A 3-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Motorcyclists have the same rights as other drivers, but they're small, easy to miss, and unprotected. A rider is six times more likely than a car driver to be hurt in a crash. Look twice.
Six times
How much more likely a motorcyclist is than a car driver to be hurt in a crash
Do not share a lane with a motorcycle. Riders may move within the lane to avoid hazards, because of wind, and to be seen. Motorcyclists may use the whole lane.
Leave plenty of space when passing a motorcycle, and see its headlight in your rear-view mirror before moving back. If a motorcycle passes you, keep your speed.
Near a group of riders, signal early and wait for them to make room. Merge between groups only with enough space; with a small group, it may be easier to let them pass.
You're waiting to turn left and an oncoming motorcycle looks far away. Judging a motorcycle's speed and distance is hard. Yield and let it pass before you turn.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How much more likely is a motorcyclist to be hurt in a crash compared to a car driver?
Six times more likely
Twice as likely
Ten times more likely
Three times more likely
Answer: Six times more likely
A motorcyclist is six times more likely than a car driver to be hurt in a crash.