Page 39 - Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 2020

6SECTION : ROADWAY MANAGEMENT

Widening Curves Constant Curves Multiple Curves Decreasing Curves Path Through motorcyclists should not remain in the “No
(Tighter Turns) a Curve

Zone” any longer than needed to safely pass
a heavy truck.
The easiest way to avoid lingering in the “No
Zone” is to look for the truck driver’s reflec-
tion in the side mirror. If you cannot see the
driver’s reflection, you are in the truck driver’s
blind spot.
As depicted in the illustration below, these
areas around the truck include: directly in
6.2 – Cornering Typically, the larger the vehicle, the larger the front, directly behind, and along each side of
blind spots. A commercial motor vehicle’s blind the vehicle - especially on the right side.
Many crash-involved riders enter turns too spots are dangerous because truck drivers can’t In the illustration below, the commercial
fast and are unable to complete the curve. The see vehicles in these areas. motor vehicle’s blind spots, or “No Zones”, are
basic turning procedure – slow, look, press, roll It is impossible to completely avoid a highlighted in blue. These are areas to avoid
– applies to all curves. Every curve is differ- truck’s blind spots. However, car drivers and whenever possible.
ent. Be alert to whether a curve remains con-
stant, gradually widens, gets tighter or involves
multiple turns. Ride within your skill level and HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) AND
posted speed limits.
You should move to a position based on road HIGH OCCUPANCY TOLL (HOT) LANES

condition and traffic before entering a curve and Motorcycles are permitted to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of persons riding
adjust as necessary. This permits you to spot on the motorcycle. Motorcycles may also use the HOT lanes at no cost by obtaining a toll-
approaching traffic as soon as possible. You can exempt PeachPass account. Contact the State Road and Tollway Authority at 1-855-PCH-
also adjust for traffic “crowding” the center line PASS (724-7277). However, motorcycles must pay regular tolls on designated toll roads.
or debris blocking part of your lane.
Your best path may not always follow the curve
of the road. Change lane position depending on Peach Pass

traffic, road conditions and curve of the road. A PeachPass electronic toll transponder may be

• If no traffic is present, start at the outside of a obtained to more easily pay for transit on designated
curve to increase your line of sight. toll roads; a PeachPass is required when using HOT
lanes. To obtain more information about a Georgia
• As you turn, move toward the inside of the PeachPass for all types of vehicles including motor-
curve, and as you pass the center, move to cycles, go to: http://www.peachpass.com.
the outside to exit.

6.3 – S haring the Road THE GEORGIA TACT PROJECT
with Commercial
Motor Vehicles Targeting Aggressive Cars & Trucks (And Motorcycles!)

Commercial motor vehicles are vital to the Law Enforcement will stop people who drive unsafely around commercial motor vehicles,
economy of Georgia and the United States. Most whether the person is driving a car, motorcycle or commercial motor vehicle.
of the products used in everyday life were deliv-
ered to stores by commercial motor vehicles. What to do to avoid getting a citation:
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are trained,
specially licensed driving professionals. Sharing • Don’t cut off commercial motor vehicles. you have no time to react and no place
the road with commercial motor vehicles is a For safety, one car length for every 10 to go.
necessary part of travel. Heavy trucks typically miles per hour of speed is recommended. • Don’t speed. Speed is a factor in nearly
weigh 80,000 pounds or more, and riders should • Don’t tailgate. Unlike cars, commercial one-third of all fatal crashes.
use caution when near them. motor vehicles have big blind spots
• A fully loaded tractor-trailer, traveling 55 mph, behind them. Also, car drivers and • Give all commercial motor vehicles plenty
motorcyclists who tailgate commercial of room. Be careful when you or the
needs 3 times the distance a car needs to stop. motor vehicles can’t see traffic ahead. If commercial motor vehicle are entering a
• Large trucks are more difficult to maneu- the commercial vehicle brakes suddenly, highway or merging with traffic.

ver, are longer and heavier, and require more TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
room to turn.
• Large trucks have larger blind spots, called 1. The best way to stop quickly is to: 2. Where should you position your
“No-Zones.” A. Use the front brake only. motorcycle when entering a curve:
• Sharing the road safely includes not remain- B. Use the rear brake first. A. The outside of the curve.
ing in the blind spot of vehicles while pass- C. Use both brakes at the same time. B. The inside of the curve.
ing them. C. It depends on road condition and
1. C – page 36, Stopping Quickly traffic.
2. C – page 37, Cornering

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