The distracted driver makes motorcycling more hazardous

[Dodsfall]

Electronic gadgets, like cell phones or MP3 players, often provide the temptation to multitask while driving. Studies have shown that texting while driving can impair a driver's ability to avoid accidents as much as driving while intoxicated. Many states have made it illegal to text while driving, and a few localities have outlawed cell phone usage while driving. A distracted driver presents a serious danger to a motorcycle rider. In this article, we will explore some ways to identify and avoid the distracted driver.

How to identify a distracted driver

While it's not always possible to know if a driver is being distracted by an electronic device, there are some clues to watch for. Weaving in the lane, driving slower or faster than the flow of traffic, and late or erratic use of the brakes are common signs that a driver is distracted. If you can see the driver looking down often or holding a cellphone across the steering wheel, it's very obvious.

How to avoid a distracted driver

When encountering a distracted driver, the best course of action is to put space and time between yourself and the distracted driver. It is preferable to be behind the driver where you can keep an eye on them than having them right behind you. Safely leaving them far behind, taking another route, or even pulling off the road and taking a break can all be good options. Your horn can often give a moments pause to a distracted driver. Being able to use your horn quickly and reflexively while heading for an escape route is often needed when a driver begins to enter your space. I recommend replacing the often weak factory horns on motorcycles with a loud low-tone horn for a truck.

Motorcycle stories

Have you ever had a close call because of a distracted river? Add your story below!

[cbdallas]

Too many to count. Most involving SUVs, most involving some sort of needless distraction. Women digging in their purses are the new big thing around my area. I'm behind 1 or more every day. I'd like to put a bull bar on my truck and start waking them up to the fact that they're going to run a biker over someday if they don't spend more time looking out the windshield.

[JasonSK]

I run 140 miles a day round trip for work I see it everyday. Even in Kentucky where texting and driving is now illegal I see it every single day. Some of the worst I've seen though are Taxi drivers, texting, talking, never using turn signals. I wish I had a route home that didn't involve the interstate but still got me home at a decent time.