What is a recommended practice when approaching intersections?

When approaching intersections, being prepared to stop and look both ways is crucial for ensuring safety. Intersections are common points for collisions, so as a motorcyclist, it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. This means slowing down as you approach an intersection to accurately assess any oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or other potential hazards.

Taking the time to look both ways allows you to notice vehicles that may not be following traffic rules or could be hidden due to obstructions. Additionally, maintaining a reduced speed gives you more reaction time, enabling you to respond appropriately to unexpected situations, such as a vehicle running a stop sign or a pedestrian suddenly crossing the road.

Assuming that other vehicles will yield can lead to dangerous situations, as this belief can cause you to overlook critical traffic signals or the actions of others. Not checking mirrors and speeding through can both increase your risk of an accident, as they limit your awareness of surrounding traffic and reduce your ability to react swiftly if the situation changes. Therefore, ensuring you are prepared to stop and check your surroundings is the recommended practice at intersections.