Page 35 - Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 2020
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5SECTION : STREET STRATEGIES
Maintain an Escape Route (NOTE: New motorcycles sold in the USA since
1978 automatically have the headlights on when
Three Escape Routes << Bumper-to- All Escape Routes <<Truck ahead running.) Studies show that, during the day, a
Open bumper traffic Closed stops motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to
be noticed. Also, use your low beams in fog or
<< Cushion <<Vehicle behind at night when traffic approaches.
preserved still approaching
Signals
<<Three escape <<All escape routes The signals on a motorcycle are the same as
routes open closed
those on a car. They tell others what you plan
5.6 – Increasing Conspicuity Clothing to do. Use them anytime you plan to change
Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear lanes or turn. Use them even when you think
In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often no one else is around. Due to a rider’s added
say that they never saw the motorcycle. From bright colored clothing to increase your chances vulnerability, signals are even more important.
ahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is of being seen. Remember, your body is half of They make you easier to spot.
much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s hard to see the visible surface area of the rider-motorcycle
something you are not looking for, and most unit. When you enter a freeway, drivers approach-
drivers are not looking for motorcycles. More ing from behind are more likely to see your
likely, they are looking through the narrow, Reflective, bright colored clothing is best. signal blinking and make room for you.
two-wheeled silhouette in search of cars that Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets or
may pose a problem to them. vests are your best bets for being seen. Brightly Once you turn, make sure your signal is off
colored helmets can also help others see you. or a driver may pull directly into your path,
Even if a driver does see you coming, you Reflective material on a vest and on the sides thinking you plan to turn again.
aren’t necessarily safe. Motorcycles may appear of the helmet will help drivers coming from
farther away, and seem to be traveling slower the side spot you. Reflective material can also Brake Light
than they actually are. It is common for drivers be a big help for drivers coming toward you or Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not
to pull out in front of motorcyclists, thinking from behind.
they have plenty of time. Too often, they are as noticeable as the brake lights on a car – par-
wrong. However, you can do many things to Headlight ticularly when your taillight is on. (The taillight
make it easier for others to recognize you and The best way to help others see your motor- goes on with the headlight.) If the situation will
your cycle. permit, help others notice you by flashing your
cycle is to keep the headlight on – at all times. brake light before you slow down.
It is especially important to flash your brake
light before:
• You slow when others might not expect (for
example, turning off a high-speed highway.)
• You slow where others may not expect it (for
example, in the middle of a block or at an alley.)
If you are being followed closely, it’s a good
idea to flash your brake light before you slow
down. The tailgater may be watching you and
not see something ahead that will make you
Signaling
Bright colors and reflective materials are the best choices for keeping you visible to
surrounding traffic both day and night.
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