Follow These Tips For Safe Motorcycle Riding
• Be especially alert at intersections because
approximately 50 percent of motorcycle-vehicle
collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may
unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a
side street or driveway. At intersections where vision is
limited by shrubbery, parked vehicles, or buildings,
slow down, make doubly sure of traffic, and be
prepared to react quickly.
• Check the rearview mirrors before changing
lanes or stopping. A quick stop without checking rear
traffic may result in a rear-end crash. When changing
lanes, use signals and make a visual check to assure
that you can change lanes safely.
• Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to
anticipate problems and road hazards. Road hazards
that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a
major hazard for a rider. Hazards include potholes,
oil slicks, puddles, debris or other objects on the
roadway, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks.
Painted roadway markings and manhole covers can
be extremely slippery when wet.
Go around most hazards. To do so safely, you
must be able to spot such hazards from a distance.
Slow down before reaching the obstacle and make
sure you have enough room before changing direc
-
tion. Railroad tracks should be crossed at an angle as
close to 90 degrees as possible.
• Experienced motorcyclists often have this advice
for new riders: “Assume that you are invisible to other
motorists and operate your motorcycle accordingly.”
Position yourself to be seen. Ride in the portion of
the lane where it is most likely that you will be seen by
other motorists. Avoid the car’s “No Zone” (i.e., blind
spot).
Use your headlights, day and night. All motor
vehicles have blind spots where other vehicles cannot be seen with mirrors. These blind spots are to the left
and right rear of the vehicle. Do not linger in motorists’ blind spots.
Wear brightly colored, preferably fluorescent,
clothing. Use retro-reflective materials on clothing
and motorcycle, especially at night.
• Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving
conditions and your capabilities. Gravel on the road
and slippery road surfaces can be hazardous.
Avoid sudden braking or turning.
When riding in the rain, riders find they get better
traction by driving in the tracks of vehicles in front of
them. But avoid following too closely and riding on
painted lines and metal surfaces such as manhole
covers because they offer less traction.
If caught in a sudden shower while riding, pull
off the highway under some shelter (e.g., overpass)
and wait for the rain to stop. If you must ride in the
rain, remember that conditions are most dangerous
during the first few minutes of rainfall because of oil
and other automobile droppings on the roadway. If
possible, sit out the beginning of a rain shower.
Don’t tailgate, and don’t let other drivers tailgate
you. Following too closely behind another vehicle
may make it difficult for you to brake suddenly. Further, you won’t have time to avoid road hazards and
traffic situations ahead. If another vehicle is following
too closely, wave it off with a hand signal or tap your
brake pedal. If they continue to follow too closely,
change lanes or pull off the road, and let them pass.
Pass only when it is safe to do so. Do not pass or
ride on the shoulder. Pull over to the left third of the
lane before passing and make sure that you are at a
safe following distance. Use turn signals and avoid
crowding the other vehicle as you pass. Remember
to make a head check before changing lanes.
Use brakes wisely. Use both brakes together.
Brake firmly and progressively and bring the motorcycle upright before stopping. Remember
that driving through water can adversely affect
the brakes. After passing through water, look
for following traffic, and
when safe to do so check
your brakes by applying
light pressure.
Dogs can be a problem
for riders. Don’t become
distracted and don’t kick at
a dog. As you approach a
dog, downshift, when you
reach the dog, accelerate
quickly away.
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