As we all know visibility is very important when riding our motorcycles.  Some of us go to great lengths to modify our bikes to make them shine and light them up. To give them a touch of our own personality some folks invest bunches of money when only a few bucks could get the job done.

1. To maximize your visibility: Stay out of blind spots and create a safety buffer always leaving yourself an out or an escape route. The most common thing that automobile driver say is (I never saw the rider) and make eye contact with the automobile driver when possible.  Never linger in someone’s blind spot.
2. Resist buying that black motorcycle they look cool but they blend into their surroundings. Riding a brightly colored motorcycle whether it’s white or yellow or even red will increase the odds that you can be seen in someone’s peripheral vision or by other vehicles.
3. Black leather Is cool, but not very smart. Have you ever gotten caught in a rain storm stopped in a hotel put your leather gear in the bathroom to dry only to get up the next day and have to put on wet leather to ride in the next day.  The newer reflective riding gear has armor in the spots where you need it if you go down and I will dry out nicely in a hotel bathroom and most of the new riding gear is water resistant so there is no need for extra rain gear.
4. The use of reflective tape on the helmet or tastefully on the lower part of any motorcycle.  Bingo and you’re much safer and motorist can see you from a long distance.  The new stuff that is on the market can be gotten in all the colors of the rainbow.
5. Use your hand signals with your turn signals. They now have gloves for motorcycle riders with reflective patterns sewn on the back so your hand signals are seen at night. Always make sure you keep control of your motorcycle when using hand signals.
6. Tap your brakes if you’re being followed to close by a car and you aren’t able to maintain an effective safety cushion around you. There is nothing wrong with lightly tapping the brakes to activate the brake lights.  When stopping or being tailgated, when all else fails, just move over and let the nut pass he or she isn’t worth it.
7. Use your high beams during daylight hours and as much as possible at night. Remember the more light you’re putting out there the better off you are and the more visible you will be.
8. Head light modulators are a good way to be seen at anytime. However they are not legal in all states.  There is always that one cop who wants to hassle anyone on a motorcycle.
9. Running lights are a great way to be seen from a long distance. Studies have shown that its easier to estimate the speed of the vehicle when it has two lights spaced apart since the perspective shift helps with depth perception. So use those running lights all the time.
10. Use your horn if necessary.  If you have one of those little beep- beep horns, get one that really make some noise. Remember there is a fine line between noise pollution and self –preservation, but if all else fails blow your horn and make your prescience known. Between the cell phones, Car stereos, screaming kids and other distractions, your horn can save your life!

Ride Safe Ride Often

Dave Cowan