Question

Difficulty: Very hardMotorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles

When preparing to make a left turn at an intersection across oncoming traffic, a driver who sees an approaching motorcycle with an active right-turn signal should wait until the rider actually begins executing the turn before turning across their path.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is true because motorcycle turn signals often do not self-cancel, requiring drivers to verify actual turning movement before crossing an oncoming rider's path.
Motorcycle turn signals frequently require manual switch deactivation by the rider. As a result, an active signal light does not reliably indicate an impending turn at the current intersection, and defensive driving requires drivers to wait for visual confirmation of turning action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the equipment characteristic of motorcycle turn signals.
Many motorcycle turn signals operate manually and do not automatically turn off after a turn is completed.
Understanding equipment differences between passenger cars and motorcycles prevents misinterpretation of rider intent.
2
Evaluate the risk of turning left across an oncoming motorcycle indicating a turn.
If the turn signal was left on inadvertently, proceeding across the intersection will place the vehicle directly in the path of an oncoming motorcycle traveling at full speed.
Left-turn collisions are among the most common and fatal types of accidents involving motorcycles.
3
Determine the proper defensive driving action.
Wait until the motorcycle begins its physical turn before executing the left turn.
Confirmation of actual vehicle movement ensures right-of-way safety.

Key Concept

Motorcycle Turn Signal Manual Cancellation and Left-Turn Hazard Perception
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