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RIDING DEFENSIVELY AND
SAFELY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
These days, with the ever
increasing number of vehicles on the road each year, the risks to the
motorcycle rider are ever increasing. Drivers now regard their vehicles
with the same routine as using appliances. Automatically, without too
much thought into the consequences of their actions. The news is full of
reports of accidents, fatalities and the question remains, why are
drivers taking more chances these days? Why are they so impatient and
discourteous? Many do not signal their intention of changing lanes
or turning and just "do it" as if they are the only ones on the road.
Big city "rat race" mentality takes over the minds of drivers. They
drive and talk on their cell phones at the same time. That has to affect
their powers of
concentration on looking out for the "other guy", if they even bother to
look out for the other guy anymore. This year the motorcycle
accident rate in Texas is the highest it has ever been. While some
may have been caused by the rider's decision
making and skill level, the overwhelming majority of these is apparently
the result of drivers being distracted or not paying enough attention to
traffic conditions around them. You can almost hear the common
expression " I proceeded to make my turn, but I didn't see him (the
motorcyclist) coming!” While it may be impossible to prevent some
accidents, no matter how many precautions you take or how defensive a
rider/driver you may be, here are some tips that may help:
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Get the BIG Picture!
Always scan the road in front of you looking for threats to your
safety. Be careful making any decision to change your direction or
position when your view is obstructed.
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Keep your eyes moving.
Don't focus on anything for very long, unless you are already
executing an emergency maneuver (brake or swerve) around the threat.
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Make SURE you are
seen. Cars turning and pulling out in front you at the last second.
"I just didn't see him". Blast your horn if you have too, but be
sure there is some form of eye contact.
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Be prepared to STOP!
Always be prepared to stop. Cover your brakes and clutch in
threatening situations to save on reaction time.
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Never assume you have
the right of way. While you may have technically, you are
vulnerable on a motorcycle, better to "give in" and live to ride
another day!
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Practice courtesy to
others. Signal your intentions; use your clutch hand to signal a
lane change because the car driver may not always notice your
signal.
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Watch your rearview
mirrors frequently but do not trust them when changing lanes.
Always perform a head check after checking in your rearview mirror.
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Maintain a large space
cushion between the vehicles in front of you and try to maintain a
space cushion between the vehicle behind you and beside you.
-
Enjoy the ride but
don't overestimate your skills on the road. An adrenaline rush
inspired false sense of security can lead to serious consequences.
Know what your limits are and ride within them.
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Minimize riding at
night as much as possible. A single motorcycle headlight cannot
illuminate as well as two headlights. Car drivers cannot see you as
well and depth perception judgment can be affected. More possible
intoxicated drivers, more critters such as deer, potholes, gravel,
opening car doors, can all have an affect on spoiling your riding
pleasure, perhaps forever.
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Protect your space at
intersections. Do not let drivers crowd your lane. If turning left
at busy intersections, do not proceed into your left turn until the
traffic coming the other way is clear or stopped. Be wary of cars
running the red light at the last second due to impulse decisions.
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Be especially careful
in large parking lots such as shopping centers where drivers will
back out without looking. Do not assume anything here. Park your
motorcycle in clear view.
Ride Safe, Ride Often,
Ride Aware
Greg & Deborah Decker
Chapter X2 Educator |
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