This statement reflects an unfortunate reality. It is extremely easy for a motorcyclist to fall under the radar until it’s too late. The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your visibility and therefore increase your safety on the road.
You want other motorists to see and be able to avoid you, so stay away from their blind spots. Ensure that you can easily the drivers of any nearby vehicles–if you can see them, they should be able to see you. Never assume anything, though: always leave enough distance between yourself and the other vehicles to maneuver away from sudden danger.
A common tactic is to stay towards the right of your lane until you’re just about to pass a car, then switching to the far left side of the lane. Hugging the right makes you easier to see, but staying on the left when actually passing puts as much distance between you and a car as possible.
Headlight modulators enable your lights to flicker or pulse in intensity. Although legal in all 50 states, their use is governed by federal law. When used properly, they can increase visibility. Many motorists find their flickering annoying, but in situations where visibility is compromised, safety takes priority.
If you don’t have reflective gear, purchase some reflective tape in neon colors and apply it to your helmet, jacket, and even saddlebags.
Did you know that the color helmet you wear makes a big difference when it comes to visibility on the road? A New Zealand study found that those who wore a white helmet as opposed to a black helmet were 24% less likely to be involved in a crash. The helmet doesn’t even have to be white—“light” helmets have a 19% lower association with crashes.