chapter 6 — sharing the road Scan at intersections  — look carefully for motorcycles when  you come to an intersection:  Allow side margins  — never try to share a lane with a  motorcycle. A motorcycle needs the whole lane to travel safely.  Allow following distance  — allow at least three seconds of  following distance when you are behind a motorcycle because:  Allow space when passing  — allow plenty of space when you  pass a motorcycle. Your vehicle may throw dirt or water in the  rider’s face. Make eye contact  — establish eye contact whenever possible.  Read vehicle language  — don’t assume that a rider in the left  part of the lane is planning to turn left. Motorcyclists often ride  in the left part of the lane to make themselves more visible. When you drive, you will interact with the drivers of cars, vans  and small trucks. Drivers of passenger vehicles can be just  as unpredictable as other road users. They may not always  look ahead. Their vehicles may not be well maintained — for  example, their brakes and signal lights may not be working  properly. And some drivers may be tired, impatient or impaired.  Use all of your  see-think-do  skills to observe and respond safely  to other passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicles  Communication  do  Space margins  • When you are turning left, look out for oncoming  motorcycles. Motorcycles can be hard to see, especially at  night, at dusk or in heavy traffic. It is also difficult to judge  how fast they are approaching.  • When you are driving through an intersection, watch for an  oncoming motorcycle that may be turning left. • Motorcycles can stop very quickly.  • Motorcyclists can skid and fall because of poor road  conditions. You need to leave plenty of room to stop safely.  89