Motorcycle following distance — Rhode Island Permit Test

Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, which does not turn on the brake light.

A driver waiting for a brake light behind a motorcycle may not notice it slowing until it is too late.

Motorcyclists often reduce speed by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.

Keep at least a 4-second space cushion when following a motorcycle.

Two seconds behind a bike that slows with no brake light leaves no time to react.

Keep at least four (4) second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.

A motorcycle's stopping distance is nearly the same as a car's, but slippery pavement makes it hard for a motorcycle to stop quickly.

A driver who thinks a bike stops on a dime follows too close and has no room when it cannot.

The stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement make it difficult to stop quickly.

Why might a motorcycle slow down without its brake light coming on?

The rider downshifts or eases off the throttle. A driver waiting for a brake light behind a motorcycle may not notice it slowing until it is too late. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.48: “Motorcyclists often reduce speed by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.”