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Safety Tips /
Sharing the Road
A Guide for Motorists and
Motorcyclists
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Sharing the road with many types of vehicles is necessary
for safe highways. Because motorcycles are unlike any other
vehicle on the road, they require special considerations. While
motorcycles are about as likely as cars to be involved in crashes,
motorcyclists are almost three times more likely to be injured and five
times more likely to be killed in a crash.
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Motorcycling has become more popular in recent years. Motorcycles
are fun, relatively inexpensive to own and insure, and get excellent
fuel mileage. Because there are more motorcycles in traffic, its
becoming even more important for drivers to share the road.
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Visibility
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In many car-motorcycle crashes,
drivers claimed they "didn't see" the motorcycle, or didn't see it
until it was too late. Because motorcycles are smaller and harder to
see, great care needs to be taken to watch for them.
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(CAR) Drivers should expect to see
motorcycles at any time, and search aggressively for them. Remember
that a motorcycle's headlight is on all the time-this helps you see
them during the day. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind a car
or truck, so it's particularly important to check your mirrors and
blind spot before merging or changing lanes, especially in heavy
traffic. Also, look for a helmet above, tires below, or a shadow
alongside a vehicle that you can't see around.
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In traffic: maintain a large space
cushion, and use all of your lane (right, left, and centre) to see
and be seen. Wear brightly coloured protective gear and helmet: red,
yellow, orange, and white are highly visible and help a rider stand
out. Reflective tape and stickers can also make you more obvious.
Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if you think no
one will see it. Consider combining hand signals and turn signals to
draw more attention to yourself. Flash your brake light two or three
times before slowing down or stopping. Finally, remember that even
in daylight, motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see-even
more so now that many cars have daytime running lamps. Look for
situations where other drivers may be distracted or look right
through you, and take measures to avoid those situations.
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Intersections
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The majority of
car-motorcycle crashes happen at
intersections. Typically, a car turns right
in front of a moving motorcycle, violating
its right of way and cutting off its path of
travel. The motorcycle then either crashes
into the car, or crashes trying to avoid the
car.
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Car drivers
must be particularly alert at intersections,
and take a second look specifically for
motorcycles before pulling out. Because
motorcycles are smaller, it's hard to judge
how far away a motorcycle is and how fast
it's going. Take an extra moment to
determine the rider's intentions and try to
make eye contact. Don't be fooled by a
flashing turn signal-motorcycle signals
don't turn off by themselves like cars' do,
and riders often forget about them and can
ride for a long time without realising their
blinker is on. Wait to be sure the
motorcycle is going to turn before you
proceed.
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(BIKE) Riders
must never assume that they have been seen,
and should approach each intersection with
great care. Choose a lane position that
makes you most visible to any cars waiting
to turn. Be aware of any drivers behind you
who may not have time to stop if you have to
brake suddenly. When approaching
intersections, slow down, and cover your
brakes and clutch. Avoid flashing your high
beam, and make sure your turn signals aren't
blinking-this can send other drivers the
wrong message. Consider a short beep of your
horn and try to make eye contact.
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