Proactive Riding

Proactive Riding
As riders and drivers, we have to be prepared to deal with other road users who do not always go with the traffic flow. Sometimes we can predict what they might do, other times it is not that easy. Being able to recognize the potential for conflict or defensive action on our part is the first step of a street strategy – most of which can be applied with equal effectiveness behind the wheel or a set of handlebars. Motorcycle riders, obviously, are at much greater risk than drivers from minor accidents. Therefore, it is even more crucial that we ride in such a way that minimizes the ill effects of mistakes others may make. The art of riding a motorcycle safely in traffic means taking this defensive approach as far as possible. The idea is to out-thing the other person – to anticipate driver mistakes and unsafe situations, and respond proactively rather than reactively. Here are a few specific situations you may frequently find yourself in while riding:
Turns for the worse- Year after year, statistics tell us the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is a driver turning left into the path of a motorcycle at an intersection. For this reason alone, always approach intersections with utmost care. Assume the driver waiting to turn left does not see you. Adjust your lane position to maximize your visibility. Lower your speed by downshifting or lightly applying the front brake. Cover both brakes and the clutch in case you have to stop suddenly. If possible, make eye contact with the driver to make sure he or she does see you.
Movin’ on over- With three lanes of traffic traveling the same direction on a freeway, a situation is created where two drivers/riders, separated by the center lane, may well be eyeing the same piece of center-lane real estate at the same time. If they decide simultaneously to claim it as their own, the results could be deadly. If you find yourself wanting to pass a slow driver in the right lane, don’t be greedy. Don’t look at only the center lane as you evaluate the situation, look at the far left lane, as well. Is there a driver who looks as if he might be eyeing the same spot you are? If so, wait a moment before passing to give that car a chance to pull ahead, or lay back a bit to create some separation. When that car is in the clear, signal your intentions, check your mirrors, do a head check, then move carefully but confidently into the center lane to pass.
Don’t tread on me- It is a wise rider who makes a point never to be in a hurry on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, we can’t control the intentions of the drivers around us, or in this case, close behind us. A tailgater can be one of the most annoying and potentially dangerous drivers a motorcyclist can encounter. As always, the best way to get yourself out of a high-risk situation is to avoid it in the first place. If you see a driver approaching quickly from behind, signal, check to make sure it’s safe, and change lanes. If the car is upon you before you have a chance to move over, the risk is that the driver will abruptly change lanes to pass you just as you change lanes to get out of the way. In this situation, signal early and wait just a moment before changing lanes to be sure the driver is aware of your intentions. If you find yourself on a winding two-lane road with a tailgater behind you, keep your cool. Though it can be tempting to speed up to put some distance between you and the driver, this likely won’t work. Chances are the driver will still stay right on your back end. Instead, check your pride at the side of the road; find a safe place to pull over and let the driver pass. Then continue riding at your own pace. Conversely, if you wind up stuck behind a slow-moving truck on such a road, and you can’t find a safe place to pass, consider stopping for awhile to let that vehicle get well ahead of you. It’s better to relax and take your time than to tempt fate by making a high-risk pass or letting your frustration build to where it affects your judgment.
Stop but don’t relax- As you roll to a stop at a red light, it is tempting to switch off your brain for a moment while you wait for the light to turn green. After all, you’re at a complete standstill – what could happen? Consider the inattentive driver coming up behind you, distracted by the kids in the back seat or dialing a cell phone. As you wait to get rolling, it is wise to keep an eye on your backside with your mirrors. If you see a car coming, flash your brake light to make sure the driver notices you sitting there. Take note if there is a quick escape route to your left o right. And keep your bike in gear in case you have to make that escape in a hurry.
Abrupt exits- Freeways were originally designed to have limited access and exit points, in order to create a steadier, safer flow of high speed traffic than smaller highways typically provide. But in urban areas with lots of traffic, as well as many on and off ramps, abrupt and unexpected lane changes are the order of the day. In these circumstances, consider staying out of the exit lane to begin with because it’s there that most of the action happens. Otherwise, do your best to try to determine the intentions of the drivers around you. Make sure you’re not riding in anyone’s blind spot. Is there a car coming up quickly behind you to the left? If so, keep a close eye on it, as the driver may be intending to beat you to the ramp, swerving into your path abruptly at the last instant. Create as much of a space cushion as you can and look for escape paths around you. When approaching an on-ramp, assume the merging driver can’t see you. Speed up, slow down, or carefully change lanes if necessary to create space for the incoming vehicle. Don’t assume the driver is going to adjust to you. Again, it’s often best to stay out of the far right lane when possible. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are often thought of by motorists as being a danger on the road. But the truth is, if we could just get drivers to adhere to the same defensive practices advocated by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, our roads and highways would be a lot safer for riders and drivers alike.