California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

daylight. Wear brightly-coloredclothing to increase your chancesof being seen. Remember, yourbody is half of the visible surfacearea of the rider/motorcycle unit.Bright orange, red, yellow, orgreen jackets or vests are the bestfor being seen. Brightly coloredhelmets can also help others seeyou.Reflective material on a vest andon the sides of the helmet willhelp drivers see you from theside. Reflective material can alsobe a big help for drivers comingtoward you or from behind.HeadlightThe best way to help others seeyour motorcycle is to always keepthe headlight on. Studies showthat during the day, a motorcyclewith its light on is twice as likelyto be noticed. Using your highbeam during the day and at nightincreases the chances thatoncoming drivers will see you.Use your high beam it is legal andsafe to do so. When it is foggy,use the low beam.LEFTTURNAt highway speeds, it is best tosignal at least five secondsbefore changing lanes. Use yourturn signals even when you thinkno one else is around. Your turnsignals also make you easier tosee. If bright sunlight makes yourturn signal lights hard to see, usehand signals.SIGNALSSTOPRIGHTTURNTurn SignalsThe turn signals on a motorcycleare similar to those on a car. Theytell others what you plan to do.However, due to a rider’s addedvulnerability, turn signals areeven more important. Use themanytime you plan to change lanesor turn. Signal your left or rightturn during the last 100 feetbefore reaching the turning point.20