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Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you have the best view of the
road, are most likely to be seen, and where you can maintain a space cushion
around you. Change position as traffic situations change. Ride in path 2 or 3 if
vehicles and other potential problems are on your left only. Remain in path 1 or
2 if hazards are on your right only. If vehicles are being operated on both sides
of you, the center of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option.
Unless the road is wet, the average center strip (path 2) permits adequate
traction to ride safely. The strip in the center portion of the lane that collects
drippings from cars is usually no more than two feet wide. You can operate to
the left or right of the grease strip and still be within the center portion of the
traffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildups of oil and grease, usually found at
busy intersections or toll booths.
Following Another Vehicle
Following too closely is a major factor in crashes caused by motorcyclists. In
traffic, motorcycles need the same amount of distance as cars to stop safely.
Normally, a minimum of three seconds distance should be maintained behind
the vehicle ahead. To gauge your following distance:
1. Pick out a marker, such as a pavement marking or lamppost, on or near
the road ahead.
2. When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count off
the seconds: “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand three.”
3. If you reach the marker before you reach “three,” you are following too
closely.
A three-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or
swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly. It also permits a better view of
potholes and other hazards in the road.
A larger cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than
normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the
vehicle ahead, if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in front of you, or if
you are pulling a trailer, open up a four-second or more following distance.
Keep well behind the vehicle ahead even when you are stopped. This will make
it easier to get out of the way if someone bears down on you from behind. It
will also give you a cushion of space if the vehicle ahead starts to back up for
some reason.
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