[cj]

Which (for me) translates to making eye contact with drivers whenever at an intersection, stop sign, or looking to see if people’s heads are up on the road (or down in their lap) when passing on a freeway.

Riding a motorcycle is the fastest way to realize how little attention people have on the road / surroundings when they drive.

[btrettel]

As a cyclist I don't find that eye contact is enough. There have been quite a few times where I made eye contact with someone who was turning and was required by law to yield to me, yet they still pulled directly in front of me, almost causing a collision. The few times I have been able to talk to these drivers at a nearby intersection I've heard "I thought you had to stop for me." No, I'm oncoming traffic, you're supposed to stop for me! There are even signs reiterating this. Don't know how common this is for (pedal)cyclists vs. motorcyclists but it just indicates to me that mutual eye contact alone is not enough.

[towndrunk]

At intersections its the people behind you. I have lots of friends who have been rear ended on their bikes. People tend to reach for the phone when approaching a red light.

[techsupporter]

> making eye contact with drivers whenever at an intersection, stop sign

The number of vehicles with very dark tinting on front windows has, in my experience, increased dramatically. I do this, too, but it's getting to where I can make eye contact less than half the time.

Maybe I need to bring a very bright flashlight so I can make sure I can see the driver...

[buckminster]

And this is illegal in many places, but seems to be enforced even less than the phone rules.

[themattress]

Exactly. And daydreaming is death when you don’t have a steel cage around you.

[JustSomeNobody]

> Which (for me) translates to making eye contact with drivers whenever at an intersection, stop sign,

This works both ways. As a car driver, I try to give motorcyclists a nod to let them know I see them.

[ericd]

Heh very true, and that’s a big part of the reason I don’t ride anymore.