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Motorcycle · Lane Positioning and SEE Strategy

Why should motorcyclists be especially cautious at intersections?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen at intersections, often when a car turns left across the motorcycle's path because the driver did not see the motorcycle

  1. A Intersections are safer because of stop signs
  2. B Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen at intersections, often when a car turns left across the motorcycle's path because the driver did not see the motorcycle
  3. C Intersections are not particularly hazardous
  4. D Only on highways are crashes a concern

Why this is the answer

Intersections are the highest-risk locations for motorcycles. Studies consistently show that the majority of motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen at intersections, with the most common type being a car turning left across the motorcycle's path. The driver typically reports 'I didn't see the motorcycle' — a combination of motorcycle's smaller visual profile, drivers' tendency to look for cars rather than motorcycles, and motorcycles' unexpected presence in many drivers' mental model. Defensive techniques at intersections: assume drivers do not see you; cover the brakes; ride in a lane position that maximizes visibility (often Position 3 when approaching oncoming traffic that might turn left); reduce speed and be ready to brake; make eye contact with the driver if possible.
Source: MSF Basic RiderCourse, Intersection Hazards

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About this topic: Lane Positioning and SEE Strategy

Keep right except to pass; use the rightmost lane that suits your speed and exit. Lane-discipline questions are common because lane errors cause a high share of multi-vehicle highway crashes. This is one of 10 Motorcycle questions on lane positioning and see strategy, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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