By MIKE Phillips |
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REDUCE are times when riding that you
THERE encounter a dangerous situation , no matter how much you try to avoid them . However , if you have a plan ahead of time , these situations do not have to cause a problem . Planning for these situations and practicing avoidance techniques will be the best way to avoid or ride through the danger . One common motorcycle danger is when you come to a stop for a sign , light , crosswalk , or any other reason , and the driver behind does not see you or is just not paying attention , and he plows into you . This is called a fender bender if it involves two cars hitting each other . This can be a deadly crash if a car hits a motorcycle . During my time with the police department , I went to several crashes just like this . Every crash I witnessed like this resulted in injury to the bike rider . Two times the biker was killed .
There are several ways to lessen the chance of this crash . Use cars as your crumple zone . If a single car is stopped at a multi-lane stop area with more cars coming from behind , pull in front of that car . Wave nicely at the car driver and then drive around him . Use that car as a barrier between you and the
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other traffic , so you are cushioned from any impact . When there are no cars to protect you , stop at the side of the lane rather than in the middle . Stopping on the lane ' s side gives you the best escape path . Rapidly flash your brakes by tapping on the brake lever .
Keep your bike in gear while stopped , with your hand on the throttle so you can pull away instantly if needed . Pay attention to what is coming up behind you . Watch your mirrors and listen to the car motor and brakes as they approach . A roaring engine or skidding brakes are a good sign the car may run into you .
One fatal crash I went to , involving a bike getting hit from behind , had several witnesses in a car stopped beside the bike . Witnesses said the bike rider had both hands off the handlebars . The biker appeared to be talking into his helmet microphone at the instant of impact . During the investigation , it was determined that the bike was in neutral at the time of impact , and the rider was talking on his cell phone . Pay attention to your bike and everything around you when you are stopped . Be particularly aware in situations where there is poor visibility .
Low lighting can cause crashes .
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Night time , cloudy or rainy days , strong winds , blowing dust , or snow will diminish a car driver ' s ability to see you . When intoxicated drivers are more prevalent , late at night is an especially hazardous time . Tapping your brakes and even flashing your headlight can increase the chance that car drivers behind you can see you . Bright reflective colors of clothing and extra added lights also help . LED lights can replace factory lights and can be added as additional lighting . These types of bulbs put out much more light than in the past . In addition , you can add a red light to the back of your helmet . This light will activate when you apply your brakes . These lights will usually be at the eye level of a car driver , making it much easier for them to see you .
We can β t always avoid a dangerous situation . But we can ride through them . The best way to survive danger is to SEE ( SEARCH- EVALUATE-EXECUTE ). Search with your eyes by always looking for danger . Evaluate the best way to avoid or ride out of danger . Then , execute your plan by staying calm and being smooth on your controls .
CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
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