Page 6 - Motorcycle Safety Guide
P. 6
Follow these rules: Railroad tracks should be crossed at an
• Treat other motorists with angle as close to 90 degrees as possible.
• Experienced motorcyclists often have this
courtesy and respect. advice for new riders: “Assume that you are
• Avoid tailgating. invisible to other motorists and operate your
• Avoid riding between lanes of motorcycle accordingly.”
slow moving or stopped Position yourself to be seen. Ride in the
traffic. portion of the lane where it is most likely that you
• Know and obey traffic laws, will be seen by other motorists. Avoid the car’s
including ordinances in your “No Zone” (i.e., blind spot).
community.
• Use signals when Use your headlights on main-beam during
appropriate. daytime riding, and dim or main at night as
required. All motor vehicles have blind spots
RIDING where other vehicles cannot be seen with
TIPS mirrors. These blind spots are to the left and right
rear of the vehicle. Do not linger in motorists’
Be Courteous blind spots. Wear brightly coloured, preferably
The practices of some riders fluorescent, clothing. Use retro-reflective
are offensive to other motorists materials on clothing and motorcycle, especially
(e.g., weaving in and out at night.
of stalled traffic, riding on • Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving
shoulders). conditions and your capabilities. Gravel on the
road and slippery road surfaces can be hazardous,
Being inconsiderate of other avoid sudden braking or turning.
motorists creates a negative
image for all riders, and can When riding in the rain, riders find they get
cause crashes. better traction by driving in the tracks of vehicles
in front of them. But avoid following too closely
Ride Defensively and riding on painted lines and metal surfaces
• Be especially alert at intersections because such as manhole covers because they offer less
traction.
approximately 50 percent of motorcycle-vehicle
collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that If caught in a sudden shower while riding,
may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out pull off the highway under some shelter (e.g.,
from a side street or driveway. At intersections overpass) and wait for the rain to stop. If you
where vision is limited by shrubbery, parked must ride in the rain, remember that conditions
vehicles, or buildings, slow down, make doubly are most dangerous during the first few minutes
sure of traffic, and be prepared to react quickly. of rainfall because of oil and other vehicle
• Check the rearview mirrors before changing spillings on the road. If possible, sit out the
lanes or stopping. A quick stop without checking beginning (about 30 minutes) of a rain shower.
rear traffic may result in a rear-end crash. When
changing lanes, use signals and make a visual Don’t tailgate, and don’t let other drivers
check to assure that you can change lanes safely. tailgate you. Following too closely behind another
• Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to vehicle may make it difficult for you to brake
anticipate problems and road hazards. Road suddenly. Further, you won’t have time to avoid
hazards that are minor irritations for an motor road hazards and traffic situations ahead. If
vehicle can be a major hazard for a rider. Hazards another vehicle is following too closely, wave it
include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris or off with a hand signal or tap your brake pedal. If
other objects on the road, ruts, uneven road they continue to follow too closely, change lanes
surface, and railroad tracks. Painted roadway or pull off the road, and let them pass.
markings and manhole covers can be extremely
slippery when wet. Go around most hazards. Pass only when it is safe to do so. Do not pass
To do so safely, you must be able to spot such or ride on the shoulder. Pull over to the right third
hazards from a distance. Slow down before of the lane before passing and make sure that you
reaching the obstacle and make sure you have are at a safe following distance. Use turn signals
enough room before changing direction. and avoid crowding the other vehicle as you pass.
Remember to make a head check before changing
lanes.
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