Stop-line position
Clear space ahead may let you move away from a car that cannot stop in time behind you. Before moving, check for traffic crossing from the side.
A rear-end collision in stopped traffic
A motorcycle stopped at the back of a queue is particularly vulnerable. The risk remains between cars too: in a chain collision, the impact can pass through several vehicles and trap the motorcycle between them.
When there is nowhere to go
With a car ahead, a curb or another lane beside you, and a car rapidly approaching from behind, hardly any escape space remains.
Leave an escape route before you stop
Choose a stopping position where you can see the movement around you and immediately know where you could move.
Watch the approaching car
After stopping, keep making brief mirror checks, especially while the next car is still approaching. Note whether it is slowing and how quickly the distance to you is shrinking.
Why leave clear space?
- less risk of a rear-end collision
- a better view ahead and to the sides
- room to move forward or sideways if a driver behind cannot stop in time
- space to begin moving
A position ahead of the cars
If there is a safe margin between the stop line and the intersection, a position ahead of the cars may reduce rear-end collision risk, take the motorcycle out of neighboring vehicles' blind spots, and leave more room to start moving. This violates Russian traffic rules, but many motorcyclists deliberately make that choice for their own safety.
Keep a way back
Leave clear space beside you to move into if cross traffic starts moving. If returning would require reversing between cars, you have gone too far forward.
Leave space in front of the wheel
Do not stop right against an obstacle ahead. A small margin lets you move if necessary rather than leaving the front wheel trapped against it.
Check cross traffic before setting off
Check again for anyone approaching from the side or crossing your path from the opposite direction, even when the main flow has already stopped.
When a car approaches quickly from behind
Use the space you left in advance. Searching for somewhere to go at the last moment is much harder.
Move only into clear space
When moving away from a car approaching behind you, check the crossing traffic. Your chosen path must remain clear.
A quick start requires a clear road
If cross traffic has stopped and the road ahead is fully visible, setting off promptly ahead of the main line of cars can sometimes keep you from ending up between vehicles accelerating together. Check traffic from the side once more first.