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going to give you the most trouble.
Your signal lights also make you
easier to spot. That’s why it’s a good
idea to use your turn signals even
when what you plan to do is obvious.
When you enter a freeway, drivers
approaching from behind are more
likely to see your signal blinking and
make room for you.
Turning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion and
frustration for the traffic around you.
Once you turn, make sure your signal
is off or a driver may pull directly into
your path, thinking you plan to turn
again. Use your signals at every turn
so drivers can react accordingly. Don’t make them guess what you intend
to do.
Brake Light
Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights on
a car — particularly when your taillight is on, which goes on with the headlight.
Help others notice you by flashing your brake light before you slow down. It is
especially important to flash your brake light before:
• You slow more quickly than others might expect (turning off a high-
speed highway).
• You slow where others may not expect it (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. The tailgater may be watching you and not see something
ahead that will make you slow down. This will hopefully discourage them from
tailgating and warn them of hazards ahead they may not see.
Using Your Mirrors
While it’s most important to keep track of what’s happening ahead, you can’t
afford to ignore situations behind. Traffic conditions change quickly. Knowing
what’s going on behind can help you make a safe decision about how to handle
trouble ahead.
