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• FOLLOWING DISTANCE behind the motorcyclist should be the
same 3-second following distance you would give ANY OTHER
VEHICLE. Following too closely may make riders nervous, causing
their attention to be taken from the road and trafc ahead.
• LANE USAGE for the motorcyclist is vital. Motorcycles are entitled
to the same full lane width as all other vehicles. Good motorcycle
drivers are CONSTANTLY CHANGING positions within that lane
to help their ability to see and be seen, and to avoid objects in or
near the road. Never move into the same lane alongside a motorcycle,
even if the lane is wide and the cyclist is riding far to one side. Do
not try to crowd cyclists in any way or force them to the edge of the
road. It is not only illegal, it is extremely hazardous.
• BAD WEATHER AND SLIPPERY SURFACES can be real prob-
lems for motorcycles. Allow even more following distance for a
motorcyclist when it is raining or the road surface is wet and slippery.
Skilled motorcycle riders will slow down under these conditions.
Remember, motorcycles only have 2 wheels compared to your four.
Also, be alert to the problem of glare that rain and wet roads create,
especially at night. It is easy to lose sight of a motorcycle and its
rider under the best of conditions. Rain, wind, dust and smog affect
the cyclist’s vision far more than yours in an enclosed vehicle. The
cyclist’s face shield, windshield or goggles help but cannot com-
pletely make up for poor visibility under these conditions.
• CROSS WINDS can be bad for motorcycles. Windy conditions can
actually move a motorcycle out of its lane of travel. Areas to look out
for are wide open, long stretches of highways and bridges. Fast moving
large trucks have been known to create wind blasts which can startle a
cyclist and, under certain conditions, actually move cyclists out of their
path of travel. Be alert to these conditions so you can prepare yourself
for a possible quick change in speed or direction of the motorcycle.
• ROAD SURFACES and debris in the road that do not normally
affect other vehicles can create problems for the cyclist. Gravel,
debris, pavement seams, small animals and even manhole covers
may cause the motorcyclist to change speed or direction.
• RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS may be rough or cross the
road at an angle. The rider may slow down or change direction so
that the tracks can be crossed head on. The cyclist may rise up off
the seat to help cushion the shock of a rough crossing.