Ride Smart, Stay Safe: Motorcycle Safety on the Central Coast
Stay Safe on Two Wheels: Motorcycle Safety on the Central Coast
Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about transportation—it’s a way of life. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the open road, the wind in your face, and the connection to the ride. But as much freedom as motorcycles offer, they also come with risks, especially when other drivers fail to see or respect riders’ space on the road.
A recent tragedy in Fairfield is a heartbreaking reminder of why motorcycle safety is so important. On Wednesday night, 63-year-old Robert McPherson lost his life when a driver turned left in front of him on West Texas Street. He had the right of way, but the driver either didn’t see him or misjudged his speed. Sadly, this kind of crash is all too common. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated, but that doesn’t change the outcome—a motorcyclist is gone, and a family is grieving.
Why Do So Many Left-Turn Accidents Happen?
One of the most frequent causes of motorcycle crashes is a car making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider. It’s usually not intentional—the driver just fails to register the motorcyclist’s presence or speed. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, and many drivers don’t train their eyes to look for them. This isn’t an excuse, but it does highlight the need for more awareness and better habits from drivers.
What Can Motorcyclists Do to Stay Safe?
Motorcyclists can’t control what drivers do, but there are some proactive steps we can take to reduce risks:
1. Stay Visible
Wear bright or reflective gear, especially at night.
Keep your headlights on, even during the day.
Position yourself in a lane where you’re most visible to drivers.
2. Anticipate Left-Turn Hazards
If you see a car waiting to turn left, assume they don’t see you.
Cover your brakes and be prepared to slow down.
Look for signs that the driver is about to turn—wheel movement, eye contact, or hesitation.
3. Ride Defensively, Not Aggressively
Maintain a safe following distance.
Avoid riding in blind spots.
Always have an escape route in mind.
4. Use Proper Safety Gear
A DOT-approved helmet can mean the difference between life and death.
Protective jackets, gloves, and pants reduce injury risk in a crash.
Motorcycle boots provide better grip and ankle protection.
5. Know the Road and Weather Conditions
Slippery roads, potholes, and debris are extra dangerous on a motorcycle.
Ride within your skill level and be extra cautious in low-visibility conditions.
What Can Drivers Do to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle safety isn’t just the responsibility of riders—drivers need to do their part, too. Here’s how:
Look twice for motorcycles at intersections. A quick second glance could save a life.
Respect motorcyclists’ space. Don’t tailgate or cut them off.
Use turn signals and check blind spots. Motorcycles are easy to miss in mirrors.
Stay alert. Distracted driving is deadly for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists.
Advocating for Safer Roads
Motorcycle safety isn’t just about individual responsibility—it’s about building a culture where drivers and riders look out for each other. Awareness campaigns, better road design, and stronger driver education all play a role in reducing tragic crashes like the one that took Robert McPherson’s life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, know that you have rights. At Central Coast Personal Injury Law, we fight for injured riders because we believe in protecting those who share the road. If a negligent driver caused your crash, we can help you hold them accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Motorcycles bring joy, freedom, and connection to the road, but safety has to come first. Whether you ride every day or just on weekends, take the precautions that keep you safe. And if you drive a car, remember: motorcycles are out there. Let’s make the roads safer for everyone.
If you need legal help after a motorcycle crash, we’re here for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.