an out for yourself, you’ll know exactly what to do in case you have a problem. For example, if you ride in the middle lane, you have an extra lane to move into if you need it. If you ride a specific route each day, you’ll learn the traffic patterns and trouble spots and know what to do to have a smoother and safer ride.

As you enter an intersection, slow down.

Drivers turning left in front of bikes cause a large percentage of accidents, and if you’re riding fast through an intersection, you have less time and space to slow down. Don’t assume that no turn signal means no turn; many drivers fail to use them. Slow down and look in all directions as you proceed through the intersection—and do not change lanes while you are in the intersection unless absolutely necessary.

If you are at the front of the line when the light turns green, look both ways before proceeding in case someone runs the red light.

Always allow more space than you need.

Never tailgate, and stay as far back from the car in front of you as possible. If a vehicle is tailgating you, pull over and let it pass. You do not need to prove a point to anyone, and road rage is something you want to avoid, especially while on a bike.

Reconsider lane splitting.

Not only is it illegal in many states, it’s dangerous. It might save you a few minutes, but you run the very real risk of someone pulling out in front of you or hitting you. It’s not worth it.

As  South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we know how challenging it can be to ride. Stay safe!

SECTION 56-5-3640. Motorcycle entitled to full use of lane; riding two or more abreast; overtaking and passing; operation in other instances.

(a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

**Many drivers fail to understand that a motorcycle is entitled to the same full use of a lane as if it were a car or truck.

(b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

**The same concept as if you were driving a car.

(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

**Also known as “lane splitting,” this is not legal in South Carolina.

(Image below was taken from Motorcycle Cruiser)

Lane Splitting image taken from Motorcycle Cruiser

(d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

**As long as it’s only two bikes riding side by side, you are ok:

(Image below was taken from Diamondback Bobbers)

Image taken from Diamondback Bobbers

(e) Items (b) and (c) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

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