Motorcycles are fun to ride, but they’re different from cars. They’re smaller, faster, and sometimes harder to see.

If you’re driving a car or truck, you share the road with motorcyclists, and keeping everyone safe is important. A crash can hurt people badly, and nobody wants that.

At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in accidents, including motorcycle crashes. We’ve won serious cases, like $23.7 million for a motorcycle accident, so we know how important safety is. This blog will share easy tips on staying safe around motorcyclists, using California laws to guide us.

Look Twice for Motorcycles

Motorcycles are small, so they can be tough to spot. Always look twice before you turn, change lanes, or pull out at a stop sign. Check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder to make sure no motorcyclist is nearby. A quick extra look can save someone’s life!

California law says you need to drive carefully to keep everyone safe (California Vehicle Code § 22350). That means watching out for motorcyclists, who might be harder to see than cars. If you’re not sure, slow down and look again. It’s better to be extra careful!

Give Motorcyclists Space

Motorcycles need room to move safely. Don’t drive too close behind them, because they can stop faster than cars. A good rule is to stay at least three seconds behind a motorcycle.

To check, pick a sign on the road. When the motorcycle passes it, count “one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi.” If you pass the sign before you finish, you’re too close!

Sometimes motorcyclists “lane split,” which means they ride between cars in the same lane when traffic is slow or stopped. This is okay in California (California Vehicle Code § 21658.1), but it means you need to give them space. Don’t try to block them or move suddenly—it could cause a crash. Stay steady and let them pass safely.

Use Your Turn Signals

Motorcyclists need to know what you’re doing, just like other drivers. Always use your turn signals when you’re turning or changing lanes. This gives motorcyclists time to slow down or move out of the way. If you switch lanes without signaling, you might bump into a motorcycle you didn’t see.

California law says you can only pass another vehicle, like a motorcycle, when it’s safe (California Vehicle Code § 21755). Using your signal helps make sure it’s safe for everyone.

Be Careful at Intersections

Intersections are busy spots where lots of crashes happen. Motorcyclists are extra careful here, and you should be, too. Before you turn left or go through a stop sign, wait an extra second to make sure no motorcycle is coming. Motorcycles can look farther away than they really are because they’re small.

If you’re stopped at a light, keep an eye on your mirrors. A motorcyclist might be lane-splitting to get to the front. Don’t open your door or move suddenly—it could hit them. California’s rules for lane splitting say motorcyclists can do this safely, but drivers need to help by staying alert.

Watch Out for Motorcyclists at Night

Motorcycles are harder to see when it’s dark. Their headlights are smaller than a car’s, so they might blend into the background. Turn on your headlights early, even before the sun sets, to help motorcyclists see you. If you see a single light coming toward you, it might be a motorcycle, not a car with a broken light. Give it plenty of room.

Wear bright clothes if you’re walking near the road at night, and make sure your car’s lights are working. California law says driving safely includes being careful in low light (California Vehicle Code § 22350). Being extra cautious at night keeps motorcyclists safe.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Looking at your phone, eating, or playing with the radio can make you miss a motorcyclist. Even a second of not watching the road can cause a crash. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. If you need to text or call, pull over to a safe spot first.

Crashes from distracted driving hurt lots of people, including motorcyclists. At Banafshe Law Firm, we’ve seen how one moment of not paying attention can change someone’s life. We’ve helped people get money to heal, like $6.25 million for a motorcycle crash with a truck. Staying focused helps everyone get home safely.

Why Motorcycle Safety Matters

A motorcycle crash can hurt someone badly, and it might mean doctor bills, missing work, or feeling scared to drive again. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California when accidents happen. We’ve won major cases, like $4.5 million for a car accident because we know how to fight for what’s fair.

If a motorcycle crash does happen, call us for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and figure out how to help. Our team, with lawyers like P. Ryan Banafshe and Sung “Sean” Kim, knows how to talk to insurance companies and get you money for things like fixing your car or paying doctors. We don’t charge you unless we win—that’s our No Fees Unless We Win Guarantee!

Extra Tips for Staying Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists in California

Here are a few more ways to stay safe:

• Be Kind: Motorcyclists are people just like you, trying to get where they’re going. A little patience goes a long way.
• Learn the Rules: California has guidelines for sharing the road, like how lane splitting works. Knowing them helps everyone stay safe.
• Stay Calm: If traffic is slow, don’t get mad. Take a deep breath and give motorcyclists room to move.

If you’re a motorcyclist in California, wear a helmet and bright gear to help drivers see you. California’s roads are safer when we all work together.

Banafshe Law Firm’s California Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here for You After an Accident

At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people all over California, from Los Angeles to Fresno. If you or someone you know gets hurt in a motorcycle accident, we’re here 24/7. Contact us online or call 855-761-8722 today. We speak Spanish too—Hablamos Español!