Increasing Motorcycle Awareness
Advice to drivers - Advice to riders
Advice to drivers
Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists. The driver
either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a
crash.
Why Didn't I See That Motorcycle?
Drivers tend to look for other cars, not motorcycles.
Because of its smaller profile, a motorcycle is harder to see and you may find it more difficult to
estimate the motorcycle's speed.
The motorcyclist's riding pattern is different from your driving pattern. Different actions may be needed
for the same driving or highway situation. For example, you may ignore a piece of road debris as a
driver; however, that same piece of road debris may be deadly for a motorcyclist.
Traffic, weather, and road conditions require a motorcyclist to react differently than a driver, thus it is
more difficult for you to judge and to predict cues that may require the motorcyclist to take an evasive
action.
What Are Some Situations When Crashes Are Most Likely to Occur?
Car making a left turn: You are attempting a left turn in front of a motorcycle operator.
Riding in your blind spot: A motorcyclist is riding in your blind spot and you may not see the
motorcycle. Additionally, you may fail to adequately check blind spots before changing lanes or
making turn.
Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks and other road obstructions may
dictate that a motorcyclist take an action that you may or may not.
Obstructed line of sight: Large vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles, delivery vans, and large trucks
may block a motorcycle from your view and the motorcyclist may seem to suddenly appear.
How Can I Become More Aware of Motorcyclists?
Respect the motorcyclist: Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle
on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
Look out: Look for the motorcyclist at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and
on the highway, when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.
Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver: Obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a
motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions.
Allow plenty of space: Don't follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to
take evasive actions.
Remember: When you are in an accident with a motorcycle. They don't have the same protection as
you. You are actually hitting a person, not a motorcycle. Please look twice!
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Advice to riders
Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists. The driver
either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a
crash.
Why Didn't That Driver See Me?
Don't assume that you are visible to a driver. As a motorcyclist, it is your responsibility to make your
presence known to the driver. Select and wear an appropriate helmet with retroreflective materials.
Wear bright, contrasting protective clothing. If you choose darker clothing, wear a fluorescent vest.
Provinces require that the headlight be on while the motorcycle is on the highway. Use high beams
rather than low beams and consider using a modulating headlight if your province allows it.
Proper lane position is important to being seen and for protecting your riding space. If you can see the
driver in the side-view mirror, the driver can see you. Don't "hide" in the driver's blind spot!
Clearly, communicate your intentions by signaling appropriately. Let the driver know what you intend
to do.
What are Some Situations When Crashes are Most Likely to Occur?
Car making a left turn: A driver is attempting a left turn in front of you.
Riding in a driver's blind spot: You are riding in the driver's blind spot and the driver may not see the
motorcycle. Additionally, the driver may fail to adequately check blind spots before changing lanes or
making turn.
Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks and other road obstructions may
dictate that you take an action that a driver may not or does not anticipate.
Obstructed line of sight: Large vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles, delivery vans, and large trucks
may block a motorcycle from a driver's view and you may seem to suddenly appear.
How Can I Increase the Driver's Awareness of My Presence?
Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase your visibility in addition to providing
protection in the event of a crash. A motorcycle helmet is your most valuable piece of protective gear
and should be most visible to the driver.
Ride where you can be seen: Remember that there is no one safe place to ride. Use lane positioning
to your advantage to be seen and to provide extra space for emergency braking situations or
avoidance maneuvers. Avoid the driver's blind spots. Make your lane moves gradually, and always
use appropriate signaling.
Never share a lane with a car: A driver may not expect you to be there and may not be aware of your
presence. Remember most drivers are looking for other, bigger vehicles.
Clearly signal your intentions to the driver: Signal before changing lanes and never weave between
lanes.