Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can easily be hidden by objects inside or outside of a car, such as door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc. Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and are usually convex, thus giving a motorcycle a smaller image of you and making you seem farther back than you really are. Keep at least a three or four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes quick stopping difficult. Allow a motorcyclist more following distance because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
Facts
1. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes quick stopping difficult. Allow a motorcyclist more following distance because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
2. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, but only at slower speeds and with good road conditions. Don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can easily be hidden by objects inside or outside of a car, such as door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc. Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Motorcyclists often slow down 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, assume a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
5. Turn signals on a motorcycle are usually not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Look for a motorcycle’s signal to see if it’s real.
6. Carrying a passenger complicates the motorcyclist’s task. Balance is more difficult, and stopping distance is increased. Maneuverability is reduced. Be aware of the possibility of more problems when you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.
7. Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
8. Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and are usually convex, thus giving a motorcycle a smaller image of you and making you seem farther back than you really are. Keep at least a three or four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.
9. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
10. There are a lot more cars and trucks on the road than motorcycles, and some drivers don’t recognize a motorcycle or ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
11. At night, single headlights and taillights of motorcycles can blend into the lights of other traffic. Those “odd” lights could be a motorcycle.
Laws
The Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Education Commission was established in 2000. The commission advises the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the administration and continued expansion of the state’s motorcycle safety education program and acts as a communication channel between relevant state agencies, motorcyclists and the general public.
To learn more about the laws pertaining to Kentucky’s motorcycle safety and education program and commission, please click on the links below.
15.350 Motorcycle safety education program (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/350.pdf)
15A.352 Motorcycle rider training courses (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/352.pdf)
15A.354 Instructors (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/354.pdf)
15A356 Powers of cabinet (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/356.pdf)
15A.358 Motorcycle safety education program fund (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/358.pdf)
15A.360 Revenues relating to motorcycle safety education program fund (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/360.pdf)
15A.362 Motorcycle Safety Commission (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/362.pdf)
15A.364 Responsibilities of Motorcycle Safety Education Commission (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/364.pdf)
15A.366 Annual Report (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/015a00/366.pdf)
To learn more about laws pertaining to safety awareness and education, click on the links below.
186.450 Instruction permit – Application – Age requirements – Restrictions on driving with permit. (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/186-00/450.pdf)
186.452 Intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle. (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/186-00/452.pdf)
186.580 Appeals (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/186-00/580.pdf)
186A.072 Titling of custom-built motorcycles (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/search.idq)
189.285 Regulations for operating and riding on motorcycles – Headgear requirements – Definitions of motorcycle and moped. (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/189-00/285.pdf)
189A.345 Penalties for violation of KRS 189A.410 and 189A.340 governing ignition interlock devices. (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/189a00/345.pdf)
Questions
1. Why do motorcyclists move around in the lane so much?
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles.
2. What is the stopping distance for motorcycles?
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes quick stopping difficult. Allow a motorcyclist more following distance because it can’t always stop "on a dime."
3. How does carrying a passenger affect a motorcyclist?
Balance is more difficult and maneuverability is reduced. Be aware of the possibility of more problems when you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections..
4. Where do most motorcycle crashes occur?
At intersections where a motorist is making a left hand turn. Be sure to look twice at all intersections.