Protecting Your Six: Essential Rear Awareness Tips for Riders

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Most motorcycle accidents happen in front of the rider, making it crucial to focus the majority of your attention on what lies ahead. Scanning for hazards, anticipating the movements of other vehicles, and maintaining proper lane positioning are essential skills. However, that doesn’t mean you can ignore what’s happening behind you. Being aware of your surroundings, including your six, can make the difference between a close call and a serious accident.

This week, let’s explore strategies to protect yourself from hazards behind you, keeping you safer on the road.

Following Distance

Maintaining an appropriate following distance is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself on a motorcycle. If you ride too close to the car in front of you, every mistake that driver makes becomes your problem. If they slam on the brakes, you’ll be forced to react with emergency braking, potentially putting yourself at risk of a crash.

By keeping a little extra space, you create a buffer zone that allows you to:

See further ahead and anticipate hazards before

you’re forced to react.

Adjust gradually to changes in traffic flow rather than reacting abruptly.
Avoid becoming entangled in the drama of the driver ahead.

When stopping, the same principle applies. If you stop too close to the vehicle in front of you, you lose critical space to maneuver in case the driver behind you fails to stop in time. Always leave enough room to escape if needed. Position your motorcycle in the left or right track of the lane, depending on which side provides the best escape route. My preference is usually the driver’s side, as it offers better visibility and makes you more noticeable in the driver’s side mirror. However, if the other side has a clearer escape path, prioritize that.

Mirror Checks

Developing the habit of checking your mirrors every time you slow down is vital. Whether you’re rolling off the throttle or applying the brakes, knowing what’s happening behind you ensures you’re prepared for any surprises. Ideally, check your mirrors before you start slowing down, but if that’s not possible, glance quickly as you slow.

Motorcyclists often use engine braking to reduce speed. While effective, it doesn’t activate the brake lights, potentially catching drivers behind you off guard. A quick mirror check allows you to assess whether the car behind is paying attention, giving you time to flash your brake lights if necessary.

Staying in Gear at Stops

When coming to a stop, always keep your motorcycle in gear. The worst position you can be in is directly behind the car ahead, two feet back, with your bike in neutral. In this scenario, you’re entirely reliant on the awareness and actions of the drivers around you, leaving yourself vulnerable to being rear-ended without an escape plan.

Some riders argue that keeping the bike in gear causes unnecessary wear on the clutch or cable. However, this isn’t true. When you pull the clutch lever, the clutch plates are separated, and no wear occurs. Prioritizing minimal wear over safety is a flawed mindset. Your motorcycle is built to ride; use it to enhance your safety rather than limiting its capabilities.

By staying in gear, you’re always ready to accelerate out of danger. Combine this with proper positioning, and you significantly improve your odds of avoiding a rear-end collision.

Flashing Your Brake Lights

Drivers behind you can easily overlook a motorcycle, especially in stop-and-go traffic or at intersections. Flashing your brake lights is an effective way to increase your visibility and alert drivers to your presence. A quick tap on the brakes as you come to a stop can catch their attention, reducing the chances of being rear-ended.

For a more consistent solution, consider installing a brake light module like the one from Signal Dynamics. These modules automatically flash your brake lights when you apply the brakes, providing an added layer of safety without requiring additional effort from you. I’ve installed these modules on several bikes, including my Indian Challenger, and highly recommend them for all riders. You can find more details and order one at MCrider.com/Backoff.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your six is an essential part of motorcycle safety. While most hazards are in front of you, ignoring what’s behind you leaves a significant gap in your defensive riding strategy. By maintaining a safe following distance, staying in gear at stops, checking your mirrors regularly, and making yourself visible with flashing brake lights, you can reduce the risks from behind and stay safer on the road.

Remember, the goal of every ride is to make it home safely. Prioritize proactive habits and smart riding strategies to keep control of your surroundings and avoid becoming a victim of preventable accidents. Ride safe, stay sharp, and always protect your six.