The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, but the holidays increase the risk of becoming a deadly traffic statistic. Car drivers often say they didn’t see the motorcyclists he or she just killed.
We are trained to be aware of our surroundings and other drivers, but the motorcyclist also needs to make other drivers aware of his or her presence on the road.
I recently reviewed the best practices taught during my Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course to improve the visibility of the motorcyclist on the road.
Below are some general tips that I picked during my Basic Rider Course and other riders:
· Wear bright – colored clothing and helmets
· Wear vests and riding suits made of reflective high-visibility material
· Always make a point to signal lane changes and turns early, giving other drivers time to notice your bike and see what the motorcycle rider is going to do next; Supplement turn signal with a hand signal
· Give the brake pedal a light tap, even when slowing or stopping, just to make the brake light flash and get the attention of cars behind you
· Don’t be afraid to use your horn to let the other driver know you’re there
· Choose the lane position where you have the best view of the road and other drivers have the best chance to see you
· Never ride alongside the rear part of a car in the driver’s blind spot; If you must ride beside any vehicle, at least make sure to ride in a spot where the other driver can see you if he or she looks
· If you find yourself beside any vehicle, especially a truck, speed up, if you have room, until you are well in front of the vehicle
· Keep a safe distance between your motorcycle and trucks; Remember, the larger the vehicle, the larger its blind spot
· Loud pipes are a good way for your motorcycle to get noticed; Loud engine and exhaust noise can be just as effective if not more effective than the horn
· Ride as if your motorcycle is invisible to other drivers because everyone on the road has the potential to kill a motorcyclist at any time
Situational awareness is the key to survival but getting advance training can also increase our survival as motorcyclists. The MSF, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, offers courses to refine your skills and sharpen your focus. If you’re interested, here is the link to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation home page.
I pray this information is helpful.
Safe Riding,
Lolo
Motorcycle Riding Moms LLC