What should you do when driving behind a motorcycle?

When driving behind a motorcycle, allowing for a greater following distance is crucial for several reasons. Motorcycles are smaller and can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, which means that maintaining a safe distance gives you more time to react if the motorcycle suddenly stops or encounters an obstacle.

Additionally, motorcycles are more affected by factors such as wind, road conditions, and debris; therefore, a larger following distance helps ensure that you have enough space to maneuver if the rider needs to perform an emergency evasive action. This approach increases safety for everyone on the road, as it reduces the risk of a collision and gives both you and the motorcyclist more time to respond to changing traffic conditions.

In contrast, following too closely, trying to pass quickly, or honking can create dangerous situations. Following closely can lead to rear-end collisions, passing quickly can cause instability for the motorcyclist, and honking may startle them, potentially leading to loss of control. Thus, maintaining that greater following distance is the best practice for safe driving behind a motorcycle.