Tune Up Your ‘Cycle Vision’ for Summer Driving

Summer is here, and with it comes more motorcyclists on the road. It’s crucial to activate your “cycle vision” to ensure everyone’s safety. Cycle vision means being consciously aware of motorcycles and understanding the risks of potential crashes.

Motorcycle crashes often involve a collision with a passenger car. About 75 percent of these crashes occur this way. More than half happen because the motorist doesn’t see the motorcycle or doesn’t see it in time to respond appropriately.

Practicing Cycle Vision

To keep everyone safe, here are some essential cycle vision practices:

• Expect Motorcycles: Always be on the lookout for motorcycles when driving. Responsible driving means giving special attention to these smaller vehicles.
• Share the Road: Treat motorcycles with the same respect as other vehicles. Maintain a safety cushion of two to three seconds between your car and a motorcycle, increasing it to four or five seconds in poor weather or road conditions.
• Communicate Intentions: Sign well before stopping, turning, or changing lanes. Don’t speed up when a motorcycle is passing you; never cut in too closely after passing one.

Typical Problem Situations

• Intersections: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is a motorist turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Always check for motorcycles before making a turn.
• Two-Lane Traffic: Motorcycles can be hard to see and are vulnerable when changing lanes or passing cars. Be extra cautious in these situations.
• Bad Weather: Motorcyclists are more affected by bad weather. Give them extra space and patience during rain, fog, or other challenging conditions.

By tuning up your cycle vision, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and make the roads safer for everyone. Remember, awareness and respect are key to sharing the road with motorcyclists.