Street Riding Strategy and Traffic Awareness
Street strategy is the largest share of real-world risk: most motorcycle crashes happen at intersections and involve a driver who did not see the rider. Expect questions on following distance, lane position, being seen, and handling a left-turning car.
SIPDE
Search the road ahead, Identify hazards, Predict what they will do, Decide on a response, Execute it. Keep scanning about 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors regularly; do not fixate on the vehicle directly in front.
Lane position and space
Ride in the portion of the lane that puts you where a driver's eyes are - usually the left third, which also keeps you out of the oil strip in the center at stops. Keep a space cushion on all four sides: do not ride beside a car in its blind spot, and either drop back or accelerate past rather than lingering. Share a lane with no one; lane splitting and lane sharing with another vehicle are not legal in Georgia.
Following distance
Two seconds minimum in good conditions, four or more at night, in rain, or behind a vehicle you cannot see past, such as a truck or bus. Extra distance buys sight distance and reaction time.
Intersections and left-turners
Approach intersections with the throttle rolled off, covering the brakes, and a plan for the car that may turn across your path. Watch the front wheels of oncoming cars. If a car starts turning left in front of you, brake or swerve - do not assume eye contact means they saw you.
Being seen
Headlight on, bright or reflective gear, early signals, and a lane position that keeps you visible in other drivers' mirrors. Flashing the brake light before you slow helps the car behind you.
Worked example
An oncoming car at an intersection has its left turn signal on. The rider slows, covers the brakes, moves toward the right portion of the lane away from the turning car's path, and prepares to stop. If the car turns anyway, the rider still has speed and space to brake or swerve - that is a plan, not a guess.
Traps that cost marks
- Riding in a blind spot because 'the driver can see me there.'
- Following a truck closely to be seen - you lose sight distance and escape room.
- Assuming a turn signal means the car will actually turn.
- Believing lane splitting is legal in Georgia.