Sharing the Road: Cars, Trucks, Other Vehicles, and Vulnerable Road Users
Cars
Cars are the greatest threat because drivers look for other cars, not motorcycles. A car's blind spot can hide you completely. Ride where you can be seen in mirrors, avoid lingering beside a car, and watch for left-turners, merging vehicles, and drivers opening doors into your path. Make eye contact when possible, but treat it as a clue, not a guarantee.
Trucks and buses
Large vehicles have large no-zones-behind, beside, and in front. A truck's right turn often begins with a swing to the left; never squeeze into the space on its right. Trucks need much more distance to stop and can blow tires or create wind blasts as they pass. Pass promptly and do not cut back in front.
Other vehicles
RVs, buses, farm equipment, and vehicles towing trailers may travel slowly and make wide turns. Watch for animals, especially in rural New Mexico, and slow down when you see warning signs.
Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and moped riders have little protection. Give them room, slow down, and expect sudden moves. Do not crowd a cyclist or pass closely; a draft or a mirror can knock a rider down. At crosswalks, yield.
Worked example
A tractor-trailer ahead signals right. Reasoning: it may first move left to make the turn, and its rear wheels will cut the corner. Do not pass on the right or sit in the right-side no-zone. Hang back until the turn is complete.
Traps
Assuming a truck driver can see you; passing a truck on the right; tailgating a bus; and treating a cyclist as an obstacle to squeeze past.