This really is the single largest reason for the large number of motorcycle fatalities in the USA. Many states had repealed helmet laws and fatalities have gone up accordingly. You pretty much can stop at this point as the rest are pretty minor compared to this one.
I think hi-vis is highly overrated. If drivers aren't looking at you or if you are hidden by motion camouflage it simply doesn't matter. Having said that I do have some reflective strips on my bike and my gear includes reflective strips as well.
Please take a look at the links below:
Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report
My bike has two headlights and they are very bright (and aimed correctly!) If you ride in congested areas I agree that you can get lost in all the visual background noise quit easily. If you do so, then proper positioning and the concepts in the SMIDSY links become even more important.
If you ride away from congested areas the biggest thing to watch for isn't cars but wildlife, and good headlights (aimed properly) help here. The key to staying alive in night riding is being very aware of the situation around you.
There is virtually no correlation between speed driven on roads and fatality rates. In fact, in Canada and worldwide the fastest roads are the safest roads.
However, speed can be a contributing factor in a crash and it is excessive speed for the situation where the problem lies. Excessive speed rarely just means going over the speed limit as speed limits (in Ontario especially) have little to do with safe engineering strategies for the road but have more to do with political considerations.
The key to safe riding in rain is the same as night riding plus adding a bit more smoothness to your technique (which is always a good idea anyway.)
I only half disagree agree with this statement. Talking and texting are just dumb ideas most of the time. Listening to music, having a GPS, etc can have no impact on safety if done properly. Being consumed by the use of any of the devices can be a bad thing, but music might help you stay more attentive. GPS can help you understand what the road has in store for you ahead, and radar detectors (illegal in Ontario) can help you be aware of the potential hazard presented by a Police car on the side of the road.
..Tom
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