How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely at Night

For motorcyclists, the ability to see and be seen is especially limited at night. Follow these suggestions for safe nocturnal riding.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Pants
• Motorcycle Owner's Manual
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Reduce your speed at night, especially on roads you don't know well. Keep in mind that if there's something lying in the road ahead, you might not spot it until you're right on top of it.

2. Follow other vehicles at a greater distance, leave more space around you, and allow yourself more room to pass safely when riding at night.

3. Be flexible about your lane position. Change your position as your need to see and be seen changes.

4. Use your high beam whenever you're not following or approaching an oncoming vehicle. Beware that other drivers have a hard time spotting your headlight and taillight due to the glare from stronger lights on other vehicles.

5. Remember that with only one headlight it's hard to spot difficult road conditions or obstacles in your path.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the lights on the car ahead to get a better view of the road ahead. Bouncing taillights on the car in front of you indicate bumps in the road or rough pavement.

• Remember that it's difficult to judge distance in the darkness, both for you and for other drivers. People rely on shadows and light contrasts to determine the distance and speed of oncoming objects, and these contrasts are distorted or missing at night.

• 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.