What should a motorcyclist do when approaching an intersection?

When approaching an intersection, a motorcyclist should slow down and prepare to stop or yield. This action is crucial for safety as intersections can be unpredictable, with various potential hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or changing traffic signals. Slowing down gives the motorcyclist time to assess the traffic situation, make quick decisions, and react appropriately to any threats. This also enhances the ability to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians who may have the right of way, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

In many situations, traffic can change rapidly as vehicles may be turning, stopping, or moving in and out of lanes. Thus, reducing speed allows for a better visual assessment and gives more time to identify the best and safest course of action. This practice also aligns with defensive driving techniques, emphasizing caution and awareness at potentially hazardous locations.

By contrast, speeding up to clear the intersection disregards the need for caution and could lead to dangerous interactions with other road users. Simply signaling without decelerating does not adequately prepare the motorcyclist for potential stop or yield conditions. Lastly, only looking to one side may result in missing critical information from other directions, which is vital for making an informed decision at an intersection.