SEPTEMBER SAFETY BRIEFING
Defensive Riding- perhaps the most important skill any rider can develop. Like most skills it is one which must be studied, practiced, and reviewed on a regular basis. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation teaches this as Search- Predict- Act. Search out potential dangers or hazards, predict how those hazards will affect your safety and Act to minimize the dangers. Constantly think about the "what ifs" and plan escape routes, practice maneuvering. When the time comes you’ll react properly.
We are all aware that nearly 90% of the motorcycle accidents occur in city or suburban areas and 70% of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. Of these the left turning vehicle is the most obvious danger. These accidents are often avoidable if the danger is recognized early or if simple defensive measures are taken.
I think it goes without saying that fatigue, alcohol, and other drugs are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal motorcycle accidents. Safety begins with the recognition that when one is tired, or impaired it is better to be inconvenienced than to be a statistic. Further, we all have a responsibility to our friends when they don’t see the impairment in themselves. However, today I want to talk about street strategies for avoiding danger.
1. Lane selection. On multiple lane roads we need to make a constant evaluation of the sources of danger. It could be a row of parallel parked cars, a series of driveways, or access roads. Making the selection of a left or right lane can give you a critical pad for emergency maneuvering.
2. Position in the Lane. Whether you chose the outer, middle or inner portion of your lane can likewise be vital to your safety. While the middle of the lane gives the greatest distance from traffic in other lanes, it is much more likely to have foreign objects, oil and other hazards. Chose a lane position that give you the best vision down the road and allows you to be seen.
3. Your position relative to other traffic. Don’t remain in anyone’s blind spot for long. Either drop back a bit or pass. This is especially true when just going along with traffic. Lane changers can ruin your day, and remember, if you can see the driver in front of you in his rear view mirror then he can see you.
4. Chose your ride so that you have the best vision down the road. Anticipation is vital. The 2X4 in the road will hardly jolt a car, but it can put you down. If the inevitable happens and you can’t miss an object. Get off the brakes and give it a bit of gas just before impact. This will help the bike stay steady and in control.
Some of the following should be red flags of danger.
1. The car that is just creeping along. He may be looking for an address. I bet he isn’t looking for a motorcycle. This is the guy that suddenly turns in front of you when he spots his target.
2. The off-ramp quick turn. Off ramps can be dangerous places - stay out of the right lane near ramps.
3. Getting caught in an intersection in a blind spot behind other traffic. Someone trying to beat the light can turn into you.
4. One way streets with two lanes - watch out for the left turn from the right lane.
Have a safe summer ride - Bill