Anticipating another driver's move
Wheel angle and lateral movement may reveal a maneuver before the turn signal does. A gap in traffic shows where a driver may try to change lanes.
Early clues to a maneuver
- a front wheel turning
- a car gradually moving toward its lane edge
- brake lights on several cars ahead
- a car appearing from behind an obstruction
A gap in traffic
When a gap opens between cars, someone may try to move into it. Account for that early if the possible lane change would cross your path.
When only part of the car is visible
Behind a truck, you may see only wheels, part of a vehicle body, or a shadow. That is enough to expect a car to emerge and leave yourself room.
Look beyond the car directly ahead
Watch for brake lights two or three cars ahead. You may notice braking before the nearest car slows down. If one lane slows sharply, watch for vehicles changing lanes out of it too.
Decide early
When you notice signs of a maneuver, decide how to respond: roll off the throttle, increase your following distance, or move into clear space.
Check the path before moving
Make sure the space you have chosen is clear and will not force you to avoid another hazard immediately afterward.
Do not rush into an abrupt maneuver
Smooth deceleration or a small change of position is easier to interrupt than an abrupt last-moment maneuver. If the driver acts differently from what you expected, it will be easier to choose another line or continue riding.
Watch how the maneuver develops
Keep watching the car after the first clues. The driver may change their mind, stop, or move further across than you expected.
An escape route
Choose a specific place in advance: a clear part of your lane or the adjacent lane, or a gap ahead of or behind a car. Know where you would direct the motorcycle if a car blocked your path.
Where to look
Briefly check the threat, then look again toward where you intend to go.
An escape route must be passable
An empty space is not always a usable escape route: it may contain a curb, sand, a manhole cover, or an entrance with a restricted view. Check that you can actually ride through the chosen space safely.
When there is no escape route
Reduce speed early. The fewer directions available, the more important your following distance and time to brake become.