Safe Riding: Lane Position, Following Distance, and Visibility
Lane position
A lane has three usable positions: left, center, and right. The center often collects oil, grease, and coolant, especially at intersections. The left position can improve your sight line and make you more visible to oncoming traffic; the right can provide an escape path from a vehicle beside you. Change position as traffic and road conditions change, and avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
Following distance
Use at least a two-second gap under ideal conditions. Add time for rain, gravel, darkness, passengers, or cargo. A larger gap gives you room to brake or swerve when the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.
Visibility
Keep the headlight on, wear bright or reflective gear, and use signals early. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. Ride where drivers can see you rather than assuming they will notice you.
Worked example
You are following a delivery truck at 55 mph in light rain. The dry-road two-second gap becomes at least four seconds. You position left to see around the truck and to appear in its mirrors. If the truck stops abruptly, the extra gap gives you time to brake without locking a wheel.
Traps that cost marks
- Always riding the center of the lane.
- Keeping a two-second gap in rain or darkness.
- Assuming loud exhaust makes you visible.
- Tailgating to keep cars from entering your lane.
- Riding beside a vehicle instead of in its mirror view.