How to Safely Navigate Heavy Traffic on a Motorcycle
No matter how much work CDOT puts into expanding the roads, the traffic along the Front Range never seems to get any better. Riding a motorcycle in Denver and other cities means that you will spend a lot of time in heavy traffic.
Safely navigating heavy traffic is, unfortunately, a necessary skill, especially if you ride your motorcycle during your commute. In fact, understanding how to ride safely in heavy traffic can reduce your risk of motorcycle accidents and save your life. Plus, it’s not that hard – at least in principle. Here are some basic tips to help you navigate heavy traffic safely on your motorcycle.
Be Visible
Automobile drivers can be lazy, and sitting in traffic can make them bored. They are likely to be even less aware of their surroundings than usual, so it’s up to you to make sure that they see you.
High visibility clothing, although unpopular, can be a big help, but it’s also important to be actively visible. Weave sideways in your lane to make sure that you appear in both the side view and the rearview mirror. This motion will also attract attention because it’s unusual.
Watch Drivers’ Mirrors
Another advantage of making sure that you’re in drivers’ mirrors is that it gives you a view of their mirrors, too. In those mirrors you can see which way the driver is looking. Even if drivers don’t check their mirrors, they will generally look in the direction they are planning to move. Seeing which way a driver is looking will help you understand which way they’re thinking of going.
Do this enough, and you’ll get so good at anticipating drivers’ movements that it’s almost like mind reading.
Never Pass on the Right at an Intersection
In general, it’s best to avoid passing on the right, but in heavy traffic it’s sometimes necessary. However, the time you should never do it is when there’s an open path on the right that a driver might suddenly decide to take.
Drivers in traffic act like caged animals. When they see an opening to escape, they can sometimes decide to bolt for it suddenly, and if you’re between them and that opening, you can be hurt or killed.
Be Ready to Brake
In heavy traffic, you should always have your fingers and your foot on the brakes. You never know when traffic that seems to be moving fine will suddenly stop, forcing you to slam on the brakes. You also don’t know when someone is going to think they see an “opening” in traffic where your motorcycle is, so you always need to be ready to brake in response to these mistakes by other drivers.
Be Ready to Accelerate
Braking isn’t always the answer to sudden changes in traffic. Sometimes the best way to get out of trouble is to accelerate. Make sure you’re ready for that solution, too. Some people recommend riding in a lower gear to make sure you have enough pickup to jump ahead, but you know your bike best, and you don’t want to peel out instead of accelerating.
Use the Available Space
There’s a lot more space for a motorcycle to maneuver than there is for a car. When someone maneuvers into your lane, you might need all of it. Take advantage of the space to the left or right of the cars ahead and behind to get out of people’s way.
It’s also a good idea to move off to the side when traffic starts to slow. That way, you’re not between two cars in case the person behind you isn’t paying attention to the slowdown.
Scan Ahead and Behind
The more you can anticipate possible hazards, the better you will be able to respond to them. Give yourself more awareness by scanning the road ahead and behind.
While you’re weaving to make yourself visible, take advantage of the car’s windows ahead of you to see what the traffic is doing ahead of them. Whenever possible, try to assess the road conditions ahead as well. Meanwhile, check your mirrors and periodically look over your shoulder to be aware of what people are doing behind you. Be aware in case a trailing car is acting erratically and its driver may not be paying attention.
Head for Cover
Whenever possible, use a car or truck for cover. Instead of jumping forward at a light, let the car beside you nose out into the intersection first in case someone is running the light. Riding beside a car will also help you avoid someone trying to make a left turn through your space.
Always Have an Escape Route
Your motorcycle is slender, powerful, and maneuverable, which gives you more options in a dangerous situation than a car has. Always be aware of the options that are available to you in any traffic situation, and be prepared to take one of them if you must avoid a collision. It’s better to hop a curb than to get sandwiched between two cars.
If You Have an Accident, Choose Motorcycle Accident Attorney Brian Pushchak
Unfortunately, even the best techniques for riding safely in heavy traffic can’t always keep you out of a motorcycle accident. There are just too many drivers paying too little attention on the road, and you can’t always anticipate and accelerate out of every tight spot.
If you are in an accident, let Pushchak Law help you hold the other driver accountable for their negligence. Motorcycle accident attorney Brian Pushchak has limited his practice to focus almost exclusively on motorcycle accidents, and this specialization means he has handled a lot of motorcycle accident cases and learned how best to help riders who are hurt.
We also offer a unique Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you get the best possible outcome to your case. In this approach, we put our expertise and experience to work for you, providing the highly personalized representation you deserve. We start by listening to your goals, then we give you advice on how best to achieve those goals. You are always in control of your case, but our knowledge can help you make the decisions that are always in your best interests. We care about you personally, and we give you our contact information. You can always reach us if you have an important question or decision about your case.
To learn what sets us apart from other motorcycle accident lawyers, schedule a free consultation with Pushchak Law today. We serve clients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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