See and Be Seen
In This Section
Horn | SIPDE | Using Your Mirrors |
Head Checks | Position to See |
See and Be Seen
In crashes with motorcyclists, car drivers often say that they never saw the motorcycle. It's hard to see something you're not looking for, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles. Also, from ahead or from behind, a motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's.
Even if a driver sees you coming, you aren't necessarily safe. Because you and your bike are smaller than other vehicles, it's easier for others to mistake your distance and speed. However, you can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize you and your cycle.
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylight. If you don't wear bright clothing, you greatly increase your risk of not being seen during the day. Remember, your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider/cycle unit.
Clothing that helps you be seen includes bright orange, yellow, or green jackets or vests. And your helmet can do more than protect you in a crash. If it is brightly colored, it can help others see you.
Any bright color is better than drab or dark colors. Fluorescent clothing (helmet and jacket
or vest) is best for daytime riding. At night, it is best to wear reflective gear. Reflective
material on the sides of helmet and vest will help drivers coming from the side spot you.
Reflective material can also be a big help for drivers coming toward you on the road ahead or from
behind.
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Headlight
The best way to help others on the road see your motorcycle is to keep the headlight on-at all times. Studies show that, during the day, a motorcycle with lights off is twice as likely to go unnoticed by other road users. Also, use of the high beam in daylight increases the likelihood that you will be seen by oncoming drivers.
Signals
The signals on a motorcycle are similar to those on a car. However, signals are far more important to a rider.
Turn Signals
Turn signals do two things for you:
- They tell others what you plan to do. Use them anytime you plan to change lanes. Use them even when you think no one else is around. The car you don't see can give you the most trouble.
- Your signal lights make you easier to spot. Drivers behind are more likely to see your turn signal than your taillight. That's why it's a good idea to use your turn signals even when what you plan to do is obvious.
Not turning off a signal is just as bad as not turning it on. A driver may think you plan to turn again and pull directly into your path. Once you've made your turn, check your signal to make sure it is off.
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.) Still, you can help others notice you by tapping the foot brake lightly before you slow down. This will flash your brake light. It is especially important to signal others by flashing your brake light whenever:
- You are going to slow down more quickly than might be expected (for example, when you are going to make a turn off a high-speed highway).
- You are going to slow where others may not expect it (for example, when you slow to turn in the middle of a block, at an alley).
If you are being followed closely, it's a good idea to flash your brake light before you slow-even if you won't be slowing more quickly than might be expected. The tailgater may be looking only at you and fail to see something farther ahead that will make you slow down.
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