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HEADLIGHT
The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to keep the headlight on — at all times (although motorcycles sold in the USA since 1978
automatically have the headlights on when running). Studies show that, during the day, a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be
noticed. Use of the high beam during the day increases the likelihood that oncoming drivers will see you. Use the low beam at night and in cloudy
weather.
SIGNALS
The signals on a motorcycle are similar to those on a car. They tell others what you plan to do.
However, due to a rider's added vulnerability, signals are even more important. Use them anytime you plan
to change lanes or turn. Use them even when you think no one else is around. It's the car you don't see that's
going to give you the most trouble. Your signal lights also make you easier to spot. That's why it's a good idea
to use your turn signals even when what you plan to do is obvious.
When you enter onto a freeway, drivers approaching from behind are more likely to see your signal blinking
and make room for you.
Turning your signal light on before each turn reduces confusion and frustration for the traffic around you.
Once you turn, make sure your signal is off or a driver may pull directly into your path, thinking you plan to
turn again. Use your signals at every turn so drivers can react accordingly. Don't make them guess what you
intend to do.
BRAKE LIGHT
Your motorcycle's brake light is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights on a car—particularly when your
taillight is on. (It goes on with the headlight.) If the situation will permit, help others notice you by flashing
your brake light before you slow down. It is especially important to flash your brake light before:
•
You slow more quickly than others might expect (turning off a high-speed highway).
You slow where others may not expect it (in the middle of a block or at an alley).
•
If you are being followed closely, it's a good idea to flash your brake light before you slow. The tailgater may be watching you and not see
something ahead that will make you slow down. This will hopefully discourage them from tailgating and warn them of hazards ahead they may
not see.
USING YOUR MIRRORS
While it's most important to keep track of what's happening ahead, you can't afford to ignore situations behind. Traffic conditions change quick-
ly. Knowing what's going on behind is essential for you to make a safe decision about how to handle trouble ahead.
Frequent mirror checks should be part of your normal searching routine. Make a special point of using your
mirrors:
When you are stopped at an intersection. Watch cars coming up from behind. If the driver isn't
•
paying attention, he could be on top of you before he sees you.
•
Before you change lanes. Make sure no one is about to pass you.
•
Before you slow down. The driver behind may not expect you to slow, or may be unsure about
where you will slow. For example, you signal a turn and the driver thinks you plan to turn at a
distant intersection, rather than at a nearer driveway.
Some motorcycles have rounded (convex) mirrors. These provide a wider view of the road
behind than do flat mirrors. They also make cars seem farther away than they really are. If you
are not used to convex mirrors, get familiar with them. (While you are stopped, pick out a parked
car in your mirror. Form a mental image of how far away it is. Then, turn around and look at it
to see how close you came.) Practice with your mirrors until you become a good judge of
distance. Even then, allow extra distance before you change lanes.
HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not enough. Motorcycles have "blind spots" like cars. Before you change lanes, turn
your head, and look to the side for other vehicles.
On a road with several lanes, check the far lane and the one next to you. A driver in the distant lane may head for the same space you plan to take.
Frequent head checks should be your normal scanning routine, also. Only by knowing what is happening all around you are you fully prepared
to deal with it.
HORN
Be ready to use your horn to get someone's attention quickly.
It is a good idea to give a quick beep before passing anyone that may move into your lane.
16
SIGNALING
USING MIRRORS
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