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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles
Motorcycles are easy to miss and quick to stop, and their riders react to road hazards a car barely notices. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about driving safely around motorcycles and motor driven cycles.
Full lanefor every motorcycle, even if there seems to be room (Indiana BMV)
3-4 secondsfollowing distance behind a motorcycle (Indiana BMV)
Not self-cancelingmotorcycle turn signals usually are not (Indiana BMV)
Blind spotscan hide a motorcycle in a quick shoulder check (Indiana BMV)
The short answer
Give every motorcycle a full lane, check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections, signal before changing lanes or merging, follow at least three or four seconds back, and do not assume a flashing signal means the rider is turning.
Give every motorcycle a full lane
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says motorcyclists and motor driven cycle (MDC) operators must be given the same considerations as passenger vehicle drivers. Always allow every motor vehicle operator the width of a full lane.
It may seem there is enough room in the lane for more than one vehicle, but motorcyclists may need the full use of the lane to maneuver safely and avoid hazards other drivers cannot see.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (motorcycles and motor driven cycles), read November 3, 2026.
Why motorcycles are easy to misjudge
The BMV manual points to three things:
Small profile
The smaller profile of motorcycles makes it more difficult to judge their speed and distance.
Quick stops
Motorcycles and motor driven cycles can stop much more quickly than other motor vehicles.
Hidden in blind spots
Because of their size, they can be hidden in a vehicle's blind spot or missed in a quick shoulder check. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane and at intersections.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Do not trust a flashing turn signal
The BMV manual says not to assume that a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle means a turn is coming soon. Motorcycle signals are usually not self-canceling, and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait until you are sure the rider is going to act before you proceed.
Signal your own intentions before changing lanes or merging, so other road users, including riders, can anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Road hazards that matter more to riders
Road conditions that are only minor annoyances to drivers of larger vehicles can be major hazards to motorcyclists. The BMV manual says riders may change speed or adjust their position in the lane suddenly in reaction to potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement. Expect it, and leave room.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Follow at least three or four seconds back
The BMV manual says to allow at least three or four seconds when following a motorcycle, so the rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. That is more than the at least two to three seconds the manual suggests behind other vehicles.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Changing lanes and passing safely
The BMV manual's lane-change and passing rules help you avoid cutting off a rider you did not see:
Check ahead
Make sure there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane you want to enter.
Check mirrors
Check your mirrors for any vehicles that are preparing to pass you.
Turn your head
Briefly turn your head toward the lane you are entering to make sure no vehicle is in your blind spot and there is room to move over.
Signal
Use your turn signal to alert other drivers before changing lanes.
Pass fully
When passing, continue forward until you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror, then signal before returning to your lane.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (changing lanes, passing other vehicles), read November 3, 2026.
Keep your brakes and tires ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Sharing the road with motorcycles FAQ
Can I share a lane with a motorcycle?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says to always allow all motor vehicle operators the width of a full lane. Even if there seems to be room, motorcyclists may need the full lane to maneuver safely and avoid hazards other drivers cannot see.
How far should I follow behind a motorcycle?
The BMV manual says to allow at least three or four seconds when following a motorcycle, so the rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Why is it hard to judge a motorcycle's speed?
The BMV manual says the smaller profile of motorcycles and motor driven cycles makes it more difficult to judge their speed and distance. They can also stop much more quickly than other motor vehicles.
Does a flashing turn signal mean the motorcycle is turning?
Not always. The BMV manual says motorcycle signals are usually not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to act before you proceed.
Why do motorcyclists change position in the lane?
Road conditions that are minor annoyances in larger vehicles can be major hazards on a motorcycle. Riders may change speed or position suddenly because of potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.
How do I check for motorcycles before changing lanes?
Check your mirrors, then briefly turn your head toward the lane you are entering to make sure no vehicle is in your blind spot, and signal before you move. The BMV manual says motorcycles can be hidden in a blind spot or missed in a quick shoulder check.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Motorcycle, lane-change and passing guidance is from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (motorcycles and motor driven cycles; changing lanes; passing; following distance), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026