The Life of a Seattle Motorcycle Commuter

http://www.motorcyclecommuter.com/?cat=8
STAYING SAFE ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE #30 - TEN TIPS FOR CAR AND TRUCK DRIVERS
Here is a very helpful list of safe driving tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It’s worth reading, and you are more than welcome to print and share these with your friends & family (they gave permission to do so). Actually, please share these driving tips -- you could end up saving lives.

Number 5 is definitely worth remembering for us bikers. Even I sometimes forget that my brake light doesn’t engage when I downshift. Now THAT could pose a serious problem, if you’re being tailgated, or if the cager behind you isn’t paying attention...

Overall, the last one is my favorite. How many stupid mistakes can be prevented if we all saw motorcycles that way?


QUICK TIPS: Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. 1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
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2. 2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. 3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
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4. 4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
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5. 5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
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6. 6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
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7. 7.Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. 8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
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9. 9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
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10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person