Your alertness is worth more than all the flashing lights in Vegas.
As a motor cop once said, "I could give a damn if they see me, if I see them they won't get me and I always see them". When riding, your job is to see them and any potential hazard before it becomes a hazard, even if they don't see you.

(Once my partner and I were headed to an emergency, blue lights and siren blasting on the bikes, side by side. the car up ahead just wouldn't move over. My partner lost his cool and pulled up to her window and motioned her over. "I'm sorry officer, I thought you were an ambulance". I starting laughing, turned to my partner and said, "feel better now?, can we go?". It's just not a matter of visibility.

The MAIDS study reveals the clothing worn by motorcyclists in a large percentage of accidents had no affect. Rather other circumstances that limited the motorcyclists and the other vehicles visibility (obstructions include, trees, buildings, etc.).

You think for one moment the driver of the car ahead of you isn't going to turn at the narrow dirt road, just as you decide to pass. Guess what, he doesn't care if you're back there, it doesn't matter if he sees you. He's going to turn, last minute, because he almost missed the turn, and the blinker is the last thing on his mind. If you hit him, it's your fault for riding with your head up your butt. BUT, the police will be able to find your body easily with all those bright colors and reflective stickers on (sic).

While riding, you have to be aware of everything, all the time. When you're stopped at a light, be ready to move out fast (have your escape route planned). Just in case you see that car coming up behind you is to fast to stop. Swing wide and look as far as you can on every side street (intersection), stop sign, parking lot, driveway or blind alley, etc. and have a plan for each. On the interstate, you can count on that car cutting you off or moving in to your lane. Bright colors? They don't help if the driver is blind in one eye, texting, scolding the kids, doesn't check or if the driver cannot control his own vehicle, visibility doesn't matter. Have a plan, watch, see what's going on and be ready to act - all the time. You have to be more aware of what's going on in front of the car ahead of you than he is.

Be ready for that 18 wheeler, even if he sees you, it doesn't matter if he looses control. Ok, you're not in the No-Zone, so what! Be ready - plan on it.

I've heard over and over how care free people feel on a motorcycle. Ahhh, freedom of the road, the wind in your hair, BULL@#$%
Yea, a good rider does forget about his worries, they don't have time for them. A good motorcyclist is so busy constantly scanning and being ready, they don't have time to think about other troubles. There's plenty up ahead and behind to worry about.

You can always count on no one seeing you. You can count on them cutting you off even if they do see you. NEVER PUT YOUR SAFETY IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HANDS.

So what if they see you? You have to see them and be ready for whatever the fool is going to do. If you say to yourself, "he probably won't ....... guess what?

I'm not saying don't wear bright clothing, or reflective patches, just don't ever count on them. So what if they see you, that doesn't mean they're not going to do something stupid. You are responsible for your own safety. Not the moron in the car in front of you or the one behind you. I know, the MSF says everyone is responsible for safety. Everyone, doesn't go to the hospital, you do. You want to get where you're going safely, watch all the time, every second!!! Be ready for everything, all the time. Scary huh? Yep, you've picked a dangerous hobby.

No matter who's at fault, you lose if you're on a motorcycle. Save the freedom of the open road speech for the motorcycle manufacturing marketing guys. The fact is you have more freedom in cage car. You meet the nicest people on a Honda. At the hospital.

Approach riding as if they are out to get you, and it doesn't matter if they see you, if you ride aggressively and watch for them. Just because you're paranoid doesn't necessarily mean people aren't out to get you.......lol. Ride like a paranoid. Who are they more apt to take a chance pulling out on, an 18 wheeler or a motorcycle with bright colors on? Don't get a false sense of security when you wear bright clothes, modulating headlights, brake lights, or a spinning light on top your helmet.

Ok, I've read all the major studies, visibility was determined to be a major factor (but The MAIDS study reveals the clothing worn by motorcyclists in a large percentage of accidents had no affect. Rather other circumstances that limited the motorcyclists and the other vehicles visibility (obstructions include, trees, buildings, etc.). Harry Hurt damn sure wasn't a cop and he didn't think like one. Wrong conclusion bozo! What else are they going to say, "I was reaching for the paper to read the sports section and when I looked up, it was too late"? Nope! "I didn't see him".  The motorcyclist riding with his head up his butt is the contributing factor, seems so harsh, but so true.

“There is no magic bullet other than getting smart.”
"Lack of attention to the driving task is a common factor for the motorcyclist in an accident."
 Harry Hurt, USC professor of the famous Hurt study.
Ok, he wasn't that dumb after all.

"Watch for motorcycles" .....lol - yea, put down the Ipod, the paper, the cell phone, stop looking at the topless sales girl at the roadside hotdog stand, and watch for motorcycles. They're wearing bright colors, you can't miss them. Watch this motorcycle video. Watch the idiot on the bike. What the hell is he thinking, (Oh, he's not) riding like that in a residential neighbor? Head up butt, don't blame the other idiot in the car. - Motorcycle visibility video (opens new window). The safety ads should be directed at motorcyclists, "watch for morons".

In Florida - Contrary to the notion that careless automobile drivers cause most accidents involving motorcycles, last year's deadly crashes (2008) were caused by the bikers themselves more than two-thirds of the time.... Orlando sentinel

Ride aggressively, not fast, not crazy, but move your motorcycle around, be aware,  so you have the advantage, always, so you can see, always, so there is a way out, always. 

Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than the Iraqi War For Marines. If you're sure you want to take this up, be prepared to be careful, all the time. You've seen the manufacturer ads, cool leathers, good looking models, Hot chicks, cool dudes, freedom of the open road, ...... Save it. The fact is riding a motorcycle is risky. Don't count on being seen, or being safe. Make your own safety.

You may get the impression that I'm against motorcycles.... Nope - love um. I don't get mad when a driver cuts me off, I knew it would happen, (I actually smile, respect myself and my abilities ). I don't get hot when the old guy moves into my lane when I'm passing on the interstate in the fast lane, I planned on it, I was in a gear ready to speed by him into the open. Don't get mad, smile, you knew it was going to happen and you had a plan. You don't have to be a great rider to get where you're going safely, but you have to be alert, and give yourself space and time to react. Always be vigilant. If you can't brake good, stay back, if you can't turn well, go slower. Don't relax, it's not ok.