RIDER CONSPICUITY
Make Yourself More Noticeable
Sometimes it’s good to be noticed, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle. Too often, motorists pull out in front of motorcycles, usually to make a left turn, and cause deadly crashes, just because they don’t see them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles occur when a vehicle turns left while the motorcycle is going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle (2017).
Keeping the roadway safe for all users is the responsibility of both motorists and motorcyclists— everyone can do their part. Motorcyclists should make sure they can be seen in a crowd, because riders who are visible or “conspicuous” are less likely to have their right-of-way violated.
Make Yourself More Visible
Keeping the roadway safe for all users is the responsibility of both motorists and motorcyclists— everyone can do their part. Motorcyclists should make sure they can be seen in a crowd, because riders who are visible or “conspicuous” are less likely to have their right-of-way violated.
How to make Yourself More Visible:
- Make sure daytime running lights are operational and turned on – This will not only make you safer, it is also the law in Florida. Most motorcycles come with automatic daytime running lights, but if you are riding an older model, always ride with your low beams on during the day.
- Equip your bike with an FDOT-approved headlight modulator – Modulators draw attention by altering the frequency of your headlight beam, which makes it appear to get intermittently brighter and dimmer.
- Add reflectors or reflective tape to your bike – Custom reflectors are available for most motorcycles and can be added without sacrificing appearance. Reflective tape on saddlebags and panniers glows bright white when hit by headlights. Some “stealth” tapes are designed to be almost invisible during the day, yet appear white at night.
There are easy ways to make yourself and your ride visible:
USE REFLECTIVE STICKERS ON YOUR HELMET
Stickers can make the highest part on your bike—your head—more conspicuous and help ensure that other motorists will spot you.
WEAR A BRIGHT COLORED HELMET
Consider wearing a brightly-colored helmet – from white to safety orange, helmets are available in a variety of colors and styles that make your head—and you—easier to see.
WEAR A REFLECTIVE VEST
Wear a reflective vest – vests are available in many styles in addition to the standard orange and yellow mesh vests familiar to most riders.
WEAR BRIGHT CLOTHING
Wear clothing that is visible – Light- or bright- colored shirts are more easily seen than gray, brown, or black.
WEAR A REFLECTIVE JACKET
Wear a jacket with reflective patches or tape – many jackets are available with stripes and patches that are reflective at night to increase your visibility.
ADD REFLECTIVE PATCHES
Add reflective patches to dark colored jackets – Embroidered patches are available in a variety of styles to help bikers be seen at night. If your jacket is solid black or another dark color, consider adding reflective patches.