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How to Stay Visible and Avoid Crashes on the Road?

how to stay visible on the road

Motorcycle accidents are more common than other types of accidents and are more likely to result in serious injury or death.

Most of the time motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to notice the motorcycle. You cannot assume from other drivers to see you when you’re riding at high speed.

It’s always your responsibility to stay extra cautious and do everything you can to make yourself visible to other drivers. The more you and your motorcycle can attract the attention of other road-users, the less likely you’ll collide.

6 Tips to Avoid Crashes by Staying Visible on the Road

1- Say No to All-black Appearance

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Do not take the All-Black Biker appearance seriously when choosing motorbike clothing. Riders who wear all-black clothing are more likely to be hit by other vehicles as it makes it almost impossible to spot them at high speed.

According to studies, nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by the failure of other vehicle drivers to detect and recognize fast-moving motorcycles on time.

Even if you have headlights and tail lights, you should always wear brightly colored or reflective clothing that makes you visible to other drivers because staying visible and noticeable is more important than looking cool.

2- Wear a Bright Color Helmet

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In many states, not wearing a helmet while riding is illegal. So, if you have to wear one, make it something useful and professional, like a light color full-face helmet with so many advantages, rather than just an all-black 3/4 motorcycle helmet.

According to experts, white color motorcycle helmets are the safest and most visible helmets a motorcycle rider can use. Wearing the white color of the Shoei 1400 helmet and Shoei RF SR helmet makes you more visible on the road. Shoei RF SR helmet also comes in a bright tangerine orange color which helps you stand out from the crowd.

And if you want a retro look, you can wear a Biltwell gringo or Bell Bullitt helmet in white color.

Other than white, wearing a bright-colored helmet, such as red, orange, yellow, or lime green, also makes you easily spotted by other road users. Wearing a Neon color helmet of the Scorpion Exo brand can make a real difference as it is one of the brightest color helmets available. Ilm helmet brand also makes bright red color helmets having Bluetooth helmet technology.

3- Wear a High-Visibility Jacket

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The smart approach towards safety is to make yourself as visible as possible, and wearing a high-vis jacket is a great way to do this.

There are a variety of hi-vis jackets of all styles available that work great to boost visibility. If you don’t find a motorcycle jacket within your budget, get a colorful motorcycle safety vest to wear over your usual jacket or suit.

4- Reflective Tape and Stickers

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If you don’t want to spend money on new equipment, reflective tape is an option. Adding reflective tape and stickers of bright colors like white, neon green, or orange on a motorcycle helmet and other motorcycle parts increase your visibility on the road.

Whether you wear a low-profile motorcycle helmet or a German-style motorcycle helmet, you can put reflective stickers on any of your helmets to stand out and reduce the safety risks in low visibility or at night.

You can add reflective strips at the back of your favorite pair of adventure riding boots and motorcycle gloves.

5- Avoid Blind Spots

Photo credit to xbhp

Make sure you’re aware of other drivers’ blind spots. Sometimes motorcyclists develop a false sense of security that they’ll be seen. You cannot assume that other drivers will see you if they have to move their heads to spot your presence. You have to be positioned yourself for your escape routes and time to react to circumstances by being aware of your surroundings.

6- Use Headlights and Indicators

Photo credit to louis

Motorcyclists should turn signals and flash their high beams to convey their intentions to the car in front of them whenever they are overtaking another vehicle on the road.

A blinking indicator can make you more noticeable and it can alert drivers about your intentions. As a result, they will be able to provide you with the necessary room to accomplish your intended motion effortlessly.


Conclusion

It is important to remember that a fraction of a second difference in your reaction time can spell the disparity between life and death. That is why, when it comes to your safety, visibility is crucial.

We hope that by considering these tips, more motorcyclists will stay visible and safe while riding.

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