How To Stay Visible On A Motorcycle

As a motorcyclist, you are well aware that one of the leading contributors to bike crashes is the lack of visibility. Drivers say they do not see the motorcycle in time. While human error is often blamed for this problem, contributing factors include how the brain and the eye work together when relaying information. In order to help get the messages relayed quickly and efficiently, you should do everything that you possibly can to make you and your motorcycle more visible to drivers. By staying proactive and working to be visible, you can significantly decrease your chances of being in a crash.

How To Get Noticed On Your Motorcycle

When trying to stay visible, there are a few things that have been proven very effective. You need to do everything you can to get in sight of the driver and to make yourself stand out. Here are a few recommendations for staying noticed when out on the roads:

Dress to Stand Out - Wearing clothes that make you stand out are key to staying visible. Fluorescent colors, including bright orange, lime green, red, hot pink, or neon yellow are definitely going to get attention during the daytime. A brightly colored jacket or shirt will definitely help. A brightly colored helmet or bright stickers on your helmet will also help you get noticed. In fact, a New Zealand study found those who wear a white helmet are 24% less likely to get into a crash than those who wear black helmets.
A Bike That Stands Out - The traditional black, blue, or brown bike just blends in with the landscaping. A motorcycle with a bright color scheme or unusual pattern will stand out when on the roadways as well.
Strategic Placement - Be careful where you ride. Don't ride to the right side of the right-hand lane or to the left of the left-hand lane. Instead, place yourself out in the center of the lane where you will have to be noticed by drivers. Always try to keep a “bubble of space” between you and the closest driver. When passing, stay in the right-third of your lane until you’re just about to pass a car, then move to the left-third of the lane. Once you’re past the car, you can immediately go back to the right-third of the lane. This keeps you easily visible until you pass the car’s blind spot, where you’re as far away as possible from the car.
Riding After Dark - If you are riding before dawn or after dark, make sure you are noticed. Yes, your bike is equipped with a headlight and taillight, but you should add reflectors to the fenders and other areas of the bike. Reflective tape placed on your clothing and helmet is also very beneficial. Auxiliary lights are wildly beneficial when riding at night.
Tap Your Brakes - If you are going to be slowing down, tap your brakes a few times so drivers will know that is going to happen. This can be very effective in keeping you from getting rear-ended. Be careful to not dramatically slow down your speed of course, but the flashing can help drivers behind you see your bike. Tapping brakes is usually not a good idea for a first-time rider.
Honk the Horn - Motorcycles have horns. If the need arises, use it. When you are traveling through a vehicle's blind spot, honk your horn if you are afraid the driver might change lanes. Having loud pipes to help alert drivers to your location is a myth—the vast majority of crashes are caused by motorists pulling into a motorcyclist’s lane, loud pipes or not. The cars behind you have a much easier time hearing your bike, not those turning into your lane.

Anytime you are riding a motorcycle, you must stay alert. Know the laws of the area where you are riding. Dress to stand out and be noticed. By being proactive, you can decrease your odds of being involved in an accident and improve your visibility so that drivers will notice you. You should never assume that you will be seen; instead, always ride with the goal of getting noticed.

This article was created by www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally.