How to Improve Motorcycle Visibility to Other Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur because the driver just didn’t see the motorcyclist.
Although it is a driver’s responsibility to make sure they are paying attention to everything on the road, it is still a good idea for you as a motorcyclist to do everything you can to be seen to avoid a motorcycle accident. In the event of an accident, taking steps to be visible can highlight that it was the driver’s inattention, not your lack of visibility, that caused the accident. Here are some tips that can help you be seen on the road.
Wear Bright Colored Clothing
We know that the standard outfit of bikers is basic black, but bright colors might be a better choice. Wearing bright colors can make you a lot more visible at all times of day or night.
One high-visibility addition to your gear should be a helmet. Not only will it protect you in the event of an accident, but it can also help you stay visible. Your head is often the highest part of your outline, and there are many situations where drivers might see just your headlight and your helmet. Having a bright-colored helmet can make a big contribution to your visibility.
Remember, too, that solid colors are more visible than patterns. Patterns that break up your outline function like camouflage. Even if you think the crazy outlines and colors should make you more visible, they can make it harder for drivers to recognize your shape and realize you are a motorcyclist. Instead, wear solid colors or simple patterns that define your shape (like the belt-and-straps setup on visibility vests).
Use Reflective Gear and Tape
You can also enhance visibility by choosing reflective gear, especially when riding at night. Even if you don’t wear high-visibility clothing during the day, having a vest you can put on at night is a smart move.
You can also enhance your regular gear to make it more visible by adding reflective tape. There are many recommended ways to do this, but consider adding it in a pattern similar to visibility vests as well as putting it on your bike to enhance visibility from all angles.
Keep Your Lights on
Lights significantly improve your visibility, so you should keep them on at all times. However, make sure your lights are appropriate for the conditions. A light that is too bright can make you more visible but can also make it harder for drivers to determine that you are a motorcycle. They can also make it harder for drivers to determine your speed and distance.
Also, check the code before adding more lights to your motorcycle. These might seem like a good idea, but Colorado has strict requirements and limitations for adding lights to any vehicles.
Use Your Signals
It should go without saying, but it’s a good idea to use your signals before executing a maneuver. Signaling your intention to turn or change lanes can tell drivers that they should give you extra space.
Your brake lights can also be effective. Their extra brightness can really get drivers’ attention. If a car is approaching from behind and you’re not sure it’s seen you, tapping the brakes can make sure the other driver is paying attention. Be very brief and make sure you do it when you have enough space that you’re not going to cause an accident.
Ride Where You Can Be Seen
It’s also critically important to position yourself in the lane so that you are easily visible to other drivers. This means using your blocking positions to define your space in the lane and remain visible to drivers. Avoid riding in the center of the lane.
Never ride in a driver’s blind spot. If you’re not sure where you are, look at the driver’s reflection in their side view mirrors. If you can’t see their eyes, then they probably can’t see you.
Enlarge Your Presence
One of the reasons why motorcycles are hard for drivers to see on the road is that they are small. Making your presence larger can help you be more visible.
The biggest way to enlarge your presence is to ride with a friend or group. More motorcycles are visible than just one.
However, if you prefer to ride solo, you can still make your presence larger by riding a larger motorcycle. If you don’t want a huge cruiser, a pair of saddlebags will add significant width to your motorcycle. You can enhance visibility even more by adding reflective tape to the bags.
Choose Pushchak Law for Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious, disabling injuries. When this happens, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you get compensation from the driver whose inattention caused the accident. Brian Pushchak is an experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer. He makes motorcycle accidents a primary focus of his practice to improve his effectiveness at helping people. He understands the types of injuries that come from motorcycle accidents and the compensation necessary to help you and your family get through this difficult time.
When you choose Pushchak Law, you will also benefit from our exclusive Informed Decisions™ Approach. This starts with us taking the time to listen to your goals and priorities following your accident. We will then use our expertise and experience to recommend how best to proceed to achieve your goals. However, your case is always yours and you remain in charge of all decisions. We know how important it is to be here for you while we’re pursuing compensation for your injuries or loss. We will give you our personal contact information, and you can get ahold of us whenever you have questions or want to make a decision about your case.
To learn how Pushchak Law can help you after a motorcycle accident, please schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Denver.
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