In the 70s in the UK there were actually public information films broadcast to try and encourage drivers to be a bit more wary of motorcyclists.
I'm posting these links not so much to reminisce about that, but because they illustrate how difficult it is to be seen on a motorcycle. Knowing this, you can consider what the drivers in the cars around you might be able to see, and more importantly, what they can't see, and take appropriate precautions. This can involve slowing down when approaching junctions, changing position, and carefully considered use of the horn.
I was pleased to see that these types of awareness ads have come back - I wish they would show something similar stateside.
Excellent vids for educating car drivers but of course we mustn't rely on car drivers to keep us alive.
One of the things I've been taught to do is to change my position widthways on approach to junctions as a sideways movement is easier to detect than simply an oncoming vehicle.
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Bob - Ringer, not dead yet
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Exactly - I think these vids help show how easy it is to be hidden on a bike. Observe in the one vid how the motorcyclist is actually completely obscure by a lamppost.
Knowing this we owe it to ourselves to ride appropriately - observation is key of course. Be aware not just of the car at the junction, but be aware of potential obstacles in his view. The lampost for example - pedestrians - utility boxes.
Changing your position within the lane to become more visible is good, and will also tend to move you further away from danger.
in the states your headlamp has to be on all the time anyway - but that helps too. Even consider a quick burst on the horn to draw attention.
I also try and eyeball the driver - are they looking at you? Watch the front wheels of the car - you can see rotational movement there far more easily than the linear movement of the car moving forward.
Here's another thing - when you're next sitting in your car, look at how the rear view mirror and door pillars obscure the view. They actually cut out large portions of the view. When I am driving, I actively move my head around to gain more view around these things, and at least two motorcyclists have not had accidents becuase of that. I am also acutely aware that your average driver looks straightv ahead, and will not look at all.
Knowing this puts me in an appropriate frame of mind when negotiating juntions and similar hazards.
Looking twice is a good move anyway, whether on bike or in a car - even other cars can get obscured by other objects - a second look often reveals something, and it's a good habit to get into.
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