AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Sharing the Road with Motorcycles As Secretary of State, my highest priority is to make Illinois highways and roads as safe as possible for all motorists. This commitment to traffic safety includes a comprehensive effort to educate users on sharing our roadways. Today, there is an increasing number of motorcycle riders on our roads. Because of size and vulnerability in a crash, it is important to pay special attention to motorcycles. By recognizing situations where collisions are likely to occur, we can adjust our driving habits to make roads safer. This brochure outlines a variety of situations that warrant special attention when sharing the road with motorcycles. By following this information, you can help make the roads safer for all motorists. Sincerely, George H. Ryan Intersections More than 40 percent of all motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. The most common situation occurs when an oncoming automobile makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. Watch for motorcycles before turning and yield the right-of-way. Again, be particularly careful when making a left turn across lanes of oncoming traffic. Always use your signals and look in all directions before making the turn. Visibility Include motorcycles in your visual search pattern. Due [13* to their small fa size, — motorcycles = may be 1 1 1 i 1=rrm difficult to see and motorists tend to underestimate their speed. Expect to see motorcycles in traffic at any time, not just in the spring and summer. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle collisions. Drivers involved in collisions often report not seeing the motorcycle or seeing it too late to avoid a collision. Lane Sharing Traffic conditions and road surfaces will determine the area within the lane that the motorcyclist will use. Oil spills, potholes, gravel or debris may require the motorcyclist to adjust positions within the lane. Although there may be enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcyclist, remember that the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely and is entitled to the entire lane. Do not share the lane . Passing When your automobile is being passed by a motorcycle, you should maintain your lane position and speed. Allow the motorcycle to complete the maneuver and assume proper lane position as quickly as possible. Following Distance Allow at least two seconds following distance between you and any vehicle, especially a motorcycle. Dim headlights when following all vehicles, including motorcycles. o 5sc Stopping Distance Motorcycles can stop in a shorter distance than a car. The motorcyclist's ability to stop quickly may also depend on the rider's experience and training. Road Conditions Motorcycles react differently to traffic, weather and road conditions than cars. Thus, riders often respond in ways drivers do not expect. Weather presents hazards by changing the conditions of a road. Wet or icy roads impair a motorcyclist's ability to brake and maneuver. Wind gusts, both natural and those created by large passing vehicles, can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared. Road conditions, such as potholes or railroad tracks, often require motorcyclists to change positions within their lane. Gravel roads decrease traction and may cause a rider to slow down or brake where a car would not. In case of a collision Motorcyclists are only protected by their helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and durable clothing. In the event of a collision, use extreme caution and seek emergency medical assistance. For more information about motorcycle safety, please contact: Driver Services Department Traffic Safety Division 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62723 Special Note: This publication was developed by the Secretary of State's Traffic Safety Council, Motorcycle Safety Committee. A special thanks is extended to members for their help and assistance. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA N30112056430918A DSDA-110 PrintedbyauthorityoftheSecretaryofState March1994-10M-GA-618 Printedonrecycledpaper