Studies show that people subconsciously don’t see things they aren’t in the habit of looking for. Or, maybe they’re distracted by texting, looking at GPS, or checking their hair.
In these situations, a motorcycle’s rider’s best defense is to take active measures to make themselves more visible. Here are a few ways to become more visible while riding your motorcycle.
Riding experts are divided on whether riding with your high beam on during the day is a good idea. On one hand, a high beam can get you noticed more readily by oncoming drivers. On the other hand, if your high beam annoys drivers, you may be doing more harm than good.
Always remember to first check your local laws to determine if riding with your high beam on during the day is legal where you live. If so, ride with your high beam on during the day.
Another way to draw attention to your presence is to tap the brakes once or twice when stopping. The flashing of the brake light helps you stand out when you stop or slow down—even if you’re slowing down without using your brakes.
Of course, in an emergency situation, maximum stopping power is most important and a proper emergency stopping technique should override flashing your brake light.
So, what is an LED?
A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a type of solid-state lighting that uses semiconductors and electroluminescence to create light. The LED as we know it has been around for more than 50 years; in fact, its origins date to 1907, when H.J. Round discovered electroluminescence by experimenting with a combination of silicon carbide and a cat’s whisker.
The recent development of white LEDs has brought them into wider use as a replacement for other white light sources.
When it comes to Harley-Davidson® lighting products, LEDs are also changing the way riders see and are seen beyond just headlamps:
Visit your local dealer or h-d.com to see some of the latest LED lighting products available for Harley-Davidson® models.
Black is considered fashionable for riders, but white is more visible.
If you aren’t willing to give up your dark helmet, you can add some reflective tape. You can even buy black reflective tape, so it’s barely noticeable in daylight, but reflects brightly at night when caught by the light of another vehicle. You don’t have to go crazy.
Even a little bit of carefully placed tape can make a big difference.
You might even consider having two helmets in your collection: one that’s dark and mysterious for daytime and another that’s bright, reflective, and conspicuous for riding at night.
The same goes for your riding gear. Bright is better. But again, you don’t have to sacrifice style for visibility. An easier way to draw attention to yourself is to throw on a brightly colored reflective vest.
You can also look for a riding jacket with built-in reflectivity. Harley Davidson offers many options, such as the new FXRG® riding and rain gear, that include 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material in stripes and graphics that lights up brightly when headlights catch it.
While you’re at it, you might even consider a little bit of strategically placed reflective tape on your motorcycle itself. Yes, this sounds like blasphemy to some, but when done carefully, tastefully, and subtly, it can add conspicuity to your nighttime rides.
When making your way through a crowded intersection, try to make eye contact with drivers who might inadvertently cross your path. This helps confirm that they know you’re there. A little nod or quick hand signal can help seal the deal.
Don’t assume they’ve seen you. They might be looking right past you. Don’t dwell on any other thing. Take everything in. Watch the driver’s eyes, watch for tire movement, and keep an eye out for other potential conflicts or threats. Roll off the throttle to create more time to see and be seen. Cover the controls to reduce reaction time. Change lane positions to create movement that attracts the eye and helps drivers notice you. And, don’t flash your headlight, as this can sometimes be perceived as a go-ahead signal.
Always use your turn signal, even when it feels unnecessary—like when leaving your driveway or pulling out of a parking lot onto an empty road. Make it a habit, an automatic action. It’s the best way to make sure you’ll remember to signal when it matters most.
A well-timed beep of your horn is another effective way to get noticed. Don’t overdo it, of course. Using your horn gratuitously is obnoxious and does more harm than good to rider-driver relationships.
Assume that other drivers can’t see you and act accordingly. This will help keep you in a defensive state of mind. After all, you can’t do anything to make the drivers around you drive better, but you can do a lot to help make yourself more visible and to ride defensively.
A version of this post appeared in HOG® magazine.