In dense traffic, a rider often sits between several cars at once. In that setting, safety is not only about the gap ahead; side clearance and mirror visibility matter just as much.
Staying too close beside a car can mean spending more time in a blind spot. If the driver changes lane or avoids an obstacle, the rider may not have enough room for a calm response.
SAAQ visibility guidance stresses that riders should help others notice them earlier. Lights, contrasting gear, clear lane position and timely signals work together to make the rider easier to read.
In practice, that means avoiding long moments beside a car’s flank, keeping reserve space and checking before moving that others can see the motorcycle’s path. Fewer surprises make the traffic flow safer for everyone.