Preparing for the unexpected.

[CC Ryder]

The latest Motorcycle Mojo magazine has a sobering article on someone being hit from behind while they had stopped for a light. They give some pointers that I think are worth mentioning.
Take extra care near city intersections. Always be aware of what is around you. Checking mirrors frequently and your peripheral vision will tell you if you can safely make an emergency move to the side if it appears the vehicle behind you isn't going to stop.
Also the importance of being seen, reflective tape to make you more visible. Leaving enough space with the vehicle in front of you so that you have a way of escape. Full face helmets protects your whole face.
Learning from others mistakes sure beats learning from your own.

[jstark47]

And leave your bike in gear until a vehicle has come to a full stop behind you. If you need to move suddenly, this will save a second or two - it could make a difference.

[High_Side]

This nearly happened to my father several years ago as he was riding along at night while the fireworks from the Calagary Stampede were lighting up the sky beside him. As he began to slow for a traffic light behind the car in front of him, he noticed at the last second that a car was coming up quickly behind him. He managed to drop the clutch (he was sitting a couple of gears to high) and slide beside the car in front of him just in time for the crash. This scared the hell out of him and he pretty much quit riding for the rest of the year. A good lesson for hte rest of us to keep an eye in your mirrors as was said above/\.