Survival tactics for Commuting
Anticipate the habits of the car drivers you commute amongst.
InBalance Motorbike Training’s Q-Ride course will teach you to anticipate the habits of the car drivers you commute amongst. For example, in Brisbane I have learnt to provide an extra buffer for car drivers during the morning and afternoon school run. These are drivers who do random manoeuvres and are not fully concentrating on driving; so many distractions in the vehicle; for example, children, phones, pets and the radio.
I am also extremely aware when on the M1 at Logan, or indeed on any multi lane highway, amongst the morning peak of random action “Tradies”, all juggling loaded Hi-Lux’s, etc whilst enjoying a coffee and making and taking phone calls to arrange their day.
With the freedom a motorbike provides, it is your responsibility to moderate your attitude and to avoid riding at the bikes full potential. That is stupid, selfish and dangerous. It is your attitude that influences your likelihoods of having a crash whilst commuting.
When riding it is a matter of good judgement to anticipate and then avoid situations where collisions are most likely to occur, for example:
1. A motorcyclist overtaking another vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding head on into the side of the turning vehicle.
2. A motorcyclist colliding head on with an oncoming vehicle while the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle.
3. A motorcyclist losing control while taking a corner and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle resulting in a head on collision.
4. Another vehicle turning or driving through a junction / joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with a motorcyclist.
5. On major/ multi lane motorways near an exit ramp, where an unprepared (not concentrating/distracted) driver makes a rush for an exit from a wider lane, taking away your time and space.
The trends involving fatalities published by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads discloses that in 2011:
– Nearly all the motorcyclists killed were males.
– Three age groups in particular feature in motorcycle fatalities,
17-24 yrs 17% , 25-39 yrs 40.4 % , +39 yrs 31.5%
– More than half of the fatal collisions involving a motorcyclist occurred on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically from midday to 6pm.
– Speed was ascribed as the most common contributing factor 27.7%.
– Drink driving, unlicensed drivers and illegal manoeuvres were also common contributing factors, each contributing to 19.1% of fatal crashes involving motorcycle riders.
So, follow the rules, be especially vigilant from Friday to Sunday evening and when you commute” learn” the expected behaviour of the car commuters to effectively anticipate hazards, providing you with the time and space to be visible and stay safe.
To maximise your safety and enjoyment on our South Eastern Queensland Roads my Q-Ride motorcycling safety road-craft courses emphasise active scanning and active buffering. That is; being seen, seeing, evaluation/anticipation and execution.
Anticipate the habits of the car drivers you commute amongst.
