Tragedy....defensive riding
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
Tragedy....defensive riding
A married couple in their 30s with five children were killed in my town yesterday. Reports are that a cager coming the opposite way on this single lane road attempted a left turn into a side street and the couple, riding two up, slammed into the passenger side. Speed not a factor according to preliminary reports. I guess one can draw their own conclusion.
My question, what do you experienced riders do to reduce your risks with oncoming traffic in similar situations? Personally I slow down, cover my brakes, try to make eye contact with the driver (not always possible) and keep an eye on their front left tire for movement. I pretty much do the same for a cager getting ready to pull out from a side street.
Are there any other suggestions to share?
My question, what do you experienced riders do to reduce your risks with oncoming traffic in similar situations? Personally I slow down, cover my brakes, try to make eye contact with the driver (not always possible) and keep an eye on their front left tire for movement. I pretty much do the same for a cager getting ready to pull out from a side street.
Are there any other suggestions to share?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 263
Likes: 6
From: Wake Forest, NC
If they look suspicious, I do that waggle thing side to side a little so my lights move around to help them gauge my distance from them. There's a british video that shows its hard tell how far a motorcycle is if its travelling in a straight line.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,821
Likes: 38,675
From: Post Falls, ID
Pretty much everything you mentioned..I always thought if I go down it will be a left turner that does it. Only thing I can add is blowing you visual horn by flashing your high beams and riding as if you expect the cager to turn left. Daydreaming and riding along without a plan if the unexpected happens is a killer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,105
Likes: 13,048
From: Texas, USA
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 809
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From: WA
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
this is what I do all the time
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 200
From: usa
I like the side to side thing also.
Flashing the lights always makes me think they think im giving them the go ahead to turn.
The story is a shame....another tragedy.
You always see these stories and wonder...
like some posters are saying...folks cant judge speed on the cycle as it approaches.
So then why turn? Why not just wait until its clear?
I know...common sense where it does not exist.
I was in the car today and saw a MC coming the opposite direction and I was going to turn left. Just don't get how you cant see it...
Flashing the lights always makes me think they think im giving them the go ahead to turn.
The story is a shame....another tragedy.
You always see these stories and wonder...
like some posters are saying...folks cant judge speed on the cycle as it approaches.
So then why turn? Why not just wait until its clear?
I know...common sense where it does not exist.
I was in the car today and saw a MC coming the opposite direction and I was going to turn left. Just don't get how you cant see it...
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
Genessee - they taught us the same thing about flashing your head light in my riding course. They caution against the strobbing head lights for this reason.
I've had people turn left in front of me while in a cage also. Hell, if I had a dollar for every time someone said they didn't see the school bus I was driving I would be a millionaire. Some people are just plane stupid.
I have found revving the motor and flipping them the bird does the trick the best!
Last edited by BigDogIdaho; Jun 15, 2015 at 08:19 PM.