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SEE AND BE SEEN
In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often say that they never saw the
motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much smaller than
a car’s. Also, it’s hard to see something you are not looking for, and most
drivers are not looking for motorcycles. More likely, they are looking through
the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in search of cars that may pose a problem to
them.
Even if a driver does see you coming, you aren’t necessarily safe. Smaller
vehicles appear farther away, and seem to be traveling slower than they actually
are. It is common for drivers to pull out in front of motorcyclists, thinking they
have plenty of time. Too often, they are wrong.
However, you can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize you
and your motorcycle.
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright clothing to increase your
chances of being seen. Remember, your body is half of the visible surface area
of the rider/motorcycle unit.
Wearing bright orange, red, yellow, or green clothing is your best bet for being
seen. Your helmet can do more than protect you in a crash. Brightly colored
helmets can help others see you.
Any bright color is better than drab or dark colors. Reflective, bright colored
clothing (helmet and jacket or vest) is best.
Reflective material on the sides of your helmet and clothing will help drivers
coming from the side notice you. Reflective material can also be a big help for
drivers coming toward you or from behind.
Headlight
The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to keep the headlight on —
at all times
. (New motorcycles sold in the USA since 1978 automatically have
the headlights on when running.) Studies show that, during the day, a
motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed. Be sure the
headlight is adjusted properly and use the “dim” setting during daylight hours.
Signals
The signals on a motorcycle are similar to those on a car. They tell others what
you plan to do. However, due to a rider’s added vulnerability, signals are even
more important. Use them anytime you plan to change lanes or turn. Use them
even when you think no one else is around. It’s the car you don’t see that’s
