Tragedy....defensive riding
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 687
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
I move around in the lane and try to get to a position where I've made eye contact with the driver. I slow down in case braking is the best option, but also make sure I'm in the right gear and get ready to use power to get out of a bad situation if need be. And, I look to see if going around the front or back of the car seems like the best option.
Every now and then I also practice swerving at a decent speed. I just pick something on a back road and practice making a last minute swerve around it. Swerving becomes more instinctive the more I practice it.
I never flash my lights, since many people consider that the "go ahead" signal.
Every now and then I also practice swerving at a decent speed. I just pick something on a back road and practice making a last minute swerve around it. Swerving becomes more instinctive the more I practice it.
I never flash my lights, since many people consider that the "go ahead" signal.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 23,816
Likes: 57,355
From: Tampa, FL
I do this too. It makes sense since the human eye is drawn to movement and this maneuver takes a split second.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,023
Likes: 1,352
From: Virginia
Virus check won't let me view that site.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: CT
I installed lightning strikes on my 04 RK and removed them when I traded in for my 14 RK, I have yet to install them on my new bike. I probably only used them 2 or 3 times during the 8 months I had them on the 04. I found that it was ackward to try to activate the switch while approaching a left turner. Also, I never could really tell if the lights were turning on because the switch did not give a positive feel. Probably would have been easier if I never wore gloves. Anyhow, I was more comfortable focusing on covering the brakes, doing the smidsey, checking my mirrors to know if I am clear to do a quick stop if needed and developing an exit strategy. Lightning strikes wig wag and are legal in AZ, I'm not sure if they are legal in any other state. That being said, I have a set of lightning strikes, mounted on a crash bar, internally wired, including the switch and manuals, etc. FOR SALE if interested.
I am a big proponent on being seen. I installed moto-lights on my front brake calipers, which is the best lighting solution I have seen for increasing your visibility and it's passive, they are always on. This means I always have 7 lights on the front of my RK...my wife says I can be seen from outer space. Plus all turn signals are led's and my tail light is the bright *** light BAL 2R.
I am a big proponent on being seen. I installed moto-lights on my front brake calipers, which is the best lighting solution I have seen for increasing your visibility and it's passive, they are always on. This means I always have 7 lights on the front of my RK...my wife says I can be seen from outer space. Plus all turn signals are led's and my tail light is the bright *** light BAL 2R.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 809
Likes: 45
From: WA
I installed lightning strikes on my 04 RK and removed them when I traded in for my 14 RK, I have yet to install them on my new bike. I probably only used them 2 or 3 times during the 8 months I had them on the 04. I found that it was ackward to try to activate the switch while approaching a left turner. Also, I never could really tell if the lights were turning on because the switch did not give a positive feel. Probably would have been easier if I never wore gloves. Anyhow, I was more comfortable focusing on covering the brakes, doing the smidsey, checking my mirrors to know if I am clear to do a quick stop if needed and developing an exit strategy. Lightning strikes wig wag and are legal in AZ, I'm not sure if they are legal in any other state. That being said, I have a set of lightning strikes, mounted on a crash bar, internally wired, including the switch and manuals, etc. FOR SALE if interested.
I am a big proponent on being seen. I installed moto-lights on my front brake calipers, which is the best lighting solution I have seen for increasing your visibility and it's passive, they are always on. This means I always have 7 lights on the front of my RK...my wife says I can be seen from outer space. Plus all turn signals are led's and my tail light is the bright *** light BAL 2R.
I am a big proponent on being seen. I installed moto-lights on my front brake calipers, which is the best lighting solution I have seen for increasing your visibility and it's passive, they are always on. This means I always have 7 lights on the front of my RK...my wife says I can be seen from outer space. Plus all turn signals are led's and my tail light is the bright *** light BAL 2R.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
When there's oncoming traffic, I move from the left side of my lane to the center of my lane. I never used to ride there but I do now because it might give me another second to react if someone crosses the center line.
Careless drivers who kill people need to do hard time.
Careless drivers who kill people need to do hard time.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 23
From: Connecticut
When I see someone obviously signaling or otherwise behaving in a manner that they may make a turn in front of me, I begin evaluating:
- Where is it likely they'll turn into?
- At my present speed will I pass that point before they turn, after they turn, or at about the same moment they will turn?
- Based on that assessment, I regulate my speed so that I will arrive where they will turn either after or BEFORE they get there.
- Generally, one slows down. But sometimes it may be better to increase speed so that you "pass the turning point" before the car actually reaches it.
The goal is to adjust your speed so that you and the car do not arrive at the "point of danger" at the same moment.
Another thing I'll do for either "potential turners" or cars that could pull out in front of me:
As I approach, I'll flip the headlight from low to high beam, and leave it there until I pass the vehicle. (NOT "flash" it, just increase the intensity to high beam).
My reasoning is that if the car driver sees the light grow brighter, it will give the impression that the "light coming at him" is suddenly "closer".
In many cases, I'll avoid routes that will take me through heavy-traffic multiple-lane streets in commercial areas where traffic is likely to be going in all directions around me. Just more comfortable going another way...
- Where is it likely they'll turn into?
- At my present speed will I pass that point before they turn, after they turn, or at about the same moment they will turn?
- Based on that assessment, I regulate my speed so that I will arrive where they will turn either after or BEFORE they get there.
- Generally, one slows down. But sometimes it may be better to increase speed so that you "pass the turning point" before the car actually reaches it.
The goal is to adjust your speed so that you and the car do not arrive at the "point of danger" at the same moment.
Another thing I'll do for either "potential turners" or cars that could pull out in front of me:
As I approach, I'll flip the headlight from low to high beam, and leave it there until I pass the vehicle. (NOT "flash" it, just increase the intensity to high beam).
My reasoning is that if the car driver sees the light grow brighter, it will give the impression that the "light coming at him" is suddenly "closer".
In many cases, I'll avoid routes that will take me through heavy-traffic multiple-lane streets in commercial areas where traffic is likely to be going in all directions around me. Just more comfortable going another way...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 150
From: Michigan
I do too. Thought is was a, "squiggle" though. People are like the T-Rex in Jurassic Park - they tend to see movement. I do every time I approach a car that's in position to pull in front of me (even a couple of cops). I get some funny looks from time to time, but then again, that's the goal isn't it?