Being seen on the road

Car drivers who collide with motorcycles often say they didn’t see the motorcycle. This is because the outline of a motorcycle and rider is much smaller than other vehicles, especially when seen from the front or back.

As a motorcycle rider, it’s safer to assume a driver hasn’t seen you.

Here are some things you can do to make yourself more visible to other road users.

Headlight

Riding with your headlight on dip (low beam) during the day makes you and your motorcycle more noticeable.

If your motorcycle was manufactured on or after 1 January 1980, you must use your headlight on dip or daytime running lamps during daylight hours.

Clothing

Brightly coloured, reflective helmets and clothing will help make you more visible. White, orange, yellow and red are the colours most easily seen. Reflective tape on your clothing or motorcycle can also help others to see you.

It’s a good idea to wear a reflective vest. A reflective vest is more noticeable to drivers behind you than a tail light is.

Horn

You should use the horn on your motorcycle to attract attention in a situation that could be dangerous. For example, if you and a vehicle in the lane next to you are both coming up behind a vehicle, the vehicle next to you may pull out to pass. Check the front wheels to see if they’re pulling out. Toot your horn in case the driver hasn’t noticed you.

Use your horn as a warning

Position

You can use your position on the road to make sure others see you. For example, by riding at the correct following distance behind the right-hand wheels of the vehicle ahead, you’re more easily seen in their rear-vision mirrors and more likely to be noticed. This position also allows you to be seen by oncoming vehicles, and for you to see them.

You can also avoid oil slicks that form in the centre of lanes and discourage lane-sharing by other motorists.

There are some occasions when you’ll need to change your lane position because of changing traffic conditions. Here are some other ways you can ride your motorcycle where others can see you.

• Don’t ride in another driver’s blind spots – the areas of road on either side of their vehicle that don’t show up in the vehicle’s mirrors.
• When you pass a vehicle, approach cautiously, but once you’re alongside, pass swiftly and safely.
• When you approach an intersection, as a general rule, keep to the right of your lane where you can more easily be seen by drivers coming from your left.
• If an oncoming vehicle seems ready to turn across your path:
  • slow down as you approach the vehicle – this gives the driver more time to see you and also gives you more time to stop if you need to
  • move slightly left in your lane and check to see where the driver is looking
  • watch the vehicle’s wheels for early warning that it’s pulling out in front of you
  • if there are stationary vehicles blocking the driver’s line of vision, take extra care and, if necessary, sound your horn
  • be prepared for the unexpected.
• When you park, angle the motorcycle out from the kerb so other motorists can see it. You may angle park in a designated parking area, whether it’s marked
  for parallel or angle parking

Ride where you can be seen.

Don't ride in driver's blind spots

Be seen at intersections

Be sure the driver of the turning vehicle has seen you

Speed

Accelerating fast or travelling over the speed limit may cause other road users to miss seeing you or misjudge your speed.

For example, a driver about to turn may see the way is clear but, before the turn is completed, a fast-moving motorcycle suddenly appears, changing the traffic situation. This can lead to a crash.