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.”
Safety Information
Both motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists face many risks while traveling. If drivers and riders are unaware of these variables, the likelihood of an accident increases. Such variables could include: uneven pavement, unsealed patches, potholes, slick surfaces, inattentive vehicle operators and so on.
If you would like to report a hazardous road condition, such as a pothole needing repair, please visit Kentucky’s Traffic and Travel Information (511.ky.gov) Web site. You can also report road conditions using your mobile phone by dialing 5-1-1.
Road Conditions
Some hazards for motorcyclists are the result of wear and the deterioration of the road surface. Others are created unintentionally by use of road treatments that do not take account of the special handling characteristics of a motorcycle. Roads with these features may be perfectly safe for most road users, but even at low speed can cause a loss of traction and a potential skid hazard for a motorcycle.
Road conditions that create hazards for motorcyclists include:
· Bumps and depressions
· Corrugated or rippled tar surface
· Overhanging branches
· Painted road marking
· Parallel grooving
· Pavement edge drop off
· Raised pavement.
· Smooth steel plate covers
· Steel deck joints
· Timber bridge
· Unsealed patches
Non-motorcyclists often fail to appreciate that sudden changes in the road surface need involve only a very small portion of an otherwise good road to be dangerous. A single pothole, patch of sand or water, oil or early morning dew on a painted road marking or tar-jointing compound can be sufficient to cause a skid.
Common hazards for motorcyclists are created by a sudden change in road surface caused by:
· Potholes
· Gravel or other loose material
· Oil, grease, diesel etc.
· Repaired patches
· Rubberized tar crack sealant
· Water seepage or ponding