Increasing Conspicuity - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

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A bigger problem can occur if the
driver pulls away from the curb without
checking for traffic behind. Even if he
does look, he may fail to see you.
In either event, the driver might cut
into your path. Slow down or change
lanes to make room for someone
cutting in.
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous. They may cut
you off entirely, blocking the whole
roadway and leaving you with no
place to go. Since you can't tell what a
driver will do, slow down and get the
driver's attention. Sound your horn and
continue with caution.
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking space
next to a curb, position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to the
curb. (Note: Some cities have ordinances
that require motorcycles to park parallel
to the curb.)

Increasing Conspicuity

In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers
often say that they never saw the
motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a
motorcycle's outline is much smaller
than a car's. Also, it's hard to see
something you are not looking for,
and most drivers are not looking for
motorcycles. More likely, they are
looking through the skinny, two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars that
may pose a problem to them.
Even if a driver does see you coming,
you aren't necessarily safe. Smaller
vehicles appear farther away and
seem to be traveling slower than they
actually are. It is common for drivers
to pull out in front of motorcyclists,
thinking they have plenty of time. Too
often, they are wrong.
ridewithinyourabilities
Parkingatcurbs
However, you can do many things to
make it easier for others to recognize
you and your motorcycle.
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylight.
Wear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen. Remember,
your body is half of the visible surface
area of the rider/motorcycle unit.
Bright orange, red, yellow or green
jackets/vests are your best bets for being
seen. Your helmet can do more than
protect you in a crash. Brightly colored
helmets can also help others see you.
Any bright color is better than drab
or dark colors. Reflective, bright-colored
clothing (helmet and jacket/vest) is best.
Reflective material on a vest and on
the sides of the helmet will help drivers
coming from the side to spot you.
Reflective material can also be a big
help for drivers coming toward you or
from behind.
Headlight
The best way to help others see your
motorcycle is to keep the headlight on
— at all times (new motorcycles sold
in the USA since 1978 automatically