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Ten Things Automobile Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles |
By:
Ramesh Rajan |
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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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Article Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article7783.html |
Article: Ten Things Automobile Drivers should know about Motorcycles
Author: Ramesh Rajan
Total Views: 120
Word Count: 337
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