Sharing the Road with Other Vehicles
Assume You Are Not Seen
Motorcycles are small and easy to overlook. The core habit is to assume other drivers do not see you until you have evidence they do - eye contact, a yielding action, or a clear gap. Watch for the classic conflicts: a car turning left across your path, a car pulling out from a side street or driveway, and a car changing lanes into your space.
Intersections and Turns
At intersections, position yourself to be visible and have an escape path. When a car is waiting to turn left in front of you, slow and be ready to stop or swerve. Do not assume a turn signal means the driver will turn - signals are often left on or forgotten. When passing, avoid riding beside a vehicle in its blind spot; pass decisively and get clear.
Large Vehicles and Following
Trucks and buses have large blind spots and wide turning paths. Do not ride beside a truck near an intersection where it may turn - it can swing wide and crush a rider in the gap. Stay back far enough to see the truck's mirrors (if you can't see the driver's mirrors, the driver can't see you).
Traps to Watch
- "The driver made eye contact, so they saw me" - eye contact is not a guarantee.
- "A turn signal means they will turn" - verify with the vehicle's motion.
- Questions about being in a blind spot: the correct answer is to move out of it, not to honk and stay.
- Passing a large vehicle: complete the pass promptly; don't hover alongside.
Rule of Thumb
If you can't see the driver's mirrors, the driver can't see you. Give large vehicles extra room, and treat every intersection as a place where someone might cross your path.
Worked Example
Scenario: A car ahead signals right but is drifting left. Action: Trust the vehicle's movement over its signal - slow, create space, and be ready to react.