Proper Following Distance Behind a Motorcyclist

When you’re learning how to drive, you’re often taught about the proper distance to keep between you and other vehicles on the road. However, many drivers don’t realize that motorcycles require extra space on the road, not just for their own safety but for yours as well. 

Understanding the distance you need to maintain between yourself and a motorcyclist can help prevent accidents and keep everyone on the road safe. Striking a motorcycle from behind can cause serious injuries to the rider and lead to legal trouble for the driver. Just a few seconds of space can make all the difference.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident because a vehicle followed you too closely or acted recklessly, our lawyers can help. For over 60 years, Meshbesher & Spence has come to the aid of motorcyclists everywhere. Reach out to our motorcycle car accident lawyers online or by calling (612) 339-9121 today.

What Is The Proper Following Distance Behind A Motorcyclist?

A safe following distance is the space you leave between your car and the one in front to give yourself time to react if they stop suddenly. The general rule is the three-second rule (although sometimes you’ll see the two-second rule). 

However, experts recommend a minimum of four seconds of space between your vehicle and the motorcycle in front of you. This is similar to the general advice for following other vehicles, but with motorcycles, the key is to give more room in case of sudden stops or changes in speed.

To calculate this distance, pick a stationary object on the side of the road, like a sign or tree. When the motorcycle passes that object, start counting: “one-1,000, two-1,000, three-1,000, four-1,000.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you’re following too closely and need to back off.

The Importance of Distance When Traveling Behind A Motorcycle

It is dangerous to follow a motorcycle too closely because:

• They are more vulnerable to road conditions
• They are harder to predict than larger vehicles
• They have a smaller profile, which can make them harder to see in traffic 

Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have the same buffer of size and weight, which means they can be affected by the slightest changes in the road surface. A pothole, patch of gravel, or even a minor change in the weather can cause a motorcycle to slow down or change direction unexpectedly.

When you don’t abide by the proper following distance behind a motorcycle, you’re reducing your ability to react quickly if something goes wrong. This can lead to a rear-end collision, especially if the motorcyclist has to make an abrupt stop. 

Since motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars, their braking systems can bring them to a stop more quickly than yours, making it harder to avoid a crash if you’re too close.

How Far Back Should You Follow a Motorcycle in Different Conditions?

While the four-second rule is a good baseline, it can change depending on the road and weather conditions. Here are some scenarios in which you should remain extra vigilant and consider increasing the motorcycle following distance: 

• Poor Weather Conditions: When it’s raining, the roads are wet after a storm, or there is reduced visibility from fog, you should increase your following distance. The added slickness can cause both you and the motorcyclist to stop more slowly.
• Heavy Traffic: In stop-and-go traffic, it’s easy to get too close to the vehicle in front of you, including motorcycles. Stay mindful of your distance, and try to maintain a safe gap, even when traffic is slow. 
• Night Driving: At night, visibility is reduced, so it’s even more important to keep a greater distance. A four-second gap might not be enough when you can’t see as clearly. 

That said, following distance is still critical at high speeds, like on freeways or highways. The faster you drive, the more time and space you’ll need to stop safely. At 60 mph, it already takes several yards to come to a full stop, and even more at higher speeds. Crashes at high speeds also involve greater force, leading to more serious injuries and damage.

As drivers, we share the road with more than just other cars. Truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists all depend on us to drive with care. We can’t go through life behind the wheel with blinders on, only thinking about what’s safe for ourselves. Motorcycle safety tips extend beyond just motorcyclists.

Every time you start your engine, you take on the responsibility of looking out for everyone around you. If you or someone you love has suffered the devastation of a motorcycle accident, reach out to Meshbesher & Spence today online or by phone at (612) 339-9121 to schedule a fully free case review.

The Dangerous Consequences of Not Keeping a Safe Motorcycle Following Distance 

If you are too close to a motorcycle and fail to stop in time, the impact can be disastrous and potentially life-threatening, specifically for the motorcyclist. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often much more severe than those involving only cars, due to the lack of protection that riders have, causing them to potentially suffer: 

• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Amputations
• Disfigurement

If you are the survivor of a motorcycle accident, it’s vital that you seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine at the scene, adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms, and some serious injuries don’t show up immediately. Internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue injuries might not become noticeable until hours or even days later. 

Getting checked out by a medical professional not only protects your health but also creates a clear record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to pursue a legal claim later. 

An Attorney from Meshbesher & Spence Can Support You in the Aftermath of an Accident

More drivers need to be asking themselves the question: What is the proper following distance behind a motorcyclist? Given their smaller size and higher vulnerability, motorcycles require more space on the road.

As a general rule, maintain at least a four-second following distance behind a motorcycle, but adjust this depending on road and weather conditions. By being a proactive driver, you’ll not only protect motorcyclists but also yourself and your passengers. 

Many drivers either aren’t aware of the proper following distance or choose to ignore it. At the same time, most motorcyclists do everything they can to stay safe, but even the most careful rider can’t always protect themselves from reckless or distracted drivers. 

Meshbesher & Spence has been helping motorcycle accident victims since 1961. Our team has won several landmark settlements and verdicts for clients, including $6 million in a catastrophic motorcycle accident. Whether a driver followed you too closely, you were the victim of road rage, or someone else’s negligence caused your crash, we can help. Give us a call at (612) 339-9121 or fill out our online form to schedule a 100% free, no-obligation case review today.