To Buffer or Suffer, that is the question!
Simply put, hazard avoidance means slowing down and/or altering your position on the roadway well before reaching the hazard. Changing road speed or position in response to hazards is commonly called "buffering". The Macquarie dictionary defines a "buffer" as "anything serving to neutralise the shock of opposing forces". To buffer, therefore, means putting something between you and anything that could hurt you. Maybe we could wrap ourselves in thick rubber cushions, but this would be impractical and decidedly uncool! In years to come, motor bikes might come equipped with force-fields like in science fiction movies, to shield the shock of opposing forces.
'Till that day comes, our only alternative is to create space buffers between us and hazards. Pain to rider and hip pocket starts when space between the bike and the opposing force reduces to zero. So, logically, by keeping a distance from the opposing force, pain does not arise. By maintaining space we give ourselves time to think about the hazard, to consider options, to decide on the correct option, and to safely execute that decision.
SPACE = TIME TO THINK, DECIDE and ACT.
How often have riders said after crashing, "I could have stopped if I had more time...". How much physical and financial pain could have been avoided if the rider had seen the hazard earlier, slowed gradually and changed direction to give themselves more space between them and the hazard? The key to effective roadcraft lies in gaining as much information about hazards as early as possible, correctly analysing the risks they present and taking direct action to reduce the risks. This takes practise, good vision, 100% concentration and a little physical effort. By maintaining at least 5 seconds vision of what's happening up ahead, staying no closer than 3 seconds to the vehicle ahead (this means - on a dry surface - about a 50 metre gap at 60 kph), and by checking our mirrors every 5 seconds to see what is happening behind us, we will have all the information required, as well as time to process it and act.
When you see something that could harm you, set up your brakes immediately to warn those behind that you are considering slowing down. If necessary, squeeze the brakes to actually slow down. Change your road position early so as to maximise the space between you and the hazard. Only direct actions like these reduce risk. To do nothing and assume the other road user won't make a mistake is a dangerous strategy. Assuming motorcyclists don't set out to crash, why do bike crashes happen? While it's easy to blame the driver who pulls out in front of us, the corner that tightens up, or the sand/oil/gravel, etc. on the road, it takes two to tango. We can't change the environment we ride in, but we can manage its risks.
As riders, we have a level of responsibility for outcomes and we need to ensure our decisions don't contribute to bad outcomes. Crashes happen for three main reasons relating to the rider:
1/. Firstly, the rider fails to see the hazard early enough to slow down and buffer. They then panic and either over-react or freeze. Maybe they weren't looking far enough ahead, scanning for danger. Maybe they allowed their vision to be compromised by following too closely behind another vehicle. Even small frights while riding serve as a great wakeup call to look further ahead.
2/. Secondly, the rider sees the hazard, but fails to perceive it as a hazard or under-estimates the level of risk it presents. No corrective action, like slowing or buffering occurs, and the rider rushes headlong into a problem. This is a big issue for newer riders, so if you are just starting out and still gaining experience, take it easy! Even experienced riders can make poor risk assessments, falling victim to complacency. Never assume other road users have seen you, or that the road surface just out of view will be the same as where you are now.
3/. Lastly, the rider sees the hazard and recognises it as such, but consciously decides not to slow or buffer to reduce the risk. Arriving in corners too fast when trying to keep up with mates, or riding too close to the vehicle ahead are common examples. These riders have probably over-estimated their skill level and under-estimated risk consequences - the long term costs of their decisions. Riding outside of your comfort zone or skill level introduces an element of luck. The smart rider knows luck comes in two types.
So, keep your head up, look well ahead, watch your speed, and check your mirrors regularly to get an early warning of danger. Take direct and immediate action to reduce risks by slowing down and buffering.
Until next time. . . . .
Stay buffered.
Dave Gibson
State Manager ACT
Stay Upright
Motorcycle Techniques
