What should a rider prioritize when riding in traffic?

When riding in traffic, prioritizing awareness and defensive riding is crucial for ensuring safety. This approach involves being constantly alert and attentive to the surrounding environment, including the behavior of other drivers, road conditions, and potential hazards. By practicing defensive riding, a motorcyclist can anticipate the actions of others, react appropriately to unexpected situations, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Awareness helps riders notice changes in traffic patterns, such as sudden stops, lane changes, or obstacles on the road, allowing them to respond effectively. Defensive riding techniques, which include using appropriate body positioning, maintaining a reasonable following distance, and avoiding blind spots, significantly reduce the risk of accidents. These practices foster a safer riding experience while navigating through complex traffic scenarios.