A motorcyclist’s best defense from careless drivers is to remain as visible as possible. This idea is behind many of the motorcycle laws and vehicle codes the state of California applies to riders.
Some of those laws deal with the requirement to have turn signals on a motorcycle and the need to use them correctly to stay as safe as possible on California highways and streets.
Signaling Laws Across California
Motorcycles in California are required to have turn signals just like a car. That means two turn signals mounted to the front of the bike and two at the rear.
The California DMV Motorcycle Handbook points out the important fact that turn signals are even more important for riders than they are for drivers in vehicles. This is because “blinkers” are crucial to keeping motorcycles visible and crucial to cut down on the confusion drivers may have about what a motorcyclist intends to do next.
Turn signal use is also important at night. Drivers aren’t always used to seeing one headlight coming at them. The difference between two headlights and one can cause them to misjudge distances and turn directly in front of an approaching rider. Blinkers can give motorists another way to spot a motorcycle.
The handbook puts forth these other safety guidelines for using turn signals while riding:
- Use them anytime you plan to change lanes or turn.
- Signal your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point.
- At highway speeds, it is best to signal at least five seconds before changing lanes.
- Use your turn signals even when you think no one else is around.
- If bright sunlight makes your turn signal lights hard to see, use hand signals.
- Use turn signals when merging onto a freeway. Drivers approaching from behind are more likely to see your turn signal blinking and make room for you.
Proper turn signal use is also important when riders are passing a vehicle. Riders must use a turn signal and turn their heads to check their blind spot before they attempt to pass. They should also signal again when returning to the proper lane once they’ve gone around the vehicle.
If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in California…
No matter how much riders do to stay visible, careless drivers can miss motorcyclists even while staring right at them. This lapse in attention and focus is often behind serious motorcycle accidents along California roadways.
When a careless or reckless driver puts your ride and your wellbeing in jeopardy, discuss your case with a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney. It’s important that you are protected from unfair blame in a collision and that you and your family get everything needed in recovery.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works hard to see that motorcyclists aren’t taken advantage of by an insurance company representing an at-fault driver. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn the financial support you need to pay hospital bills and get back on your bike again.
