04-22-2017, 02:59 AM
Sometimes they do see you and make the left hand turn anyway because you are just a motorcycle. While attending a rally in Sudbury, Ontario I witnessed a driver make a left hand turn in front of a Goldwing rider. When the policeman asked her "Did you not see him?" Her response was "Yes I saw him. I know him."
You will often read people that suggest that you watch the drivers eyes. Over the years I have had numerous drivers look right at me on my bike or in my car and pull out in front of me anyway. By the time you can see their eyes, it's too late.
Now while riding I gear down, slow down, cover the both brakes, consider escape routes, and watch the vehicles wheels. They are far bigger that a persons eyes. Sounds like a lot of things to do, but after a while it is as automatic as shifting.
I am 6'2" inches tall. When I drive a car the rear view mirror blocks my vision to the right. I can have a vehicle pull up on my right to a 4-way stop intersection and never see it. I now have the habit of ducking down a bit to see if there is a vehicle hiding behind my mirror.
Much worse are the small traffic circles that are now becoming popular at busy suburban intersections. Now both me and the vehicle on my right are headed to the same spot at 40 or 50 KPH (25 to 30 MPH). Riding a motorcycle through these small circles, especially the two-lane ones, is a heart pumping adventure.
You will often read people that suggest that you watch the drivers eyes. Over the years I have had numerous drivers look right at me on my bike or in my car and pull out in front of me anyway. By the time you can see their eyes, it's too late.
Now while riding I gear down, slow down, cover the both brakes, consider escape routes, and watch the vehicles wheels. They are far bigger that a persons eyes. Sounds like a lot of things to do, but after a while it is as automatic as shifting.
I am 6'2" inches tall. When I drive a car the rear view mirror blocks my vision to the right. I can have a vehicle pull up on my right to a 4-way stop intersection and never see it. I now have the habit of ducking down a bit to see if there is a vehicle hiding behind my mirror.
Much worse are the small traffic circles that are now becoming popular at busy suburban intersections. Now both me and the vehicle on my right are headed to the same spot at 40 or 50 KPH (25 to 30 MPH). Riding a motorcycle through these small circles, especially the two-lane ones, is a heart pumping adventure.