Drivers who have to be on the road with motorcyclists know that it can be scary at times. It’s not always easy to see a motorcyclist, and it can be surprising to see one where you weren’t expecting it.

To be a good neighbor on the roads, there are a few things drivers can do to avoid collisions with motorcyclists. Here are four tips for sharing the road more effectively.

1. Be aware of your surroundings

One of the first things to do is to make sure you’re as aware of your surroundings as possible. Always check alongside the sides of your vehicle before you move into another lane or try to merge. Doing this may help you avoid hitting a motorcyclist in one of your blind spots.

1. Don’t risk pulling out in front of a motorcyclist

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have time to make a left turn in front of a motorcyclist. Since they’re on a smaller vehicle, there is an illusion that they’re not traveling as quickly as they are. It’s possible that you have time to make the turn, but it is just as easy to wait and allow the motorcyclist to pass before you do.

1. Don’t slam on your brakes

Regardless of who else is on the road with you, you shouldn’t throw on your brakes suddenly. Slamming on your brakes is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists since they could hit your vehicle directly with no protection. Give them plenty of space and time to slow down.

1. Don’t tailgate a motorcyclist

Finally, don’t tailgate a motorcyclist if you’re behind them. Give them plenty of room to maneuver. If they have to stop suddenly, you don’t want to risk hitting them.

These are four tips to help you share the road with motorcyclists more effectively. Remember, these riders don’t have as much protection as those in cars or trucks, so it’s essential to be more cautious around them to avoid a serious collision. Know the rules of the road, and follow the traffic laws to stay safe.