Against bushes, fences, bridges, and other “background” objects
Especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections
Adjusting lane position
Motorcyclists often adjust lane position to increase visibility and minimize effects of debris, passing vehicles, and wind.
Lane adjustments/changes are purposeful
Motorcyclists are not being reckless or “showing off”
Motorcyclists may slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, which does not activate the brake light. Consider:
Increasing following distance by 3-4 seconds
Anticipating a motorcyclist will slow down without visual warning — especially at intersections
Turn signals
Motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling and some riders (especially beginners) forget to turn them off.
Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real
Seeing more than the motorcycle includes:
Envisioning the person under the helmet as a friend, neighbor, or family member
Intersection turns
Left-turn collisions at intersections account for 42% of injurious and fatal motorcycle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends:
