10 Ways to Increase Your Visibility While Riding a Motorcycle
Monday August 11, 2008
"I never saw them coming" is one of the most common things drivers say after they've struck a motorcyclist, and whether it's last week's unfortunate news or this powerful TV ad, riders need to use every tool possible to ensure they're seen on the road.
Check out my list of 10 Ways to be Seen on a Motorcycle, and feel free to share any techniques you employ to maximize visibility while you ride.
Related reading:
Photo © Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Click image to read 10 Ways to Increase Your Visibility While Riding
Comments
That ad sends chills down my spine. Hope it does the same for cagers
Scottie,
Agreed… and we need all the reminders we can get about making sure we’re seen!
Basem
All valid and worthwhile tips - and that video is very sobering. How many of us have come that close and then sat and shook, out of terror and anger?
I think the single biggest safety mechanism we all have is the nut behind the bars…if it’s loose, you’re screwed. You have to ride like everyone out there is blind and stupid, and they’ll rarely let you down.
Guys, I agree whole heartedly.
You are so wrong about the myth MC Helmets save lives in fact they do more damage then they are worth The helmet will snap your neck when it connects,Thats why dirt bike riders were a neck collar and the reason your head hits the ground when wering a helmet its so heavy but peps will say look at the dents ETC. it saved my head WRONG, Helmets block your side vision and your hearing is diminished then you’ll add a music speaker,gps,phone to your helmet and you’re just as bad as a cager.
Upon the purchase of a new helmet the accompanying documents have the disclaimer that most of us don’t read; the helmet is a aid in protecting your head. It does not necessarily save lives.Hm? People save lives!
Short “brain bucket” helmets do not block peripheral vision as much as fullface types,but I swivel my head to ascertain my blindspots are clear anyway. Good point Kelly about the additional stuff some are adding to their helmets…making them heavier and less protective. As I was recently reminded the rider is to be focusing on riding not the weather,not the j-o-b, and certainly not the ‘ex’! As for this video…about time! sooner woulda been better!! Lynx
Kelly and Lynx, your commentsa are absolutely untrue. I wear a full face helmet and it does not hinder my periphreal vision one bit. That’s just an excuse riders make to tell us why helmets are bad, haha what a crock! I don’t have phones or ipods in mine and I think most riders who are resposible enough to wear a full face helmet are smart enough not to load them down as you suggest. And as far as baing so heavy they cause damage, thats silly too. What is better, having your head with an extra 5 pounds hit the concrete, or having your bare head hit the conncrete. In a high speed crash your probably screwed anyway, but at lower speeds you might just survive with the proper protectrive gear. Helmets, especially snell approved, go through plenty of testing. Granted they won’t save you in every situation, but theres plenty of riders out there who are glad they had them
I have a motorcycle helmet, bicycle helmet, and I’ll be getting a ski helmet before I ski again. This organ donor cult has got to go away, and they will - one crash at a time.
Kelly…you’re obviously fallen off too many times with no helmet.