Being Followed; Passing And Being Passed - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual


When behind a car, ride where the
driver can see you in the rearview mirror.
Riding in the center portion of the lane
should put your image in the middle of
the rearview mirror — where a driver is
most likely to see you.
Riding at the far side of a lane may
permit a driver to see you in a sideview
mirror. But remember that most drivers
don't look at their sideview mirrors
nearly as often as they check the
rearview mirror. If the traffic situation
allows, the center portion of the lane is
usually the best place for you to be seen
by the drivers ahead and to prevent lane
sharing by others.

Being Followed

Speeding up to lose someone following
too closely only ends up with someone
tailgating you at a higher speed.
A better way to handle tailgaters
is to get them in front of you. When
someone is following too closely,
change lanes and let them pass. If you
can't do this, slow down and open up
extra space ahead of you to allow room
for both you and the tailgater to stop.
This will also encourage them to pass.
If they don't pass, you will have given
yourself and the tailgater more time and
space to react in case an emergency
does develop ahead.

Passing and Being Passed

Passing and being passed by another
vehicle is not much different than with a
car. However, visibility is more critical. Be
sure other drivers see you, and that you
see potential hazards.
Passing
1� Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distance
to increase your line of sight and
make you more visible. Signal
and check for oncoming traffic.
Use your mirrors and turn your
head to look for traffic behind.
2� When safe, move into the left
lane and accelerate. Select a lane
position that doesn't crowd the
car and provides space to avoid
hazards in your lane.
3� Ride through the blind spot as
quickly as possible.
4� Signal again, and complete
mirror and headchecks before
returning to your original lane
and then cancel the signal.
Remember, passes must be
completed within posted speed
limits, and only where permitted�
Know your signs and road markings!
Passing
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