Turn signals and lane position.

[Gpmo]

Folks I was driving to work today and had two motorcyclists change lanes multiple times with out signaling in any way. I know there are places where it isn't the law but we are already hard to see for cagers. Give yourself a bit more visibility and let people see that flashing light. We really don't need anymore biker down threads this year.

Second I drive a E-150 van with no way to see out of my back window. I had a cyclist pull in right behind me in the middle of the lane, I had no idea he was there. I see this a lot everyday. Not only can these vehicles not see you but you can't see road conditions ahead if right behind in the center. If the van/truck knows you are there it's good for you.

Be safe out there and be seen.

 

[MelodicMetalGod]

Good advice.

Just as we demand that drivers be responsible and look for us, we must also take responsibility for positioning ourselves in such a manner that we CAN be seen.

Ride, but ride safe!

 

[cheferman65]

It's all well and good to want others to abide and do the right thing.
Face it, bad driving/riding habits run rampant and people really don't care. So much to do, somewhere to be, someone to call or text all whilst driving. You are always going to have a new crop of squids that want to play the odds and test the limits. Some will grow up and mature, some will get hurt and maimed hopefully learning and the rest will be snuffed out.
No one wants to see or hear about downed/killed riders, if you don't do the right thing and take personal responsibility for your own actions prepare for the consequences.

 

[Fastfrog007]

If you can't see the drivers eyes, he can't see you.

Thats what I always go by, and I assume everyone's out to get me.

Good heads up Gpmo

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[teddypenn]

Folks I was driving to work today and had two motorcyclists change lanes multiple times with out signaling in any way. I know there are places where it isn't the law ...QUOTE]

where is it NOT the law to use a signal when changing lanes ???

i do agree though, communication between motorists is key to preventing accidents.

 

[MelodicMetalGod]

Folks I was driving to work today and had two motorcyclists change lanes multiple times with out signaling in any way. I know there are places where it isn't the law ...QUOTE]

where is it NOT the law to use a signal when changing lanes ???

i do agree though, communication between motorists is key to preventing accidents.

Many places, apparently. Here in MD and DC, it's truly RARE to see even a police office use their turn signals for lane changes or turns.

I don't get it. I was taught to use them and I consider it a smart and safe thing to do and always have used them. But then, I don't drive and text/drink/eat/file my nails/read the paper/phone a friend/feed the baby/surf the web/watch a DVD/surf 732 radio channels/write note/adjust the GPS/look for loose change on the floor/look for shapes in the clouds/etc. So, perhaps I have an unfair advantage in the matter. ???

 

[Gpmo]

You never know when a squid will be reading online and see a post or article about something they can do to improve their chances and that little light clicks on. I feel that sharing these types of experiences may help others be better riders and drivers. Wish I could make everyone a better driver.

As for laws on turn signals I think Florida, Texas, and Maryland. Do not have laws regarding changing lanes but do for changing streets or leaving the roadway. It's been a while since looking into it but those used to be that way.

 

[04Duramax]

Thats what I always go by, and I assume everyone's out to get me.

That's what I go by!

 

[danath 34]

certainly signalling and making yourself as visible as possible are very important... What I find to be more important, however, is riding to avoid as many other cars as possible.

I forget who said it (at least who I heard it from), but you should ride like you are invisible and everyone is trying to kill you...

I personally believe it is safest for a motorcyclist to ride 'ahead' of traffic, even if it means doing 5-10mph faster. The least amount of time you can spend next to, behind, or right in front of a car, the safer you are. The more time you can spend with a wide open space around you, 'on your own', the better.

 

[busabeast]

no turn signal laws in NC either- safety inspection requires they work- but not required to use them for anything.

and it may just be my imagination, but every time i approach an intersection i try to sit up a little higher so that i can be seen, and i think it might work... couldn't hurt at least.

 

[Gpmo]

Lol I find myself sitting taller at intersections also. Im happy to hear I'm not the only one.

Riding like you are invisible to other drivers is a good thing and I try to stay away from traffic in my own bubble. Still use reflective gear and blinkers cause everything helps.

 

[majestic12]

I think it is a good idea to use turn signals in a parking lot.

 

[BigBadDodge]

You never know when a squid will be reading online and see a post or article about something they can do to improve their chances and that little light clicks on. I feel that sharing these types of experiences may help others be better riders and drivers. Wish I could make everyone a better driver.

Ding ding, i"ve been giving my buddy these little bites of info, he's been riding with us on a permit a few weeks and took the class last weekend, started riding solo tues, makes me nervous he has alot to learn. Gave him this one the other day

I ride in the left side of the lane, generally the left lane, coming down a main street and come to a dump truck making a left turn ahead of me, slowed down and got to the left side of the right lane and sure enough just beyond the dump truck was a minivan nosediving it when she saw me, what could have been a nasty left turn in front of me was averted by thinking the what ifs

 

[rockethead]

If you can't see the drivers eyes, he can't see you.

Thats what I always go by, and I assume everyone's out to get me.

Good heads up Gpmo

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Same here, if I pull behind someone I know can't see me I will pull more on the driver side so they can see me in their mirror. Especially with semis and box vans etc...


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[dadofthree]

If you can't see the drivers eyes, he can't see you.

Thats what I always go by, and I assume everyone's out to get me.

Good heads up Gpmo

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Everyone is

All good thoughts

 

[teddypenn]

As for laws on turn signals I think Florida, Texas, and Maryland. Do not have laws regarding changing lanes but do for changing streets or leaving the roadway. It's been a while since looking into it but those used to be that way.

i grew up in dallas, and ive seen people get tickets for not using a turn signal for lane changes. lots of bad info bein passed around on this thread. follow the

 

[Gpmo]

i grew up in dallas, and ive seen people get tickets for not using a turn signal for lane changes. lots of bad info bein passed around on this thread. follow the

I would say lots of good safety info being passed around. I believe the thread says to use turn signals and be seen as best you can in a environment nobody pays attention in.

Also I did mention that some of my research was dated.

 

[karnage]

I always use a signal, well because its the law and its the right thing to do.I ride to left of a car to point my Lights in theyre mirror.