California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These mirrorsprovide a wider view of the roadbehind than do flat mirrors. Theyalso make cars seem farther awaythan they really are. If you are notused to convex mirrors, you canget familiar with them by:• Picking out a parked car in yourmirror (while you are stopped).• Forming a mental image of howfar away it is.• Then, turning around andlooking to see how close youcame.• Practicing with your mirrorsuntil you become a good judgeof distance.• Allowing extra distance beforeyou change lanes.Head ChecksChecking your mirrors is notenough. Motorcycles have “blindspots” just like other vehicles.Before you change lanes, turnyour head and check that lane forother vehicles.On a road with several lanes,check the far lane and the onenext to you. A driver in the distantlane may drive into the samespace you plan to take.Frequent head checks should bepart of your normal scanningroutine. Only by knowing what ishappening all around, can you befully prepared to deal with it.HornBe ready to use your horn to getsomeone’s attention quickly.It is a good idea to give a quickbeep before passing anyone thatmay move into your lane.Here are some situations:• A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to thevehicle ahead and may want topass.• A driver is seated in a parkedcar ahead.• Someone is in the street ridinga bicycle or walking.In an emergency, press the hornbutton loud and long. Be readyto stop or swerve away from thedanger.Remember that a motorcycle’shorn isn’t as loud as a car’s, souse it, but don’t rely on it. Otherstrategies may be appropriatealong with the horn.Riding At NightAt night it is harder for you tosee and be seen. Picking yourmotorcycle’s headlight or taillightout of the other lights is not easyfor drivers. To make up for this,you should:• Reduce Your Speed. Ride evenslower than you would duringthe day—particularly on roadsyou don’t know well. Thisincreases your chances ofavoiding a hazard.• Increase Distance. Distancesare harder to judge at nightthan during the day. Your eyesrely upon shadows and lightcontrasts to determine how faraway an object is and how fast22