Tiger Tales 21: Use Your Brake Lights

By The Law Tigers
America’s Injury Lawyers Who Ride

Use Your Brake Lights

Oftentimes, riders rely on engine braking alone to reduce speed. Unfortunately, letting off of the throttle to slow down without utilizing your brake (that triggers your brake light) can lead to a rear end collision. If you include a downshift, the risk of collision increases substantially.

Anyone who has ridden their motorcycle behind a vehicle with faulty brake lights will tell you just how scary and difficult it can be. Under these circumstances, you end up slamming on your brakes to avoid rear end collision. However, if you don’t signal a change in speed (by not triggering your brake light), the same claim of irresponsibility can be leveled against you.

When your motorcycle provides substantial engine braking, it can be difficult at times to remember to activate your brake lights. However, even if brake power is unnecessary to slow down, it’s critical to develop the habit of triggering the brake light. Properly installed and adjusted brake light switches activate before the brakes are applied. Hence, slightly engaging the rear brake pedal or squeezing the front brake lever is sufficient to illuminate the brake light and communicate to the driver behind you that you are about to slow down. In situations where vehicles are trailing close behind, flash your brake light several times to alert the driver.