Motorcycle Distracted Driving

Operating any type of vehicle while distracted can be incredibly dangerous. This is especially true for motorcyclists in Denver and throughout the state of Colorado. Motorcyclists lack the same types of protections that traditional vehicle drivers and passengers have. When a motorcyclist is operating while distracted by their phones or something else, their chance of being involved in a catastrophic or fatal accident significantly increases. Here, we want to discuss the dangers associated with distracted driving on a motorcycle.

What is Distracted Driving – Adapted for Motorcyclists

Distracted driving is not relegated to just those inside traditional motor vehicles. Motorcycle riders can also become distracted, which can lead to catastrophic injuries and even fatalities in the event a collision occurs. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can see that distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the actual actions of driving. The CDC looks at three main types of distraction:

• Visual. Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual. Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive. Taking your mind off driving

When operating a motorcycle, there are various types of distractions that can put the lives of the motorcyclist and others around them in danger. This includes the following:

• Texting while riding
• Talking on a mobile device
• Drinking or eating
• Talking to a passenger or others nearby
• Using a navigation system
• Reaching for items in a stow bag
• Adjusting the music
• Smoking

When most people think of distracted driving and motorcycle crashes, they think of how distracted drivers in motor vehicles can affect the motorcyclist. However, a distracted motorcyclist can be just as dangerous as a distracted vehicle driver. Properly operating a motorcycle takes much more attention than most people realize. Anytime a motorcyclist takes their hand off of the handlebars, takes their eyes off the roadway, or takes their mind off of riding the motorcycle, they are much more likely to be involved in an accident.

Avoiding Distracted Riding on a Motorcycle

There are various steps that motorcyclists can take to remain safe on the roadways of Colorado.

• Pull over if needed. If it is absolutely crucial for a motorcyclist to do anything that can cause a distraction on the roadway, they need to pull over to a safe location first. This could include pulling over to take a phone call or to send and receive a text message.
• Buy a Bluetooth-enabled helmet. A helmet that is Bluetooth-enabled is a great way to enhance motorcycle safety. This helmet will connect to your phone and help provide a safer way for answering or placing phone calls.
• Buy a phone holder. Many motorcyclists use their phones as GPS devices, and they need to be able to see the screen without reaching into their pockets and looking at the phone. There are various inexpensive phone holders available for motorcyclists that should be purchased and placed onto the bike.
• Take care of business before riding. Before getting on the bike and onto the roadway, motorcyclists should try to anticipate the various types of distractions that could arise during the ride. Motorcyclists should take care of phone calls or messages beforehand and even go so far as to let others know that they will be riding and unable to respond for a certain period of time.