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RIDING DEFENSIVELY AND SAFELY IS
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY |
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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.
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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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