Page 34 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 6 : ROADWAY MANAGEMENT

Decreasing Curves Path Through
Widening Curves Constant Curves Multiple Curves
(Tighter Turns) a Curve motorcyclists should not remain in the “No
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. HIGH OCCUPANCY TOLL (HOT) LANES
You should move to a position based on road
condition and traffic before entering a curve and
adjust as necessary. This permits you to spot Motorcycles are permitted to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of persons riding
approaching traffic as soon as possible. You can on the motorcycle. Motorcycles may also use the HOT lanes at no cost by obtaining a toll-
also adjust for traffic “crowding” the center line exempt PeachPass account. Contact the State Road and Tollway Authority at 1-855-PCH-
or debris blocking part of your lane. PASS (724-7277). However, motorcycles must pay regular tolls on designated toll roads.
Your best path may not always follow the curve Peach Pass
of the road. Change lane position depending on
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 – Sharing the Road
with Commercial THE GEORGIA TACT PROJECT
Motor Vehicles

Commercial motor vehicles are vital to the Targeting Aggressive Cars & Trucks (And Motorcycles!)
economy of Georgia and the United States. Most
of the products used in everyday life were deliv- Law Enforcement will stop people who drive unsafely around commercial motor vehicles,
ered to stores by commercial motor vehicles. whether the person is driving a car, motorcycle or commercial motor vehicle.
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are trained, What to do to avoid getting a citation:
specially licensed driving professionals. Sharing
the road with commercial motor vehicles is a • Don’t cut off commercial motor vehicles. you have no time to react and no place
necessary part of travel. Heavy trucks typically For safety, one car length for every 10 to go.
weigh 80,000 pounds or more, and riders should miles per hour of speed is recommended. • Don’t speed. Speed is a factor in nearly
use caution when near them. • Don’t tailgate. Unlike cars, commercial one-third of all fatal crashes.
• A fully loaded tractor-trailer, traveling 55 mph, motor vehicles have big blind spots • Give all commercial motor vehicles plenty
needs 3 times the distance a car needs to stop. behind them. Also, car drivers and of room. Be careful when you or the
motorcyclists who tailgate commercial
• Large trucks are more difficult to maneu- motor vehicles can’t see traffic ahead. If commercial motor vehicle are entering a
ver, are longer and heavier, and require more the commercial vehicle brakes suddenly, highway or merging with traffic.
room to turn.
• Large trucks have larger blind spots, called
“No-Zones.”
• Sharing the road safely includes not remain- TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
ing in the blind spot of vehicles while pass-
ing them. 1. The best way to stop quickly is to: 2. Where should you position your
motorcycle when entering a curve:
A. Use the front brake only.
A. The outside of the curve.
B. Use the rear brake first.
B. The inside of the curve.
C. Use both brakes at the same time.
C. It depends on road condition and
traffic.
1. C – page 36, Stopping Quickly
2. C – page 37, Cornering

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