Awareness Tip #1
There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally).
Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
Awareness Tip #2
Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed.
When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
Awareness Tip #3
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc.).
Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
Awareness Tip #4
Because of its small size, a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is.
Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
Awareness Tip #5
Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds.
At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
Awareness Tip #6
Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-cancelling, thus some riders, sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change.
Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
Awareness Tip #7
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind.
Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
Awareness Tip #8
Manoeuvrability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
Please give him some room, don’t drive in his safety buffer.
Awareness Tip #9
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but a slippery road surface makes stopping quickly difficult.
Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
Awareness Tip #10
When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as a motorcycle; think of it as a person.
Save a Life – Look for Motorcyclists!
