How to Stay Visible on a Motorcycle

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

It's important to position your motorcycle where other drivers can see you. Below are ways of doing that.

1. Avoid another vehicle's blind spots by either pulling slightly ahead of the other vehicle or dropping back.

2. Approach cautiously and get through a blind spot as quickly as possible when passing another vehicle.

3. Move toward the center of the lane so you're closer to the other driver's line of sight whenever you're approaching a cross street.

4. Strive to ride where you can see the rearview mirror on the car or truck ahead. That way, the driver is more likely to see you.

5. Ride with your headlight on to help other drivers notice you.

Tips & Warnings

• Angle your motorcycle at a curb so others can see it and won't try to pull into your parking spot. Also, the driver in the vehicle parked ahead of you can see your motorcycle in her rearview mirror before she backs up.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Ask a Motorcycle Mechanic Online Now

[cglennon]

on 8/15/2008 - You must be able to see the drive in front of you in their side or review mirror. Otherwise, they can't see you.

- Basic reflective material simply scatter light in all directions. So, make sure that all reflective material is retro-reflective (sometimes call retroreflective). Retro-reflectors return light back to the light source along the same light direction.

- Failure to notice the small brake lights of a motorcycle is common. Prepare for motorcycle braking by flashing the brake lights several times. Do this by gently applying the brakes to activate the brake light, but not the brakes themselves. The flashing will help get the attention of vehicles behind the motorcycle prior to the motorcycle slowing down. There are several after-market products that can be installed to do this automatically.

- Don't forget about the motorcycle horn. Just remember that its sound

[cglennon]

on 8/15/2008 - You must be able to see the drive in front of you in their side or review mirror. Otherwise, they can't see you.

- Basic reflective material simply scatter light in all directions. So, make sure that all reflective material is retro-reflective (sometimes call retroreflective). Retro-reflectors return light back to the light source along the same light direction.

- Failure to notice the small brake lights of a motorcycle is common. Prepare for motorcycle braking by flashing the brake lights several times. Do this by gently applying the brakes to activate the brake light, but not the brakes themselves. The flashing will help get the attention of vehicles behind the motorcycle prior to the motorcycle slowing down. There are several after-market products that can be installed to do this automatically.

- Don't forget about the motorcycle horn. Just remember that its sound

on 8/8/2006 Use reflective material, like 3M Scotch-lite tape, on your bike or your luggage and helmet. Wear a proper bike jacket with reflective material on it.

on 11/22/2005 Install a headlight modulator, it's an easy way to be noticed. They are legal in most states, but be sure to check your local laws.