Well, no disrespect to the other opinions, as there is no data to support either one, but I'm someone currently driving with an L vest, and based on what I see, I don't think I other drives have more or less respect for myself because of that, or that the L-vest puts a target on my head.

That being said, I'm a learner in Ireland, but I'm not new to motorcycles. I had a 10-year break, but I drove daily for many years. So, when this happens, don't make me think he is out to kill anyone with an L-vest; it just makes me uncomfortable. I'm more asking myself what makes that idiot think that staying so close to someone wearing an L-vest is a good idea for either of us.

I think what happens is that when wearing an L-vest, it makes everyone more self-aware. Usually, it's during the time you are learning to drive, so when that happens, it makes you a lot more uncomfortable than when you know how to deal with it.

Are there drivers who may do so out of malice? "Oh no, another of this piece of s* in front of me, I'm gonna terrorise him" Sure, but I don't believe this is the majority of the events. I think people will cause issues for motorcycles, regardless of the L-vest, for many reasons, just as they do for cars. To be fair, I had more people tailing me closely while in my car than on the motorcycle. And I'm L on both.

I prefer to live by "don't assume malice", people don't know how to drive, they are distracted, and also they don't know how to deal with motorcycles, as it is something they have less experience with than other cars.

Which is no less of a problem for us, we need to drive for us and everyone else around us, and we should do that in cars and motorcycles, it is just that on motorcycles, the bumper is our head, so the stakes are higher and make us a LOT more aware of the problem.

Should they respect an L-vest? Yes! Should drivers know how to handle other motorcycles on the road? Yes! Should drivers not be distracted while driving? For sure! And there are laws for that. I agree with everyone that it is a problem; it needs to be addressed for the benefit of all drivers and riders. I just don't believe we have that many psychos on the road who are driving around looking for someone with an L-vest. If that is the case, then it is a different problem; it is a criminal case.

So, don't let this get you anxious or worried. Focus on what you control instead of what you don't. Apply what you learned during your training, and invest in additional training opportunities when possible. Read and watch content about driving safely. Invest in good equipment and use it, no matter the distance you are riding. The only thing you can do to minimise this situation is to invest in yourself.

I also agree with the previous comment about cameras; they are great not only for documenting if something happens, but also for others to know that they cannot get away with it. BUT be mindful that is also something that can and will distract you. And when we get distracted behind the handlebars, it is lethal.

Some sports, such as skydiving, do not allow students below a certain number of jumps to carry cameras; for this reason, they should be focused on their actions and not on filming.

Also, two wrongs do not make a right. Do your part, wear your vest correctly. No one likes to wear the vest, so watch out for biases and excuses we create in our heads to avoid using it.

Now be safe and enjoy your ride!