When is it most important to flash your brake light while riding a motorcycle?

Flashing your brake light is particularly crucial when you will be slowing suddenly because it serves as a vital warning to vehicles behind you. Sudden decreases in speed can catch drivers off guard, especially if they are following closely. By activating your brake light, you alert other road users to your unexpected deceleration, providing them with crucial information to react appropriately and maintain a safe distance. This action helps prevent rear-end collisions, which can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as they are more vulnerable during abrupt stops compared to larger vehicles.

While it is also important to signal when making a turn, stopping at a red light, or changing lanes, these situations usually involve more predictable movements. In contrast, the need for sudden slowing can be unexpected and requires immediate communication to others on the road.