Motorcycles

What all drivers should know about motorcycles:

1. Motorcyclists often reduce speed by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow for more following distance, four (4) seconds. At intersections, predict a cyclist may reduce speed without visual warning.
2. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Motorcyclists may adjust lane positions for a safety purpose. If a motorcycle is in the left or right portion of the lane, they may be selecting a safer lane position, usually giving them a better line of sight.
3. Because motorcycles are less visible, they may appear to be moving faster than they really are.
4. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
5. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden by objects inside or outside a car (door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc.). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.
6. The stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement make it difficult to stop quickly. Allow for more following distance behind a motorcycle because it cannot always stop abruptly.
7. Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and usually convex. This gives the cyclist a smaller image of you and makes you appear farther back than you actually are. Keep at least four (4) second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, but only at slower speeds and with good road conditions. A motorcyclist may not be able to safely maneuver out of the way.
9. Carrying a passenger complicates a motorcyclist’s task. Balance is more difficult, stopping distance is increased, and maneuverability is reduced. Predict more risks when you see two people on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.
10. There is a great deal more vehicles and larger trucks than there are motorcycles on the road, and some drivers may not ‘see’ a motorcycle. Look twice for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
11. At night, single headlights and taillights on motorcycles can blend into the lights of other traffic. Those ‘odd’ lights could be a motorcycle.
12. Look twice to save a life before making lane changes or turning at intersections.
13. Leather is the most protection a rider can wear. Most leather products come in black which is the least visible color and tends to blend into the background at night. Some “motorcycle specific” clothing come with retro reflective stitching, so adhere caution at night if you think you see a glimpse of reflection or bright color in your head lights.
14. Be prepared for a motorcyclist to swerve around a pothole or low set manhole cover.
15. While preparing to stop, flash your brake lights a couple times at night to warn those behind you that your about to stop. While it is a good habit to practice for your own safety, remember that motorcyclists only have one head light and may not illuminate the roadway.
16. Before attempting to pass or change lanes, perform a visual head check, to the left and right, since every mirror has a blind spot, and some motorcyclists may travel in small groups.
17. Older model motorcycles do not have self-cancelling turn signals so use caution when attempting to pass them. Please take an extra couple of seconds to make sure they see you.
18. In recent years, there has been an increased use of bicycles, scooters, and three wheelers on our roadways. Please use caution.

Use of Protective Equipment:

Cyclists can reduce or prevent injuries by using proper equipment and following the laws and regulations associated with motorcycles:

1. A helmet properly worn can reduce or prevent head injuries. Rhode Island law requires passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets. In addition, any operator under twenty-one (21) shall always wear a certified helmet. New operators, regardless of age, must wear an approved helmet for the first year of their license.
2. Eye protection in the form of glasses, goggles or a face shield can reduce or prevent eye injuries. Rhode Island law requires all operators to properly wear eye protection.
3. Heavy shoes or boots can reduce or prevent injury to an operator’s feet.
4. Full length pants, not shorts, and a jacket made of durable material can reduce or prevent bodily injury.
5. Full-fingered gloves can reduce or prevent injury to the operator’s hands.

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