How to Stay Visible on the Road While Riding Your Motorcycle
March 14, 2023 Posted In Motorcycle Accidents
Staying visible on the road while riding a motorcycle is essential for safety, as it helps other drivers notice you and avoid accidents. Here are some tips on how motorcyclists can stay visible.
Wear High-Visibility Gear
High-visibility gear makes motorcyclists more noticeable to other drivers. For example, bright-colored helmets, jackets, and vests. They are designed with bright colors such as yellow, orange, and green, reflective materials, and attention-grabbing patterns. As a result, the gear can be easily seen in a variety of lighting conditions, including low-light and nighttime conditions.
Use Reflective Tape
Reflective tape can be added to your helmet, jacket, motorcycle, saddlebags, or panniers. Reflective tape is made of tiny glass beads or other materials that reflect light from vehicles. This makes the motorcyclist more visible to other motorists, even at dusk or night. It is easy to apply and available in a variety of colors and shapes. Additionally, it is an affordable way to increase visibility since it is much less expensive than high-visibility gear.
Keep Headlights On
Keeping headlights on, even during the day, makes a motorcycle more visible to other drivers. This can be especially important in low-light or overcast conditions, when it may be more difficult for other drivers to see a motorcyclist. Headlights are especially helpful in reducing the risk of a common type of accident, known as the left-turn collision because the light makes motorcyclists more visible to drivers turning across their path.
Use Hand Signals
Using hand signals when turning or changing lanes, in addition to turn signals, can help other drivers see your intentions, anticipate your movements, and avoid collisions. In some cases, turn signals may not be visible to other drivers, such as in bright sunlight or when the motorcycle is at a distance. Hand signals can be used to help reduce misunderstandings and increase the chances of a driver seeing you.
Avoid Blind Spots
By avoiding blind spots, motorcyclists can position themselves in a way that makes them more visible to other drivers. Blind spots are a common cause of motorcycle accidents because drivers often fail to check them before changing lanes or making a turn. To stay out of drivers’ blind spots, position yourself so you can see their side mirrors, and assume they can’t see you until you’ve made eye contact.
Be Alert
Being alert is an important part of defensive driving, which is essential for motorcycle safety. By staying alert and aware of other drivers’ actions, motorcyclists can reduce the risk of accidents and stay visible on the road. For example, you can consistently make yourself noticeable to other drivers and better anticipate potential hazards, such as sudden stops or unexpected lane changes, which can give you time to take evasive action and avoid collisions.
If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Arrange a free consultation with a Riverside Motorcycle Accident Attorney to discuss your rights and legal options today.