There’s no question that motorcycles are the most dangerous vehicles to drive.

Although they give the rider an unrivaled feeling of freedom on the road, their small size and lack of seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features make for an extremely high risk of injury — and even death.

Statistics show that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than occupants of other vehicles…

And a major factor in these accidents is motorcycle visibility. 

Because they ride on two wheels and take up much less space on the road, it’s often difficult for drivers of larger vehicles to see them.

That’s why, as a motorcyclist, it’s crucial to take every precaution to make both you and your bike as strikingly noticeable as possible. The following essential guide on motorcycle visibility will help you do just that.

Keep reading to maximize your visual footprint and minimize your risk of going unseen.

Bright Colors All Around

The brighter you are, the easier it will be for other drivers to notice you. 

Even if you’re making a quick run to the gas station or grocery store, always make sure to wear brightly colored clothes and gear. 

At night, wear reflective gear and add some reflective tape to your bike and helmet for extra motorcycle visibility. 

And if you’re still in the market for a motorcycle, pick one with a paint job that will easily stick out on the road.

Avoid Blind Spots Whenever Possible

You can’t always control whether other drivers will see you, but you can drive in a way that makes it easy for them.

When navigating through traffic, avoid the blind spots of the vehicles around you as often as possible. If the person ahead of you has to turn their head to see you, you’re in the wrong spot.

Position yourself in a direct view of their side or rearview mirror, and give yourself enough room to react if they still don’t notice you. If you have to pass, do it quickly and get right back into a safe lane position.

Keep a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles

If you have open space on the road, use it! 

Staying close to other vehicles makes it harder for them to see you, and keeping a safe distance from those around you will help you avoid those dangerous blind spots. 

Don’t Assume Other Drivers Can See You

Motorcycle visibility is such a rampant issue because drivers are either distracted or simply not looking for riders. 

That’s why it’s always best to play it safe and assume other drivers aren’t paying attention to their surroundings, even if you’re in clear view of them. 

This way of driving will ensure you always make safer choices when passing and choosing your lane position.

Let There Be Light

At night, motorcycle visibility becomes an even bigger issue. 

With no sunlight, the rider must rely on their head and tail lights, gear, and reflective tape to be seen. Loud exhaust pipes may help nearby drivers hear you, but if they can’t tell where you are, there’s still a greater risk of a collision.

So, don’t be afraid to turn on your high beams once the sun goes down. Especially when riding a motorcycle, the slight inconvenience you may cause other drivers by using your brights is always better than getting into an accident. 

You can also install additional lights on the front and rear of your bike to increase your visibility. And if the person behind you doesn’t seem to be paying attention, feel free to quickly tap your brakes to turn your tail lights into a blinking stop sign. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Your Horn 

See a distracted driver merging into your lane or pulling out in front of you? Give your horn a good tap or two to let them know you’re there.

Many people aren’t looking for motorcycles when changing lanes or merging into traffic, and your horn is the perfect tool to get everyone’s attention. Use it liberally, and use it often! 

Ride With Rescu in Case of Emergency

Believe it or not, a shocking 80% of motorcycle accidents result in either injury or death. That’s four times the risk of car accidents (20%)…

And unfortunately, all the precautions and safe driving in the world can’t always prevent emergencies from happening.

That’s why, if tragedy does strike, a swift emergency response is crucial…

And no one offers faster response times than the Rescu app.

Rescu takes the 911 system we all know and flips it around. Rather than talking to a dispatcher, explaining your situation, and getting help, Rescu sends help first and asks questions later.

With two taps on your smartphone or Apple Watch, Rescu allows you to dispatch fire, police, and ambulance services to your current location anywhere in the US. But unlike 911, you don’t have to talk to anyone if you don’t want to.

The app stores your pre-registered personal and medical information so it can automatically send it to your dispatcher when you send an alert. It also instantly notifies all your listed emergency contacts that you’re in trouble via text.

If, after you’ve sent an alert, you’re willing and able to provide more information about your emergency, Rescu allows you to open a two-way text chat with a dispatcher or talk over the phone.

That means that if you can’t or don’t want to spend time on the phone, all you have to do is tap the emergency service you need and then “Send Alert” to dispatch responders to your location instantly.

This streamlined system saves valuable seconds and even minutes compared to 911, which, given how dangerous motorcycle accidents are, can save lives.

When you ride with Rescu, you ride with the fastest way to get help in an emergency. Download today for 24/7 protection on the road.