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Driving or riding in a car is dangerous. Riding a motorcycle is even more dangerous. It has no protection from impacts and is much less visible than a car. The safest way to drive a car is to expect everyone to do stupid things and try to anticipate those stupid actions ahead, constantly. That is even more important on a motorcycle.

Bicycle and motorcycle riders expect drivers of cars to watch out for them, and that expectation may be morally correct, but can be a recipe for disaster. Vehicle operators should watch our for bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, no doubt, but they don't. I find loud pipes annoying, but on a motorcycle, it might save your life. If the driver doesn't see you, they might hear you.

To be as safe as possible when riding motorcycles, always wear a helmet, and leathers are a good idea; prevents some pretty nasty road rash. Realize and drive as though you are invisible, which you essentially are. Drivers are trained to watch for cars, and don't notice motorcycles, too often. If you want to dodge in and out of lanes to move through traffic, go ahead, but know that it is dangerous. Observe the rules of the road, but also observe other vehicles; don't expect them to observe you; they won't.

And vehicle operators, watch the road, the children beside the road, animals alongside the road, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles, and put away that cup of Starbucks and the cell phone. You have an obligation and responsibility to drive safely, at all times. Accept the responsibility with respect for others, and yourself.

All that said, I admit, I've let a motorcyclist sneak up on me, reacting just in time to avoid a collision, and I consider myself a responsible, and aware defensive driver. They sometimes just seem to come out of nowhere. Watch, look, and in the case of motorcycles...listen. Drive safely.

Learn more about this author, Will Kester.
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