What do you need to do to safely merge into traffic on a motorcycle?

To safely merge into traffic on a motorcycle, checking mirrors and blind spots is essential. This step allows the rider to assess the speed and position of other vehicles in the vicinity, ensuring that they can safely enter the lane without endangering themselves or other road users. Motorcycles are smaller and can be more easily overlooked than larger vehicles, making this careful observation especially critical.

By checking mirrors, the rider can see vehicles approaching from behind, while checking blind spots helps identify any vehicles that may not be visible in the mirrors, such as those in adjacent lanes. This thorough situational awareness is a fundamental part of defensive riding techniques, reducing the risk of collision during a merge.

Other methods of merging, such as accelerating rapidly into a gap, can be dangerous and often leads to instability or loss of control. Signaling without looking does not provide any assurance of safety, as it neglects the need for awareness of surrounding traffic. Additionally, while staying in the right lane can sometimes be safer, it is not a definitive rule for merging; the best choice depends on the specific traffic conditions and available gaps.