The only folks on motorcycles I’ve almost hit while driving a car were wearing dull-colored riding gear. 

Obviously, I’m not suggesting this is scientific, but I am making a point that folks can’t see you so well if your gear isn’t very bright. And what’s up with camouflage-colored stuff a few of you are wearing? 

That’s about as stupid as stupid gets.

Hurt found that motorists’ failure to recognize and detect motorcyclists was a leading cause of multi-vehicle accidents.¹

Reading this changed the way I ride. Now, I assume motorists have a hard time seeing me and judging my speed and distance. 

It’s your responsibility to be seen. 

Have you ever pulled out in front of a motorcycle when you were in a car? I have many times, not because I have a thing against motorcycles, but because I didn’t see them or misjudged their speed. 

I’m betting you have too.

I almost hit a guy on a motorcycle the other day because I didn’t see him. He blended in perfectly with his hunting gear. 

Is that the look he was after?

There’s a reason folks doing road work wear hi-vis yellow shirts. 

So motorists will see them!

1. motorcyclesmarts.com/note1

* A portion of this article is an excerpt from my book Motorcycle Hacks.