Part 110 - Riding in Traffic... (",)

Riding in Traffic

Protect yourself! Be seen! Many motorists do not expect, or see, motorcycles that share the same road with them. Although a collision may be the other motorist's fault, that won't help the motorcycle rider who is more likely to be injured. Riders need to take a tactical approach when riding in traffic.
Road Position
Experienced riders know that they must constantly adjust and readjust their lane positions depending on changing traffic and road conditions. The left portion of a lane, where the left wheels of a vehicle would travel, is often recommended as the best place to ride on a two lane highway. On a four lane highway ride in the right portion of the lane so you can: be seen by oncoming vehicles more easily see oncoming vehicles more easily use the full lane you are entitled to, discouraging motorists from trying to share your lane or move into your lane see farther into, and be more easily seen from road junctions on the left avoid the slippery area that may be formed in the centre of the lane caused by leaks from other vehicles. These points illustrate why it is best to use the left portion of the lane most of the time. However, there are many times when it is smarter to use the centre or right portion of the lane in order to expand your space cushion.

Maintaining a space cushion Avoid remaining beside another moving vehicle or riding in the blind spot. The other driver might make a sudden shift into your lane. Be sure you are where the other driver has the best chance to see you. Keep your distance. The closer you follow another vehicle, the greater your risk. The best protection you can have is the distance between yourself and others. Distance provides three advantages. It allows: 1) time to react and take action in order to avoid a collision 2) you to choose an alternate path should something unexpected happen 3) time to avoid an emergency situation, which could cause you to lose control or be hit from behind. When conditions are ideal, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. At higher speeds, or when road conditions are less than ideal, stay even further behind. Motorcycles can usually stop in a shorter distance than other vehicles, so try to make room for the vehicles behind you if possible.

Maintain a two second following distance under ideal conditions.

Use the mirror(s) to be aware of vehicles behind you. If a vehicle behind you is following too closely, increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead. This will allow you more space to stop gradually if necessary. It will also give the vehicle behind more time to stop, reducing the risk of a rear-end collision. A proper following distance allows the driver of oncoming vehicles more time to see you. Never assume that other drivers have seen you. Plan ahead and leave space for any emergency situation. Leave sufficient space when passing parked vehicle?s in case a vehicle door is suddenly opened into your path. Avoid riding too close to the centre line or to the curb since this may encourage other drivers to attempt to pass you in your lane. The law does not allow you to ride between lanes (splitting a lane) or share a lane with other drivers.

Do not try to pass by squeezing past vehicles.

Be prepared to sound your horn if necessary to make other drivers aware of your presence.

Choosing the best lane position

One of the ways for a rider to be seen is to know and use the best road position for each situation. There is no single position that is always best.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your lane position.

• Before the crest of a hill, move to the centre or right lane position. You never know what might be coming over the hill.
• When riding in a curve, choose a position that will give the best view through the curve ahead.
• Avoid the turbulence or wind blast that is caused by large vehicles. When a large vehicle is approaching, move to the right lane position and keep a firm grip on the handlebar. Wait for a while after the vehicle has passed before returning to your previous lane position.

Move to the right of your lane. Be prepared for turbulence, wind blast or a change in wind conditions.

Blind Spots
Even when the mirrors are properly adjusted, there are large areas behind and to the side of a rider that can not be seen in the mirrors. These are called blind spots. Always shoulder check to confirm that your blind spot is clear of traffic before changing lanes or passing. When following another vehicle, stay out the other driver's blind spot as much as possible.
Vehicle A is using both of the outside mirrors and the inside rear view mirror. Vehicle A can see motorcycle B. Vehicle A can not see motorcycles C and D.
Ride where you can be seen clearly in the other vehicle's rear view mirror.
		Stay well back to be seen better. This will also provide you with more time to react to the unexpected actions of others and to road hazards such as potholes and debris.

Large Vehicles
It is very important to give large vehicles lots of space. There are large blind spots both behind and to the side of large vehicles. If you are following a large vehicle too closely, the driver will not be able to see you and your view of the road ahead is reduced. Following too closely increases your chances of a rear end collision. It also creates a hazardous situation by not allowing enough time to react to avoid any debris or potholes that may be in the lane. The “right turn squeeze” could occur if a motorcycle rider is positioned between a large vehicle that is turning right and the curb. In this position, the driver of the large vehicle may not see the motorcycle rider. Stay out of this position. Choose a lane position that allows plenty of distance between you and the other vehicle.
Stay out of this position.

Intersections
Many collisions involving motorcycles happen at intersections. Some causes of collisions at intersections are the result of: oncoming vehicles making a left turn in front of a motorcycle vehicles entering from a cross street. To avoid intersection collisions do the following. Give yourself lots of room and ride in a lane or lane position that provides the best view of oncoming traffic. Have a space cushion around the motorcycle. Position yourself to see and be seen so you can take evasive action. When approaching the intersection, be prepared to apply the brakes if necessary. Always check your mirrors so that you are aware of the traffic behind you. Be prepared to change your lane or lane position to separate yourself from the greatest immediate hazard. If your motorcycle stalls in an intersection and cannot be started, walk it clear of all traffic and out of the intersection. If the motorcycle is equipped with emergency hazard lights, they should be activated.

Slow down and be ready to adjust your lane position. If an oncoming driver wants to turn left, slow down and move to the right portion of your lane, since this will increase the space between you and the oncoming vehicle. Never assume that the other driver has seen you.

If a vehicle is about to enter from the right side of the intersection, stay or move to the left portion of your lane and be prepared to stop. If a vehicle can enter your path, assume that it will.

If traffic is about to enter the intersection from either side of a road, stay in the left portion of the lane. Be prepared to take evasive action or stop.

Changing Lanes
There is always some risk involved when changing lanes and you must do it safely. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. The few seconds that you think might be saved by constantly switching lanes is not worth the risks involved. Plan ahead so you are not forced into making sudden lane changes. When changing lanes: make sure a lane change is permitted check traffic ahead and use your mirrors to check traffic behind you because mirrors have blind spots, always glance over your shoulder to the lane into which you will be moving give the proper signal look again and, if it is safe, make the lane change.
Passing
Passing another vehicle may look easy but there is always risk involved. Do not pass unless it is necessary. Ask yourself, “What will I gain?” If it is necessary to pass, be sure you are passing in a legal passing zone and make sure it is safe. Do not pass: a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian crossing the road near or at the crest of a hill just before or within an intersection at a railway crossing on a curve or any place where the view ahead is obstructed on the shoulder of the road when the traffic in front is slowing down unexpectedly.

When passing on a two-way highway:

• ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance to increase your line of sight
• check ahead for oncoming traffic to ensure you have enough space to complete the pass safely
• check your mirrors
• shoulder check to the left to ensure that no one is attempting to pass you
• turn on your left signal light
• look ahead for oncoming traffic
• maintain a two second following distance until you are about to pass
• check ahead again to be sure you still have the space necessary to complete the pass safely
• pass the other vehicle, but remember that you are not permitted to exceed the speed limit
• after passing the vehicle, pull far enough ahead until you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your mirror. Check over your right shoulder, signal, and move back into your travel lane when it is safe to do so.
• passing on the right is permitted only when the road has two or more lanes going in the same direction, when the vehicle being overtaken is making a left turn, or if there is a traffic lane available for passing to the right.

Passing parked vehicles

When passing parked vehicles, stay toward the left portion of your lane. This will help avoid problems caused by vehicle doors opening or people stepping out from between parked vehicles.

A bigger problem can occur when a driver pulls away from the curb without checking that the lane is clear of traffic. The driver may fail to see you even if a shoulder check is done. In either event, the driver may pull out and enter into your path so slow down or be prepared to change lanes.

Being passed Cooperate if someone is passing you by maintaining a constant speed and lane position. It is illegal and hazardous to speed up when being passed. Slow down, if necessary, to make sure the passing vehicle has room to move in safely. Be careful when a large truck is coming toward you. It can block a strong crosswind or create a pull of its own, which may cause you to lose control.

Once the vehicle starts to pass, maintain your lane position, and be prepared to slow down and move to the right if necessary. Return to your normal lane position after the pass is completed.

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