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[Tulok]

I just wanted to add:

Relax, there is no need to treat the street like the race track.

[Xeserox]

these are some great tips to have!  Thanks!!!!

Also, other than relax...  make sure you head is clear of most things.   Don't dwell of thinks about things that might happen.    I like to call it... "being zen".

[roxynoodle]

Yes, better to think about the things that can go wrong while you aren't riding!  But, when you do that, also find out what you should do to prevent it or make it less disastrous.  Look at your crash post, I gave you pointers on locking brakes.

[House_of_Dexter]

Do things the right way all the time...So that when your not in the zone...You automatically do the right thing...

Example this morning...exiting major Toll Road...2 lane exit off of highway...I'm in the left lane and right lane is slowing down.  I'm not all there, As I'm over taking the right lane...I do my normal get in the far left as I over take them(about 5 mile difference in speed)...car in right side decides to do a lane change without looking and comes into my lane.  A possible major incident becomes a non incident.  I beep at them and let them know that they F**ked up...I noticed that there was potential for someone to jump in my lane...matter of fact my brain even notified me of it and  I ignored it.  Luckily my brain at least had me in the right position for over taking the slower traffic on the right.

[Knightslugger]

Roxy this is a good article. If there is one thing i can add to it, it is what i learned over the weekend.

Be predictable

If you're going to turn right, let everyone know you are going to turn right BEFORE you initiate your turn, well in advance but not so far in advance that you create confusion as to where your turning point actually IS. 7-10 flashes is a good base.

If you're going to merge, make sure everyone knows it, and do it deliberately and smoothly NOT abruptly and sharply. signal, look in the mirror, look over your shoulder, and merge. the amount of time it takes to check your area gives plenty of time for others to identify what you're about to do and not get spooky or irritable.

Choosing a simple line through a corner, coming to a complete DEAD stop at a 4-way stop sign, not bolting into traffic...

simple things like that can and usually DO keep you safe.

If you are predictable, people around you can usually take safer actions.

[granitehead]

i took the msf course in 1982 and the most important point they impressed on us is that "you are invisible". ride as if no one sees you and do everything pre-ride / during ride to decrease invisibility. in her police statement, the woman responsible for my crash 15-may stated simply, "I never saw him".
looking back at it, there was more i could've done to decrease invisibility. my gear that day was pretty drab: dark blue helmet and bike, gray jacket, jeans, black boots. i have lime green kawa. armored textile jacket and pants... couldn't have hurt to wear them.
light, bright, gassy. if i ride again, you can bet i'll be lit up like Times Square.

[roxynoodle]

The Hurt Report says drivers are most likely to see your helmet.  A white or bright helmet is better than black.  That was one of the reasons I bought a second helmet, for daytime use.  My original is matte black.  However, I covered that matte black one with retro reflective decals and people definitely see me in the dark.  Things you can do to increase visibility:

1.  Wear a light colored helmet and put reflective decals/tape on it
2.  Wear a bright colored jacket.  I saw a guy in high vis yellow on the other side of the interstate about a mile away!
3.  Reflective wheel stripes and tape on luggage, etc.
4.  If you use a top box, spend the money for one with rear lighting.
5.  LED light bar or reflectors on your license plate
6.  Make your intentions as obvious as you can like KS pointed out (also stressed in MSF and Proficient Motorcycling).  I may even start pointing with my left hand when I change lanes just as an extra thing for a driver to notice.
7.  Yes, you are invisible as far as drivers are concerned.  They will break laws and take your right of way.  It's not up to you to get mad or "teach them a lesson"; your job is to keep yourself alive.  Anticipate potential cutoffs/left hand turners and slow down.  Tempers have no place on a motorcycle.  For example:  I'm on my bike in the left lane of the highway and I realize a driver is stuck behind a semi in the right lane.  I know he's going to come over when he thinks there's an opening.  I know he probably doesn't see my bike.  I slow down and let him over and then pass the semi.  I might not do that in my large red truck, but on my bike I must be a different driver.
8.  A good tip I got on here for approaching that potential left hand turner is to weave as I approach the intersection to get his/her attention.  I also prepare for a potential problem by covering my clutch and brake lever and slow down a bit.  Watch the front tire, not the driver.  They can look right at you and still not register you.  If you see that tire move or turn though, watch out!

[twowheels]

Drive where you can be seen....

1) Don't hang in someones blind spot, drop back or pass them, they may change lanes without seeing you
2) Don't pull into a space right in front of a large truck - they can't see you over their huge hood
3) Don't tail gate, if you suddenly have to hit the brakes hard because the car in front of you did, you don't want to have to stop so quickly the car or truck behind you runs you over. Leave lots of room.
4) Don't exceed the posted limit on unfamiliar roads
5) Don't get too close to the shoulder there may be gravel there
6) Don't turn on metal like rail road tracks or a man hole cover - ESPECIALLY if it is raining or wet
7) Avoid leaning/turning on fresh tar patches
8 ) If someone is tailgating, encourage them to pass
9) When you stop at a traffic light, don't pull up to the bumper of the car in front, leave an escape route
10) Look far ahead (12 seconds), look where you are going, not directly at obstacles

[dk1six]

Great thread...good idea Roxy.

[HalfLiterFan]

Good reminder for all motorbikers to be more attentive on road and be safe. I also read somewhere to practice emergency breaking in a parking lot or somewhere, regularly. For riders up north, should practice bends, counter steering and breaking before riding months.

[House_of_Dexter]

If I see a car that may turn in front of me...I stand on my pegs...It makes you stand out and get noticed...

[epThorn]

If I see a car that may turn in front of me...I stand on my pegs...It makes you stand out and get noticed...

cops notice too