Motorcyclists have the same rights and respon- sibilities as drivers of other vehicles, and must  follow the same traffic laws. However, motorcy- clists, like pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters, are  less visible to drivers. Though you may often see  motorcycles on the roads in the spring, summer,  or fall – you can encounter motorcycles anytime  and anywhere. Because we don’t see them all  year, we may not actively think about them. As a driver, you share the road with a lot of  other motorists – not all of which are driving cars  or trucks. Motorcycles are common on New  York roads. As a driver, you are responsible to  be aware of motorcycles and understand how to  safely share the road with them. Motorcycles (which include scooters and mo- peds) come in a variety of shapes and sizes. New  York State Law defines a motorcycle as “Every  motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use  of the rider and designed to travel on not more  than three wheels in contact with the ground,  but excluding a tractor.” Most motorcycles you’ll  see have either two or three wheels. Examples  include (but are not limited to): When there is a crash involving a motorcycle  and another vehicle, the rider (and passenger)  have a much higher chance of being seriously  hurt or killed than the driver (and passengers) of  the other vehicle. Though motorcyclists are re- quired to wear approved helmets and goggles or  a face shield, motorcycles themselves do not offer  the rider the protections that you have with other  types of vehicles. For example, motorcycles don’t  protect the rider with a frame around the rider. MOTORCYCLISTS 66 | Driver’s Manual