Turning Left on Rural Roads
We live in a largely
rural area, so many of our safety issues are different from those faced in urban traffic. Here is a scenario we often run
into around here, whether riding alone, or in a group.
You are riding a rural road, in a legal passing zone, and need
to turn left. This could be onto an unimproved road, into a driveway, or an entrance to a facility of some sort. The
danger here is from behind, as a vehicle may begin a pass just as you are beginning your left turn. You have probably
made sure that you are clear ahead of you to make the turn, but you need to make doubly sure that you are clear behind you
before initiating the turn.
The danger is multiplied if you have a vehicle like a pickup truck or a large SUV behind
you, because there may very well be a vehicle behind them that wants to pass, and does not see you at all, and does not know
that you are there, even if the vehicle directly behind you does see you, and is slowing with you. They could begin to pass
the vehicle behind you, and then suddenly see you half way into your left turn, too late for either of you to do anything
about it.
Ever since I read about this scenario in the July, 2011 issue of "American Iron," I have become
acutely aware of how common this situation is in our part of the world, and I have become very sensitive to it. There are
several ways to avoid most of the danger associated with this situation. The top three are listed below.
Flick
your left turn signal on well before the turn, so you can slow down slowly, and thoroughly check out the traffic behind you.
Don't assume the car behind you sees your turn signal, and use a left hand arm signal as well.
If there is any doubt
in your mind whether it is clear behind you, pass the left turn, go down the road a way, make a u-ey at a safe place, and
come back to make a right hand turn at your road. ( I've done this several times)
Make yourself visible. This situation
is particularly dangerous at dusk or other low light times, so wear bright colors and/or reflective tape to stand out from
the background. BTW, many stock Harleys do not have very bright tail lights or turn signals. A set of accessory LED
tail lights can really improve your visibility from behind.
Ride long, and safely!
Robin
