Posted on 04/07/2011 10:58:19 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
In 2009, 5,474 people were killed on American roads due to distracted driving. Now, April has become National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The MSF has put together a list of 10 things cagers need to know about driving around motorcycles. I hope you’re not reading this on your iPhone from the driver’s seat.
1. There are many more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don’t “recognize” motorcyclists. They ignore them, usually unintentionally. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. A motorcyclist may look farther away than he or she is in actuality. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, estimate that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside the car. Thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Again, don’t immediately rely on your perceptions.
5. Motorcyclists sometimes slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Don’t tailgate motorcyclists. At intersections, anticipate that motorcyclists may slow down without any visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle are not often automatically self-canceling. Some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off. Try to determine whether a motorcycle’s turn signal is for real. And if you’re driving a car, remember to use your turn signals too. They’re a great communication tool for riders and drivers when used properly.
(Excerpt) Read more at hellforleathermagazine.com ...
I especially like No. 11. Cell phoners and texters are a PITA to other car drivers, too.
We saw an “organ donor” talking on his cell phone as he was riding his motorcycle on a hilly and curvy road.
Also, here in California, motorcyclists are authorized to split lanes. Don’t know who came up with that dumb law but it’s dangerous as hell and tends to scare folks in cars, leading to accidents.
It took until the 17th comment. Bike haters must all be out picking up more hay seed for pa, or sleeping under the porch.
It sure startled me the first time I saw it. It'd be interesting to know how a law that seems so crazy came to be.
Especially since most motorcyclists don't believe the rules of the road and speed limits apply to them.
I believe the standard response to that is "loud pipes save lives".
I support bike lanes. They keep cyclists out of my way when I’m driving.
My only caveat: they don’t remove automobile lanes from the road to implement the bike lanes.
The suggestions are fine. The author is behaving like an obnoxious hectoring jackass. Bikers assume added risk and they do so voluntarily. People who go out of their way to tell others what they should be doing are generally up to no good.
I actually passed a guy a couple of months ago who was riding a crotch rocket and texting with his left hand. At 70mph. On the highway. Can you spell “deathwish”?
Colonel, USAFR
People in cars who pass motorcycles think they do not have to cross over the centerline; they skim past a MC rider way too close.
We tour rural back roads on our MC’s—we are not out there for speed thrills. We yield to horseback riders, tractors, pedestrians, and pedal bikers. I wish people in cars were more considerate. Pass me, but please do so in the other lane.
Hang up and drive, and please don’t tailgate.
Not quite.
Ya see that doesn't' help a bit when someone left turns directly into your direction of travel...There won't be time to blink.
I prefer to assume other drives, including other motorcycles, are idiots, don’t see me, and cannot brake, accelerate or turn as fast as I can. So, I ride accordingly and use things to my advantage and ride very defensibly. I don’t brake faster than normal traffic, I don’t change lanes quickly, and I always give myself an out. Since I can accelerate and turn faster that adds to my options for getting out.
I've only visited CA a few times. I also noticed that, and--as a rider myself--thought it extremely stupid to allow and do.
I have heard from CA friends that it was the CHP who pushed for this to allow them to split lanes and move up in traffic.
< shrug > I don't know. It's just what I've heard.
True
Assume that you are invisible
Treat intersections like a kill zone
>5 years experience, >16,000 mi.
people in cars can be oblvious to a motorcycle, thinking that somehow being in a car means everyone else shouldn't be there...
motorcyclists pay taxes and they buy insurance...they have just as much right as any car or truck...
the real problem?....TOO MANY CARS AND TRUCKS....
we'd solve our energy problem easily if more people drove motorcycles/mopeds or rode a bicyle for in town trips....
btw, I don't have a motorcycle....but my husband has his whole life....he's quick to condemn poor drivers whether they be in a car or on a cycle...
Nice Can-Am Spyder RT
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