Information for motorcyclists
As you know, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous.
Car drivers aren’t perfect. Whatever the reason – sun glare, distraction , or the car’s blind spots – drivers may not see motorcycles when turning in front of other traffic or driving into an intersection.
Drivers often say they looked but didn’t see the motorcycle. Research suggests that car drivers may not see motorcycles on their first check of oncoming traffic. Therefore when a driver turns in front of traffic or moves into an intersection, they may cause a crash because they have not seen the motorcycle.
Drivers (and riders) make many quick decisions based on a brief look at other traffic, and a driver’s expectations will always influence what they do.
Drivers who , are also riders, are less likely to cause this type of crash. This indicates that drivers who are less familiar with motorcycles may look briefly at oncoming traffic and simply fail to recognise that a motorcycle is there.
The Victorian Government is working at ways to help increase driver awareness of motorcycles at intersections. A public education campaign for drivers has commenced , but it is unlikely that this, or any other program, will solve the problem completely.
Motorcyle riders should assume that car drivers will sometimes make mistakes. There are actions riders can take to help drivers recognise them in traffic, and to reduce the risk of a collision if a driver does make a mistake.
What you, as a rider, can do:
- Be easy to see. Ride with a headlight turned on – even during the daytime. Choose riding gear that makes you easier to be seen in traffic. Do everything you can to avoid blending into the background, so that drivers at intersections can recognise you more easily.
- Be ready for drivers to make a mistake. As you approach an intersection where a car is waiting to turn or move in front of you, assume the driver may fail to see you and be ready to take avoidance action. If you set up your brakes in this situation, you will be able to react faster if the driver makes a mistake.
- Slow down when approaching busy intersections. If a driver turns across your path, your speed can be the factor that determines the final outcome. You have a much better chance of stopping if you are going a little slower.
