What to Consider Before Changing Lanes on a Motorcycle

What to Consider Before Changing Lanes on a Motorcycle

When you're out on the open road, wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride ahead, changing lanes can feel exhilarating, but it also requires a solid plan! Did you know that before you make that lane change, there are a few crucial steps you need to follow? Let's break them down, shall we?

Signal Your Intentions

First and foremost, you need to signal your intent. Believe it or not, signaling isn’t just a nice touch—it’s a necessity. When you raise that left or right hand to signal, you’re doing more than just following rules; you’re communicating with everyone around you. A quick flick of your turn signal or a gentle wave can alert other drivers of your impending lane change, which is crucial in maintaining safety.

Check Your Mirrors

Once you've signaled, it’s time to take a glance at your mirrors. This step might feel instinctive to some, but it’s essential. Your mirrors give you a view of what's behind and to the sides—crucial areas to monitor because let’s face it, motorcycles are smaller and can easily be missed by larger vehicles. Take a moment to ensure there’s no car creeping up or hiding in your blind spots. Remember, a quick peek could save your skin—and you don’t want to play hide and seek with cars!

Glance Over Your Shoulder

Now, here’s the part that some riders tend to overlook—literally! Before you change lanes, take that extra second to look over your shoulder. Ideally, this glance should be a quick but thorough check of your blind spots. This simple action can reveal the presence of vehicles you might not see in your mirrors. So, why is it so critical? Because no one wants an unexpected surprise when shifting lanes!

Why These Steps Matter

The importance of this sequence can't be overstated. Not being thorough can lead to mishaps nobody wants on their record. The reality is, the smaller size of motorcycles makes them more likely overlooked—especially by larger vehicles. Therefore, your signaling and checks can help you avoid situations that could lead to accidents.

Common Missteps to Avoid

Who’s making the mistakes? Well, sometimes in our eagerness to switch lanes, we might skip a step or two. Let’s review what NOT to do:

• Just Signaling: Only signaling doesn’t cut it. Without a proper assessment of the road, it’s like throwing a coin in a fountain and hoping for good luck.

• Accelerating Before Switching: While it might feel like a race (we get it, the wind is calling), speeding up can lead to rash decisions. You may miss checking for incoming vehicles that could lead to a close call or, worse, an accident. Slow and steady is the name of the game.

• Ignoring Signaling: Some riders might think, "If I check my surroundings, I don’t need to signal." Wrong! Not communicating your next move can lead to confusion for other drivers—trust me, nobody wants to be a part of a guessing game while navigating busy streets!

In Conclusion

So next time you’re on your bike, remember these key steps: signal, check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder. By practicing these safe techniques, you not only protect yourself but also those around you. No one’s invincible, but following these best practices will surely elevate your riding experience. Whether you’re headed out for a joyride or commuting to work, make every change a safe one—after all, the road is big enough for everyone to go around!