Share the Road California!
Facts about motorcycles:
- Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any motor vehicle on the roadway.
- Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national and state initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to “Share the Road” with each other.
- Riders need to make themselves "high-viz" or "visible." Draw attention to themselves even if other drivers may not be actively looking.
- Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent of those crashes were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.
The motorist “Share the Road” Checklist
- Expect to see motorcycles at any time, and search frequently for them.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot before merging or changing lanes, especially in heavy traffic. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind a car or truck.
The Motorcyclist "Share the Road" Checklist
- Wear brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet. Red, yellow, orange, and white are highly visible and help a rider stand out. Use reflective tape and stickers to make you more visible to other motorists.
- Strategically use your lane position to see and be seen.
- Always use your turn signals each time you turn or change lanes, even if you think no one will see it.
- Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to yourself.
For more information, visit the California DMV Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month website. They have more facts, informative videos, and an overview on Motorcycle rider testing.