| Being Seen “For Safety Sake”
A famous report based on motorcycle accidents in the late 70’s offered some sage conclusions about motorcycle
accidents and being seen; what they call ”conspicuity”. Being conspicuous.
The logic from this is:
- Most motorcycles accidents are caused by human factors, rather than environmental or vehicle factors.
- The other vehicle’s driver violating the right-of-way of the motorcycle most often causes multi-vehicle
motorcycle accidents.
- Therefore, increasing motorcycle conspicuity can decrease the risk of collisions.
That seams pretty open and shut. Other drivers tend to not see us, and then they are surprised when they run
over us, right? So, is the answer high visibility gear, modulator headlights, air horns blasting? The Question is, when other
drivers tromp on our right of way, is it because they really didn’t see us, or saw us but didn’t believe a motorcyclist
had the same rights as other motorist? Did the errant driver swerve in front of the motorcyclist because he really didn’t
see the bike?
For example, allowing yourself to get boxed in behind a truck or bus makes it difficult for the other drivers
to see you, and makes it harder for you to see what’s happening ahead.
For the same reasons, don’t expect other drivers to see you if you’re in their blind spot, or
peek out of alleyways or side streets. When in traffic, it should be a high priority to position yourself to give everyone
else the best opportunity to see you.
Riding gear in brighter colors can make it easier for another motorist to better see us in traffic.
The brain also makes assumptions about distance and importance based on color. For example, blue appears to be farther away
while red appears closer. Yellow is a higher visibility color than red, which is why school zone signs and fire trucks are
now coming out in high visibility yellow. Rain gear offers bright colors and reflective strips, including large reflective
panels. Reflective belts, helmet bands and fabric all designed to make you more conspicuous at night.
If your motorcycle has enough charging capacity to keep extra lights glowing, you might think about modifying
your lighting to increase conspicuity, I did. Check with your local law enforcement for lights and reflector regulations.
We might also surmise that today’s larger touring bikes have a conspicuity advantage over cruisers and
sport tourers. A bike with a huge fairing, wide headlights and taillights should be easier to notice in traffic. Secondly,
a bike that’s physically wider provides better clues about its actual approach speed. Third, a larger machine may appear
to be closer than it actually is, encouraging other drivers to wait for it to pass rather than pulling out in front of it.
You need to be more aware of your approach speed and how others perceive you.
In other words, the other driver must know where you are, if you are moving, the speed you are traveling,
and the distance you are from him. By being conspicuous, you will hopefully avoid that predictable response: “Honest
officer, I didn’t see him”.
Dave & Betty Andrade
Georgia District MA Coordinators |
GWRRA MOTORIST AWARENESS
MISSION STATEMENT
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To reduce death, disability, and loss of property resulting from accidents in which a motorcyclist's
right of way has been violated by another motorist.
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By increasing motorists awareness of motorcycles through actively and aggressively conducting
events, campaigns and presentations to audiences that are predominantly non-motorcycling and to increase motorcyclist's awareness
of the attitudes and lack of awareness that a majority of motorists have regarding motorcyclists.
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