I noticed that after taking the MSF class that I’m definitely more aware of road conditions and other drivers around me not only when I’m on my bike but also when I’m in my car.
And of course I’m definitely more aware of motorcyclists. When in my car, I’m constantly double-checking my mirrors and blind spots.
I think all drivers should take some form of the MSF class to make them aware of what a motorcyclist goes through. I suspect some “cagers” drive the way they do around a motorcyclist because they just don’t realize that it’s not fun for us to slam on the brakes when they cut us off. They don’t realize that the wind shear that comes off their vehicles affects us on the freeway. And not everyone on a bike is going to take off like a bat out of hell when the light turns green. (Had a couple people behind me at a traffic light that apparently like to stomp on the gas when the light changes.)
I had a funny moment this weekend after a quick ride as I was headed home. On the two lane road home I could see my wife’s vehicle, a ways off, coming from the opposite direction. I could see her clearly in the driver’s seat, on her cell phone (shame, shame), so I started waving as we got closer. She was completely oblivious to me waving as we passed.
Later when she got home I introduced myself to her and reminded her I ride a motorcycle. She said she didn’t see a motorcycle all morning.
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