Visibility

Riding is a game of statistics, and the better you know them, the more you can play safe. But this post is not about numbers or statistics, it's about the other half of games: the part that you control. In particular, it's about the control that you take over your actions that leaves less things to luck or other people's decisions.

One of the most important issues that you take control over, is visibility. You could count on drivers seeing you, but why leave it to chance? Of course, you will not be able to ensure 100% of drivers out there know where you are and what your intentions are, but here are some practical points. Some obvious, some not so much:

Dress visibly. White helmets have a lower accident rate. I'm not saying you should get a white helmet, just that it helps. It also helps to have reflective tape on your helmet or clothing. Some people wear bright colors... ok, maybe it's because they have poor taste, but it works.

Somewhat related to your appearance is your sound. You can't really rely much on a noisy exhaust or engine to announce yourself, especially since you'll mostly target people behind you, which sort of defeats the purpose. However, it does help a bit in traffic, when you're splitting lanes. You can blip (rev your engine) and obviously you can use your horn. Speaking of which, if you're very much into safety, you might want to consider upgrading your horn to something that sounds like a truck and not a toy.

Act visibly. Make your intentions obvious. This is the stuff you learn on your DMV tests. Use your signals, both hand and light indicators. It's legal in some states to use your high beam during the day; it helps, but it might piss off people too. Looking over your shoulder not only allows you to check where you're going, but also to let other drivers know you'll change lanes NOW.

Also, consider this: the eye is most receptive to movement. That means that if you're relatively static to other vehicles, it is much harder to detect your presence. I usually speed out of blind areas or weave a bit. Change a lane here, pass a car there. It's good when people know you're there.

Ride within visible areas. It's good to understand where blind spots are, and I'm sure you paid detailed attention to your course manuals. Unfortunately, those mirrors don't quite cover much and everyone arranges them differently. The trick here is, don't assume that you're not on someone's blind spot, unless you can see their face on the mirror. If you can see them, at least you know they can see your head, no? The same goes for peripheral vision. Just assume it sucks and stay away from the sides of vehicles.

Similarly, you might recall that many accidents happen on intersections, when an oncoming vehicle crosses your path without seeing you. It's best if you can make eye contact with the person, but don't count on it. Prepare to handle the problem beforehand by slowing down, easing on the throttle, flashing your headlight, beeping, jumping and waving, or whatever combination you think is best. Just remember, don't count on people seeing you.

You're invisible. Just pretend that nobody can see you while riding, and those who have, just forgot you were there. If you ever hear "I never saw you", you can blame yourself. Just don't do it in front of the insurance agent or the police.