Page 33 - Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 2020
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5SECTION : STREET STRATEGIES
Intersections Traffic-Activated Sensor Lights Your lane position should:
• Increase your ability to see and be seen.
Over one-half of motorcycle/car crashes are Traffic-Activated Sensor Lights • Avoid others’ blind spots.
caused by drivers entering a rider’s right- Traffic-activated sensor lights can be trouble- • Avoid surface hazards.
of-way. • Protect your lane from other drivers.
must leave yourself time and space to react if a some for motorcyclists since the sensor may not • Communicate your intentions.
dangerous situation occurs. detect your presence. • Avoid wind blast from other vehicles.
Execute • Provide an escape route.
To ensure the best chance of being detected,
Carry out your decision. What are you going stop where the sensors are located. They are In general, there is no single best position for
to do and how are you going to do it? usually visible in the road surface. you to be seen and to maintain a space cush-
ion around the motorcycle. No portion of the
To create more space and minimize harm 5.4 – Space Management lane need be avoided – including the center, if
from any hazard: weather and roadway conditions permit.
• Adjust your position and/or direction. It is extremely important to maintain an
• Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping adequate “cushion of space” between vehicles. Position yourself in the portion of the lane
where you are most likely to be seen and you
or slowing. Increasing the distance between vehicles will can maintain a space cushion around you. Move
• Communicate your presence and intentions provide you with: from one side of the lane to another to increase
• Time to react. your distance from other vehicles. A respon-
with turn signals, lights and/or horn. • Space to maneuver. sible rider changes position as traffic situations
Apply the SEE strategy to give yourself time change. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles or other
and space. It works anywhere and can help to A responsible rider recognizes that time and potential hazards are on your left. Remain in
minimize your risk and the risk of others. space is the best protection against potential path 1 or 2 if hazards are on your right. If vehi-
hazards. cles are present on both sides of you, the center
5.3 – Intersections Lane Positions of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option.
The greatest potential for conflict between In some ways the size of the motorcycle can The oily strip in the center portion that col-
you and other traffic is at intersections. Cars that work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives lects drippings from cars is usually no more
turn left in front of you are the biggest dangers. a motorcycle three paths of travel, as indicated than 2 feet wide. Unless the road is wet, the
Your use of SEE at intersections is critical. in the illustration. average center strip permits adequate traction
to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or
Increase your chances of being seen at inter- Lane Positions right of the oily strip and still be within the
sections. Ride with your headlight on in a lane center portion of the traffic lane. Avoid riding
position that provides the best view of oncom- on big buildups of oil and grease usually found
ing traffic. Provide a space cushion around the at busy intersections or toll booths.
motorcycle that permits you to take evasive
action. Following Another Vehicle
Motorcycles need as much distance to stop
When approaching an intersection where a
vehicle is preparing to cross your path: as cars. It is recommended that new motorcycle
• Slow down. operators try to maintain a minimum four-
• Select a lane position to increase your vis- second following distance behind the vehicle
ahead. This allows you space to stop, swerve,
ibility to that driver. and keep a reasonable space cushion.
• Cover the controls to reduce the time you
Following Distance
need to react. 4-Second Rule
• As you enter the intersection, move away
from the vehicle.
• Do not make radical movements, as drivers
might think you are preparing to turn.
• Be prepared to take action.
Use the whole width of the lane to help other
roadway users see you better.
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