New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Why should you avoid riding alongside cars?

1. All cars have blind spots

2. You could be in a blind spot

3. Motorcycles are not visible

4. Cars might swerve unexpectedly

The correct answer is: You could be in a blind spot

Avoiding riding alongside cars is particularly important due to the presence of blind spots. Drivers in cars often have areas around their vehicle that they cannot see in their mirrors, making it easy for a motorcycle rider to go unnoticed. If a motorcycle is positioned in a car's blind spot, the driver might not be aware of the motorcycle's presence, increasing the risk of a collision, especially if the driver decides to change lanes or make a turn without checking thoroughly. While it is true that all cars have blind spots, simply stating that does not convey the immediate danger of being in one of those areas. Additionally, while motorcycles can indeed be less visible compared to larger vehicles, it is the specific scenario of being alongside a car in its blind spot that presents the highest risk. Furthermore, while cars might swerve unexpectedly, this does not directly address the inherent risks of positioning yourself alongside them without awareness of those blind spots. Therefore, being in a blind spot is the most crucial reason to avoid this potentially dangerous situation.