Motorcycle intersections — New Mexico Permit Test

The greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other traffic is at intersections.

Intersections are where other cars cross the rider's path, so that is where most crashes start.

The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is at intersections.

Over half of motorcycle/car collisions are caused by drivers entering a rider's right-of-way.

Drivers often miss a small bike and pull out in front of it, so a car driver must look twice for motorcycles.

Over half of motorcycle/car collisions are caused by drivers entering a rider's right-of-way.

The two biggest dangers to a rider at an intersection are oncoming cars turning left in front of the bike and cars from side streets pulling into its lane.

A driver turning left often misjudges how fast a bike is coming and turns right across its path.

Oncoming cars that turn left in front of you, and cars on side streets that pull into your lane are the two biggest dangers.

A rider never counts on eye contact as a sign that a driver will yield; a driver can look right at a rider and still not see him.

Looking is not the same as seeing, so the rider plans as if the driver will pull out.

Never count on "eye contact" as a sign that a driver will yield.

To be seen at intersections, a rider rides with the headlight on, in a lane position with the best view of oncoming traffic.

A lit headlight makes a small bike stand out to a driver about to turn.

Ride with your headlight on in a lane position that provides the best view of oncoming traffic.

As a rider approaches an intersection, they cover the clutch and both brakes to cut reaction time.

With hands and feet already on the controls, the rider can stop or dodge a moment sooner.

Cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce reaction time.

In an intersection, a rider does not change speed or lane position sharply, because a driver might think the bike is about to turn.

A sudden move tells a waiting driver the wrong thing, and that driver may pull out.

Do not change speed or position radically.

Where is the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other traffic?

At intersections. Intersections are where other cars cross the rider's path, so that is where most crashes start. New Mexico Driver Manual, p.38: “The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is at intersections.”