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In
response to the increased number of motorcycles and fatalities
on the Nation's highways, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA-LU),
Public Law 109-59, Section 2010, Motorcyclist Safety,
directed the Department of Transportation to develop and
provide the States model language for sharing the roads
safely with motorcyclists.



VEHICLE
SAFETY HOTLINE
888-327-4236
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Motorcycles
are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as
any vehicle on the roadway.
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Allow
the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem
as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for
an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle
needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
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Approximately
one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle.
Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning
left in front of the motorcyclist.
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Motorcycles
are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have
a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it
more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching
motorcycle.
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Always
signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging
with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate
traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
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Remember
that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vhicle's blind
spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size.
Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking
mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane
of traffic and at intersections.
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Don't
be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle -
motorcycle signals usually are not self cancelling and
riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure
the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
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Remember
that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you
pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may
change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly
in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes,
gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad
crossings, and grooved pavement.
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Allow
more following distance, three or four seconds, following
a motorcyle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver
or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles
can stop more quickly than a car.
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