Increase your Visibility with Hand Signals

Motorcycle technology has come a long ways.  Better lights mean that your bike is easier to see on the roadway.

There are still plenty of people out there that don’t pay enough attention though.  And motorcycle wrecks remain a big concern for those who ride.

If you have been in a wreck on your motorcycle, you need to talk with one of the bike wreck pros at Herbert Law Group.  We’ll help you navigate the tricky waters of your claim so that you don’t have to stress about it.

How to Increase Your Visibility While Riding

There are a few ways to make sure that other motorists see you when you’re out riding.

One of the best ways to ensure that you are seen is to make yourself highly visible.  That means wearing bright colored clothing with plenty of reflective properties.

Of course, I don’t know of a single clothing manufacturer that makes leather jackets in neon yellows, pinks, and reds, so perhaps we should stick with something a little simple: like making use of hand signals when riding.

Using signals is required when riding.  But most motorcycles come equipped with turn signals, brake lights, and all the other safety features.  Now, if one of those happens to not be working, you are required to use your hand signals.

There are standards for these signals; however, some states don’t require them to be done exactly this way.

Left Turn: Left arm extended, palm open facing down.

Right Turn: Left arm out at a 90 degree angle upward, closed fist.

Stop: Left arm out at a 90 degree angle downward, palm open.

These signals were designed for those riding bicycles, where the motorists would almost always be to their left.  Instead of using the right hand, which might not be seen, the cyclist would use the left to ensure better visibility.

But on your motorcycle, that’s not really the case.

While you certainly can use the official hand signals, it’s much easier to motion with your arm and hand which direction you plan to go.  Simply put your left arm out when turning left and your right arm out when turning right.

The Human Eye is Attracted to Movement

Throwing an arm out and pointing the direction that you intend to turn isn’t going to increase your size very much.  That arm would easily be looked over just as easily as you are looked over when riding your motorcycle.

However, the motion, going from arm on the handlebars to arm pointing out, will attract the eyes of fellow motorists.  It’s not expected, and so when you bring the arm up, people are more likely to see you.  Ideally they see you and make sure to not cause a motorcycle wreck.

Come to Herbert Law Group with Motorcycle Wreck Issues

Unless you’re going to struggle to maintain control of your bike when signaling, there’s little reason not to throw out a hand signal.  It could save your life.

There will always be those inattentive drivers though.

If you happen to be involved in a wreck, we should talk about your options.  Herbert Law Group can handle your settlement issues, so you don’t have that stress.  All you have to focus on then is healing from injuries.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.