Horn
The horn on most motorcycles is not much of an attention-getter.
Nevertheless, be ready to use it whenever you’re passing a car,
or approaching a driveway or intersection with a vehicle in it that
might pull out in front of you. It’s also a good idea to use your
horn before you pass anyone you think might move into your lane.
Here are some situations to watch for:
1) A driver accelerating in the lane next to you.
2) A driver sitting in a parked car.
3) A person walking or riding a bicycle in the street.
Don’t be afraid to use your horn if you have any doubts about
what others might do.
Signalling
Turn signals do two things. First, they tell others what you plan to
do. Use them any time you change lanes, whether someone else
is around or not. Remember, it’s when you don’t see the vehicle
that your signals are most important.
Second, your signal lights make you more visible. A driver behind
you is more likely to see your turn signal than your taillight. There-
fore, make it a habit to use your turn signals even when what you
plan to do is obvious. For example, if you use your turn signals on
a freeway entrance ramp, it’s more likely that cars on the freeway
will see you and make room for you.
Caution
Forgetting to turn a signal off is as dangerous as forgetting to
turn it on. A driver may think you plan to turn and pull right into
your path. Always check your instrument panel to see if you’ve
left a signal on.
If you have an old motorcycle without turn signals, use hand
signals. For more information, see the
Saskatchewan Driver’s
Handbook.
Brake Light
You can help others notice you by tapping the brake pedal lightly
to flash your brake light before you slow down. It’s important to
flash your brake light as a signal that you’re going to slow down
when:
1) You’re being closely followed.
2) You’re making a tight turn off a high-speed highway.
3) You’re slowing or turning in the middle of a block, at an alley
or at some place where others might not expect you to turn.
When you park, angle the motorcycle at a 45º angle and 15 cm
from the curb. This gives you better visibility when pulling out,
and other drivers on the street can see your parked motorcycle
and won’t start to pull into the parking space. Also, the driver of
the car parked ahead of you is more likely to see your motorcycle
in the rearview mirror before backing up.
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