New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Maintaining a safe distance when riding beside a parked car is crucial for ensuring your safety. This practice protects you from the risk of car doors being opened unexpectedly, which can occur without warning and create a hazardous situation for motorcyclists.

When you keep a safe distance, you give yourself enough time and space to react should a door suddenly swing open. This buffer zone not only helps to prevent collisions but also allows you to maneuver safely around any obstacles that may appear in your path. Additionally, it increases your visibility to other drivers, reducing the chances of being overlooked in their blind spots.

Positioning yourself too close to the parked car can compromise your ability to react to sudden changes in the environment. Rushing past the car quickly can also lead to loss of control, especially if the vehicle is not aware of your presence. Riding in the bike lane, while it may seem like a safe alternative, does not necessarily provide adequate protection against the unpredictability of drivers exiting parked vehicles.