Sharing the road means being a courteous, alert and knowledgeable driver, making the roads safer for all. Bicycles, motorcycles, buses, trucks and pedestrians all deserve a share of the road.

Motorcycles 

Watch for motorcycles and anticipate sudden and unexpected moves from them. Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see. They can move and stop faster than expected and can blend in with their surroundings. Motorcyclists are entitled to the same full lane width as other vehicles. Their control is more easily hampered by road defects and debris. Use extra caution when driving around motorcycles and increase your following distance. 

Trucks 

If you cut in front of another vehicle, you may create an emergency-braking situation for the vehicles around you, especially in heavy traffic. Trucks and buses take much longer to stop than cars. When passing, look for the front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front, and avoid braking. Large trucks have blind spots, or “no-zones,” around the front, back, and sides. Avoid being caught in a truck’s no-zone. If you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s mirror, they can’t see you. Truck drivers sometimes need to swing widely to the left to safely make a right turn, and they can’t see cars directly behind or beside them. If you try to get between the truck and the curb, you’ll be caught in a “squeeze” crash. Pay attention to truck signals, and give them lots of room. 

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Work Zones 

Work zones can be dangerous. Be alert and prepared to slow down or stop. Slowing down and allowing others to merge will ensure a safe passage through work zones. Here are a few tips on work zone safety: 

• Stay alert and follow posted speed limits: Work zones are busy places where construction vehicles and workers are always moving. Be alert and stay on the safe path designated throughout the work zone. Remember: speed limits are reduced in work zones for a reason. 
• Take your cues from trucks: Work zones can pop up suddenly. If you are not paying attention to the signs, you could find yourself in a serious crash. Since trucks have a height advantage and can see ahead of traffic, their brake light activity can provide a good signal of a slow-down or work zone ahead. 
• Merge gently: Aggressive driving is extremely dangerous, especially in work zones. Allow others to merge in front of you, and be especially considerate of trucks. They require more space to merge and are less maneuverable than cars. 
• Safe distance: Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you, and keep a safe distance from the workers on or near the roadway. 

School Buses

When approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, you are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet away from the bus. The only exception is when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway separated by a divider, like a concrete barrier or grass median. Even in this situation, watch for students crossing the road.

If convicted of violating West Virginia’s School Bus Stopping Law, drivers face a fine of $500.00–$1,000.00 and a 60-day suspension of driving privileges for a 1st offense; a fine of $1,000.00–$1,500.00 and a 180 day suspension for a 2nd offense; and a fine of $2,000.00 and confined to not less than 48 hours to 6 months in jail along with a 1-year suspension of driving privileges for a 3rd or subsequent offense.