A driver should be extra alert to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians because:
- They’re difficult to see in traffic. ✓
- They obey different traffic laws than larger motor vehicles.
- They always have the right-of-way.
- They don’t have rearview mirrors.
Answer: A. They’re difficult to see in traffic.
You should be extra alert to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians because they are difficult to see in traffic.
Why this is the answer
The handbook explains that many drivers scan for cars rather than motorcycles, and a motorcycle's profile is much smaller than a car's, so an approaching rider is harder to spot. It also notes that drivers may simply not see the motorcyclist, and that about half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Small road users are easy to overlook, so you have to look for them deliberately rather than waiting for them to catch your eye.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. They obey different traffic laws than larger motor vehicles. — The handbook says motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle, so they are not following a separate set of traffic laws.
- C. They always have the right-of-way. — Nothing in the passages gives motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians an automatic right-of-way over everyone else; the point is that you may fail to see them.
- D. They don’t have rearview mirrors. — The passages never mention rearview mirrors on motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, so that is not the reason given for watching for them.
Remember it
Train your eyes to search for the small outline, not just the big one — if you only look for cars, the narrow shapes slip past you.