To share or not to share……

Sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as a driver of a vehicle. However, they encounter unique safety challenges, such as being less visible. Therefore, it is important to continuously look for cyclists where vehicles do not appear, like before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Additionally, be aware that motorcyclists may weave to avoid bumps and road hazards.

As a defensive driver, you need to be aware of some special situations and conditions so you can share the road safely.

Regardless of the situation, the chances are - oversize and specialty vehicles will be part of the road whatever route you take. Easy to spot, these vehicles’ moves can be unpredictable, so driving alongside them can be stressful or even dangerous—all good reasons why you need to know how to navigate around them safely.

Trucks

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - tips of driving around trucks are as follows;

1. Avoid cutting off trucks: Trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles, and that means it takes them longer to stop as well.
2. Don't tailgate a truck: Large debris may follow trucks and hit your windshield. It is hazardous to get into a rear end collision with a large truck because your windshield will likely be hit rather than your front bumper.
3. Be aware of where trucks are:  Trucks prefer to drive in the middle lane to avoid the fast lane on the left and cars getting off and on in the right lane.
4. Pass trucks quickly: If you must pass a truck, pass on the left and be careful to make it through their blind spot near the cab as quickly as you can while maintaining a safe speed.
5. Give trucks room to turn: Trucks are large, so they need more space to turn.
6. Give trucks the right of way: If you're able to choose whether to go first or let a truck do so instead, give the right of way to the truck. 
7.  Watch for light communications: Drivers of 18 wheelers often communicate using lights, particularly when merging. A truck that flashes its lights once is giving you the go ahead to merge in front of them. But high beams or multiple flashes means it's not safe to merge in front of them.

Motorcycles

It is important that we emphasize to students - ass drivers of cars, vans, and SUVs, we have the responsibility not only to share the road, but also to take proactive measure to increase the safety of motorcycle riders who we encounter on our way.

Depending on where you live, many drivers have traded in their cars for efficient motorcycles to decrease their fuel consumption. This movement has led to a huge number of inexperienced motorcycle riders, many of whom become involved in accidents with cars. Drivers must be aware that motorcycles can be encountered on all types of roadway.

1. Blind spot: Check your blind spot for motorcycles—look in mirrors and over your shoulder.
2. Speed: Be aware that motorcycles can accelerate quickly.
3. Lane Use: Motorcycle riders have a right to take up an entire lane. You must pass a motorcycle as you would any other vehicle.
4. Searching: Always scan the traffic for motorcycles—front, rear, left, right—especially when changing lanes and at intersections.
5. Be a responsible driver: Using common sense on the road is always helpful, but it's even more important when driving around motorcycles. Avoid sudden movements including lane changes, sudden stops, or abrupt turns.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians and drivers do not always agree. Sometimes a motorist drives fast through a crosswalk, other times a pedestrian jaywalks in front of an unsuspecting driver. So we must understand that boosting our awareness of unprotected pedestrians, we can maintain more consistent safety and, hopefully, avoid preventable accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pedestrian groups most at-risk for accidents are older adults, kids ages 5–9, and people under the influence of alcohol. Tips on driving around pedestrians include;

Know where the kids are: Kids do not understand right of way and traffic laws. It is your responsibility to acknowledge and adjust your driving style to ensure children are not hurt.

Slow down for crosswalks: Crosswalks aren't just for those who are walking or jogging. They also help drivers. Crosswalks protect drivers by designating a safe area for pedestrians to cross. Although at times you might be caught in a situation where someone is jaywalking, remember that they don't have the safeguards of metal framing, seatbelts, or airbags when it comes to protection from collision.

Consider driving conditions: Weather and road conditions add to your stopping distance. If you are driving fast during an inclement weather and a pedestrian runs into the street, you will not stop in time.

Bicycles

In Virginia, as of July 2013 the law is that motorists “shall pass at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle.”

The previous law required drivers to pass people on bikes by only two feet. Virginia joins 23 other states and the District of Columbia in having a three-foot passing law.

Bicycle lanes: Exhibited by a solid or dashed white line or green pavement markings, and a bicyclist symbol. A bicycle lane is for the use of bicyclists and you must be 3 feet away. 

No Protection: Think of bikes as cars without safety features: No seat belts or crumple zones, no air bags. Just a bicycle frame and hopefully a bike helmet. So, while treating cyclists like drivers is legally accurate, it doesn't hurt to give them a little courtesy to help ensure their safety.

Slow down: Reduce your speed when approaching and passing a cyclist. This also lets tailing drivers know there's reason to slow down ahead.