Motorcycle season is in full swing in Chicago. More people are riding than ever before and the number of injuries occurring on cycles has also increased. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has published guidelines for the safe operation of a cycle and a helpful top ten list for car drivers to remember so that car and cycle drivers remain safe:
QUICK TIPS: Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles
1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some
drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally).
Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. 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, predict a motorcycle is closer than it
looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots
(door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes,
fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether
you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it
really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not
activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds.
At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders,
(especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane
change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to
minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that
motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or
to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at
slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to
always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery
pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind
a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a
person.
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