Riding a motorcycle can be a freeing experience but also involves risks, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles. One of the most common excuses drivers give after colliding with motorcyclists is “I didn’t see them,” highlighting the unique dangers for motorcycle riders on the road.
The fault in these crashes often lies with the negligent driver, not the motorcyclists. However, there are steps riders can take to make themselves more visible and reduce the likelihood of crashes.
1. Keep Your Headlights On
Turn on your motorcycle headlights during daylight hours to increase your visibility to other motorists. Research shows that motorcycles with daytime headlights are more noticeable to surrounding drivers, reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility. One study found that daytime running lights (DRLs) boosted motorcycle visibility to other vehicles from 53.6% to 64.4%, and DRLs lessened crash risk by up to 20%.
2. Wear Bright Colors
Wear bright colors while riding your motorcycle to improve your safety. Choose gear in vivid colors such as neon yellow, orange, or red. These shades improve your visibility and stand out against Miami’s urban backdrop. Bright helmets and jackets act as visual alerts, helping other road users spot you quickly and react to any potential collision faster, which reduces the risk of accidents.
3. Choose a Brightly Colored Motorcycle
If shopping for a new motorcycle, select a model in a bright color like white, yellow, or bright red. These vibrant shades on the motorcycle’s body and fairings make you more visible than darker colors like the traditional black, gray, or silver. Increased visibility helps you stand out on the road, helping other drivers see you and avoid collisions.
4. Apply Reflective Tape
Apply reflective tape to increase your visibility when riding your motorcycle, particularly in low-light conditions or at night. Place strips of this tape (anywhere from 4” to 7”) on your motorcycle’s rims, saddlebags, top case, and panniers to maximize visibility. Choose durable, weather-resistant tape. This will help ensure you are visible from all angles in all conditions to help minimize the crash risk.
5. Stay Visible in Your Lane
Stay visible by shifting your placement within your lane while riding. Known as lane positioning, this technique involves subtle side-to-side movements within your lane to catch the attention of other drivers. It keeps you out of blind spots and heightens your visibility, enabling you to react quickly to sudden traffic changes and lessening the chance of an accident.
6. Install Auxiliary Lighting
Consider installing additional lighting on your motorcycle, such as LED strips or auxiliary driving lights. These extra lights can increase your visibility, especially in low-light conditions like dusk and dawn or inclement weather, and make it easier for other drivers to see you.
7. Maintain Clean and Bright Lights
Regularly inspect and maintain your motorcycle’s headlights and signal lights to ensure optimal functionality. Dirt and debris can diminish brightness, reducing your visibility to other drivers. Florida Statute 316.405 mandates the use of functioning headlights at all times when driving on public streets or highways, even during daylight hours.
8. Use Hand Signals and Signals Lights
Communicate your intentions clearly to other road users by using hand signals in addition to your motorcycle’s signal lights. Hand signals can help reinforce your intentions to change lanes, turn, or stop, especially when your motorcycle’s signal lights are not easily visible.
9. Ride in Groups
Ride in groups with other motorcyclists when possible. A group of motorcycles is more noticeable to drivers than a single rider, increasing overall visibility and reducing the risk of being overlooked on the road. Additionally, riding in a group increases visibility from multiple angles, boosting safety for all riders.
10. Stay Alert and Predictable
Maintain situational awareness while riding and anticipate potential hazards before they arise. Avoid sudden maneuvers or erratic behavior that could catch other drivers by surprise. By riding predictably and defensively, you can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision.
Protect Your Right to Compensation
Your actions on the road can help you stay more visible and minimize the risk of a crash. However, collisions can still happen, especially when other drivers act negligently and don’t check their surroundings when driving near motorcycle riders.
In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, seek legal assistance from our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers at Aigen Injury Law to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the circumstances of your accident and learn how we can help you receive a maximum settlement.