https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/courts-news/monmouth-police-lieutenant-sues-minot-man-oui-crash-physically-disabled-lawsuit-turner-maine-drunk-driving/97-f207cff1-162a-4c8c-92df-164ce85cdd5c
That sort of thing is heartbreaking.
I understand that anyone can make a mistake, and sometimes circumstances
are such that the collision really is unavoidable. Those situations, methinks, are rare.
For incidents like those listed in the link in this reply, I think severe penalties are
warranted. The guy who hit the cop simply didn't care about following the rules.
He still hasn't served any jail time, likely because the state wants his medical issue
resolved before they incarcerate him, so that the state won't have to pay for his care.
He only got the sentence because he hit a cop, and not only does that look REALLY
bad, the policeman in question knows how the legal system works and has access to
all sorts of information over a decades long career that the average layman doesn't.
I put people who are on their phones and cause traffic accidents in the same category.
As others have opined, I simply won't ride in some situations. I-95 is the main route
into Maine from pretty much anywhere else in the USA, but I simply will not ride it
northbound on Friday or Saturday nights in the summer. It's insane. Same for I-295
south during rush hour from Falmouth to Portland. Lunacy on wheels. I-81 southbound
in Pennsylvania south of Harrisburg to Virginia is also to be avoided.
Good advice about lights and slowing down. 2 more little bits might help:
1. Sometimes a weave from side to side within the lane will help one be more
visible. It's a motion that is different to oncoming traffic, and hence more
noticeable.
2. DO NOT follow too closely behind another vehicle! This can hide you from
oncoming traffic. Someone in a hurry will think it's clear just after that truck/SUV and will
commence their left turn without seeing you. You can't see the oncoming vehicle to
prepare for avoiding action, and they can't see you to let you pass.
Ride safely, and HAVE FUN!
-Stretch
Yep, most anything the rider can do to become more visible to a possibly threat from another vehicle.
From my past experience from riding thousands of miles a year in a large city, I learned a few different techniques that would make me more visible, not including blue lights and sirens as even that didn’t deter some tone deaf drivers from pulling out in front of a motorcyclist.
Many have already been addressed here.
Let me add that bright colored clothing can also help a driver to see motorcycle.
Personally I believe a white helmet over a darker color will bring attention to a rider. Most older folks remember motor officers wear white helmets and I know from experience it does have a positive effect in being seen.
Bottom line is one can practice these techniques that have been offered and discussed here and anything is better than riding blindly into these situations with no regards or plans for a worse case scenario.
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