Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, but it is also often risky. Riders who are serious about safety already know that one of the biggest reasons for this is the fact that motorcyclists simply are not as visible as drivers in cars. This makes it easy for motorcyclists to not be seen, which can in turn cause a collision. The best way to combat this, however, is to proactively improve your visibility if you are a motorcycle rider. There are steps you can take to do so, and these four are a great place to start.
1. Wear bright colors whenever possible
It may be hard to imagine that somebody fails to see a motorcyclist, but it is far more likely to happen if your clothing and bike blend in with the color of your surroundings. This means you should avoid black, gray and other neutral colors in favor of orange, yellow and similar neon hues. This is so important that transportation authorities in some states and countries have mandated the kind of clothing that riders may wear.
2. Use your brakes strategically
It certainly is not advisable to brake suddenly, but if you suspect a driver behind you does not see you, tapping your brakes and activating your brake lights should give her or him the heads up. If you tap them rapidly, you can essentially turn your bike into a blinker to alert drivers behind you of your presence.
3. Stay out of blind spots
Blind spots are one of the greatest dangers facing motorcyclists. If you are riding near the corner or side of a car, where a driver may have difficulty seeing you, there is a much higher chance you will become a victim of an accident. Though they cannot be avoided completely, you should be vigilant in passing quickly and staying on parts of the road where drivers can most easily and plainly see you. It is also a good idea to keep a reasonable buffer between your bike and cars.
4. Use reflective tape
Reflective tape is an asset to any rider who cares about increasing his or her visibility. It is best used when applied to parts of your bike that stick out past the light source, such as the forks. Though this will not have much of an effect during the daytime, it can massively improve drivers' awareness of your presence when it starts to get dark outside.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident with an automobile, you should understand your legal rights. Contacting a lawyer can help you get the guidance you need.