Sharing the road with motorcycles — Arizona Permit Test

Most car and motorcycle crashes happen when a car turns in front of a motorcycle, usually because the driver did not see it or misjudged its distance and speed.

A driver turning left looks for cars and misses the small shape of a bike. Look twice before you turn.

are the result of a car turning in front of a motorcycle, usually because the driver did not see the motorcycle or misjudged how close it was and how fast it was traveling.

Because of its small size, a motorcycle may appear farther away and slower than it actually is.

You think you have time to pull out, but the bike is closer and faster than it looks.

The smaller size of a motorcycle may make it hard to spot in traffic, and it may appear to be farther away and traveling slower than it actually is.

Weather affects motorcyclists: they are less stable in rain and wind.

A gust or a wet road can push a rider across the lane. Leave extra room in bad weather.

Weather conditions may also affect motorcyclists; they are less stable in rain and wind.

Motorcycle turn signals do not automatically shut off, and riders may forget to cancel them after a turn.

A blinking signal may be left on from the last turn. If you pull out on it, the bike may keep coming.

Motorcycle turn signals do not automatically shut off, and riders may forget to cancel them after a turn is completed.

Motorcyclists may shift within their lane to avoid oil, potholes or debris.

A rider may drift toward you to miss a pothole. Keep your eyes on the bike, not just your lane.

Motorcyclists may shift within their lane to avoid oil, potholes or debris.

Motorcycles are allowed the full width of a lane in which to maneuver; never crowd into the same lane as a motorcycle.

A rider needs the whole lane to swerve around a hazard. Squeeze in beside them and there is nowhere to go.

Motorcycles are allowed the full width of a lane in which to maneuver.

After passing a motorcycle, returning to the original lane too soon can force the rider to swerve into traffic or off the road.

Cut back in too soon and the rider has to dodge your bumper. That can put them into traffic or the ditch.

Returning to the original lane too soon can force the rider to swerve into traffic or off the road.

What causes most crashes between cars and motorcycles?

A car turning in front of the bike. A driver turning left looks for cars and misses the small shape of a bike. Look twice before you turn. Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, p.51: “are the result of a car turning in front of a motorcycle, usually because the driver did not see the motorcycle or misjudged how close it was and how fast it was traveling.”