Arrive Alive

101 Steps to Motorcycle Safety - Traffic Strategies

Traffic Strategies | Equipment Tips | Fitness | Useful Advice And Information | Skills You Should Practice
 

101 STEPS TO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

101 STEPS TO MOTORCYCLE SAFETYThere are certain strategies that could enhance road safety amongst motorcycle enthusiasts. Although traffic conditions and the obstacles faced might differ somewhat from location to location the basics remain the same. The following strategies were devised by Lawrence Grodosky in the United States and the application thereof might in arriving alive!

 

-::- TRAFFIC STRATEGIES -::-

 

It's almost always necessary to share the road with other users, but sharing has its limits. To keep the wind in your face and everything else out, here are some useful tips:

1. Time Things - A good pass on a two-lane road takes no more than six seconds. How long does it take to cross an intersection? To accelerate to freeway speed?
2. Estimate Times - How far away is that oncoming car or that blind crest? Knowing could save your butt.
3. Don't Tailgate When the preceding vehicle passes a fixed object count off: "one thousand one... one thousand two..." If you get there before "two" you're following too closely.
4. Project Each Car's Path of Travel See a car poking out of a driveway? Put your bike where it can't reach you.
5. Don't Ride Staggered ln Twistles. or anywhere maneuvering within your lane is likely to become necessary.
6. Late Apex - By starting on the out side of a curve and delaying your turn, you'll not only see farther ahead, you'll increase your space cushion in left hand turns.
7. Watch for Cars "Stacking Up" On two-lane roads - there's always the danger of a car abandoning the pack to pass. Maintain a constant vigil for phantom vehicles and, when you think you've spotted one, move to the right. This creates space as well as conspicuity.
8. Don't Follow Behind Obstructive Vehicles Trucks, vans - anything that's hard to see around also makes you invisible to oncoming cars. Stay way back, or better still, let some passenger cars fill the gap.
9. Avoid Rush Hour - Pilots have to train for each airport. Don't try to tackle a strange metropolis when everyone else is pressed for time.
10. Head Checks - Don't rely on mirrors or peripheral vision. Do one before each lane change.
11. Signal Your Intentions - Two full seconds before lane changes; four seconds for turns.
12. Keep Left Unless Passing.
13. Give Way to Faster Traffic - It's the civilized thing to do.
14. Don't Speed Through Town - Speed is only a factor if you hit some thing... and in town there are all sorts of things to hit.
15. Avoid Bad Drivers - Give wide berth to anyone who is excessively fast or slow, wanders in their lane or changes lanes without signals.
16. Avoid Other Drivers' Blind Spots - Keep back; accelerate when necessary.
17. Look Farther Up the Road - Maintain a 12-second visual lead; search for the exit of each turn.
18. Cover the Front Brake Lever in high-risk areas.
19. ...But Don't Cover With One Finger... or even two fingers unless that's how you practice emergency stops. Once you've started the brake application, you'll need to release in order to add fingers.
20. Check Your Mirrors When You Slow Down - Look for an escape route, too; the guy behind you might not be so alert.
21. The Left Wheel Track of four-wheeled vehicles is your principal lane position... but continually adjust to changing conditions.
22. Beware of Cars Turning Right Across Your Path - Slow down -- see what the driver's going to do. Check your left mirror, then move as far to the left as is practical. If the car turns early -- brake. If the car turns late -‹ accelerate.
 
[These tips are the brainchild of Mr Lawrence Grodosky and was originally published in the Feb 1996 issue of Rider Magazine]

 

  

Loading...

Search Road Safety Articles

Latest Pages

Visibility is Safety: How Windscreen Water Repellents Can Keep You Safe

Visibility is Safety: How Windscreen Water Repellents Can Keep You Safe

Driving in adverse weather can turn a simple journey into a hazardous one, as rain, sleet, and grime obscure vision through the windscreen. Water-repellent products offer a solution by dramatically improving visibility in such conditions, helping to keep drivers safer on the road. What is Water Repellent,

Read More

Road Safety and Avoiding Windscreen Damage

Road Safety and Avoiding Windscreen Damage

It has been recognized on the Arrive Alive Road Safety website that vehicle fitness and aspects such as a clean windscreen are important components to ensuring safety on the road. Drivers need to recognize the dangers of environmental factors such as road works and guard against fallen debris and

Read More

Road Safety and Preventing Smash-and-Grab

Road Safety and Preventing Smash-and-Grab

Introduction and Definition Crime and criminal activity require from South African motorists alertness and caution to more than only other vehicles. Even though progress has been made in fighting hijackings and vehicle theft, there has been an increase in theft from vehicles. Many of these are

Read More

Discover The Safety Benefits of Glasfit's Anti-Smash & Grab Tinting Film

Discover The Safety Benefits of Glasfit's Anti-Smash & Grab Tinting Film

In today's world, ensuring the safety and comfort of your vehicle is paramount. Glasfit's Anti-Smash & Grab Tinting Film offers a cutting-edge solution that enhances the security, comfort, and aesthetics of your car. Applying tinting film is not a DIY task. If not applied correctly, the

Read More

Smash and Grab Film vs Regular Window Tint: What’s Really Protecting You?

Smash and Grab Film vs Regular Window Tint: What’s Really Protecting You?

You might think all window tints are the same, but there's a big difference between regular tint and smash and grab film-and it's not just about keeping your car cool. Whether you're worried about sun glare or break-ins, knowing what type of film is on your windows can make a world of difference. So,

Read More

Road Safety Conferences

Road Safety Conferences

The Arrive Alive website supports those individuals and institutions who take the initiative to arrange road safety conferences in South Africa. We believe that this contributes to greater awareness of road safety and could assist in planning effective road safety strategies. 16th Annual Road Safety

Read More

Load More Pages

Partners

View All