PUB 95 (1-15) English VersionBureau of Driver Licensing

www.dmv.state.pa.us

Information taken from NHTSA’s Share the Road Program.

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles and VehiclesToday’s motorcycle riders are friends, relatives andneighbors. The motorcyclist has the same rightsand responsibilities on the roadway as drivers ofother vehicles. Motorists should recognize thisand not attempt to crowd motorcycles or take theright-of-way from motorcyclists.Approximately 4,000 motorcycle crashes occur onPennsylvania roads each year. Half of theseinvolved a crash between a motorcycle andanother type of vehicle. And almost two-thirds ofthese crashes are caused not by the motorcyclistbut by the driver of the other vehicle.Look out for motorcyclists Be aware thatmotorcycles are small and may be difficult to see.Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than othervehicles, which can make it more difficult to judgethe speed and distance of an approachingmotorcycle. Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver. Roadconditions, which are minor annoyances to vehicledrivers, pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Allow more following distance Leave three orfour seconds when following a motorcycle, so themotorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stopin an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcyclescan stop more quickly than a vehicle. Signal your intentions Before changing lanes ormerging with traffic, signal your intentions allowingthe motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find asafe lane position. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on amotorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are notself canceling and riders sometimes forget to turnthem off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is goingto turn before you proceed. Respect a motorcycle A motorcycle is a full-sizevehicle with the same privileges as any vehicle onthe roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width.Although it may seem as though there is enoughroom in the traffic lane for a vehicle and amotorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs roomto maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.

CRASHES ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCURIN THESE HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS:Left turnsApproximately one-half of all motorcycle crashesinvolve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percentwere caused by the other vehicle turning left infront of the motorcyclist.Vehicle’s blind spotRemember, motorcyclists are often hidden in avehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look dueto their smaller size. Always make a visual checkfor motorcycles by checking mirrors and blindspots before entering or leaving a lane of trafficand at intersections.Hazardous road conditionsMotorcyclists may change speed or adjust theirposition within a lane suddenly in reaction to roadand traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wetor slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroadcrossings and grooved pavement. Weather conditionsWhen the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists’braking and handling abilities are impaired.Strong windsA strong gust of wind can move a motorcycleacross an entire lane if the rider is not prepared forit. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lanecan be a real hazard.Large vehiclesA large vehicle, such as a van or truck, can blocka motorcycle from a driver’s view. The motorcyclistmay seem to suddenly appear from nowhere. Sharing the roadway is a good indication motoristsand motorcycles both recognize the importance ofcooperation. By curbing aggressive behavior andoperating vehicles in accordance with commonsense, courtesy and the law, motorists andmotorcyclists can ride together on the road.