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Keep in mind that a motorcycle's horn
isn't as loud as a car's — therefore, use it,
but don't rely on it. Other strategies, like
having time and space to maneuver, may
be appropriate along with the horn.
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to see
and be seen. Picking your headlight
or taillight out of the car lights around
you is not easy for other drivers. To
compensate, you should:
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even
slower than you would during the
day — particularly on roads you
don't know well. This will increase
your chances of avoiding a hazard.
• Increase Distance — Distances
are harder to judge at night than
during the day. Your eyes rely upon
shadows and light contrasts to
determine how far away an object
is and how fast it is coming. These
contrasts are missing or distorted
under artificial lights at night.
Open up a three-second fol lowing
distance or more. And allow more
distance to pass and be passed.
• Use the Car Ahead — The
headlights of the car ahead can give
you a better view of the road than
even your high beam can. Taillights
bouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavement.
• Use Your High Beam — Get all the
light you can. Use your high beam
whenever you are not following
or meeting a car. Be visible: Wear
reflective materials when riding at
night.
• Be Flexible About Lane Position�
Change to whatever portion of the
lane is best able to help you see, be
seen and keep an adequate space
cushion.
CraSh aVOiDaNCe
No matter how careful you are, there
will be times when you find yourself in a
tight spot. Your chances of getting out
safely depend on your ability to react
quickly and properly. Often, a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared or
skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.
Know when and how to stop or
swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
a crash. It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid an
obstacle. Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
mining which skill is necessary for the
situation is important as well.
Studies show that most crash-
involved riders:
• Underbrake the front tire and
overbrake the rear.
• Did not separate braking from
swerving or did not choose
swerving when it was appropriate.
The following information offers
some good advice.
Quick Stops
To stop quickly, apply both brakes
at the same time. Don't be shy about
using the front brake, but don't "grab"
it, either. Squeeze the brake lever
firmly and progressively. If the front
wheel locks, release the front brake
immediately then reapply it firmly. At
the same time, press down on the
rear brake. If you accidentally lock the
rear brake on a good traction surface,
you can keep it locked until you have
completely stopped; but, even with a
locked rear wheel, you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it is
upright and going in a straight line.
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