Rider Training - Are You a Low Risk Rider?
Stay Upright's Brendon Thompson looks at the techniques which can be employed to effectively reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
While all sorts of rules, laws and regulations on safety are enforced on motorcycle riders, each rider can - and should - do a lot themselves to ensure their own safety on the road, because, in a lot of circumstances, the risks a rider takes can be a key factor in an accident. So, how do we know if we are a low risk rider or not? Here are some self assessment tools to measure your own riding performance.
Observation - Scan ahead/mirrors instruments constantly - headchecks prior to moving off, changing lanes or overtaking. Look as far ahead as possible - formulate a plan when approaching corners, intersections or hazards of any kind. If you can't see 5 seconds of the road ahead to be clear slow down!
Setting up - means applying your brakes lightly as you approach potential hazards. Being "ready" ie. and covering the brakes in this way can greatly improve your response time, and therefore reduce your stopping distance.
Buffering - is simply positioning your bike to create maximum space around you, away from hazards. Moving away from danger may also increase the likelihood of you being seen.
Around Corners - Plan Position, Speed and Gear prior to the corner
- Start wide for vision
- Plan to finish tight
- Keep away from the HEAD ON ZONE
Rear brake can be used to aid stability in corners or when power is on-off on long sweeping turns. Rear brake is also used for roundabouts and low speed manoeuvres.
So, how well do you use these techniques? Are you consistent, or just when you are in the mood? Maybe you never use them, or perhaps this is all new information to you. If so, a rider training course could be a wise investment.
If you can honestly say that you use these risk reductions systems regularly - well done! - you are actively contributing to your own safety rather than relying on other road users to do the right thing by you!
Until next time, Stay Upright and avoid the risks!
Brendon Thompson
State Manager, Tasmania
Stay Upright
Motorcycle Techniques
