Near miss - learnings?

[Moise]

Riding into Auckland on the northern motorway on Saturday afternoon. I followed a car up the hill from Oteha Valley in the RH lane, then just at the crest he started to brake. Next thing, he swerved into the left lane, probably because he couldn't stop, leaving me staring at a line of stationary cars not that far away!

I braked really hard (lifted the back wheel) and almost stopped in the space - moved over to the right of the car in front when down to about 30 km/h.

OK, there is often slow traffic there, but not usually stopped completely like that.

My reactions were probably a little slow, because I was surprised when the car in front swerved and I had to decide whether to do the same or brake. I doubt that he could have stopped in time.

The main positive was that I'd left a decent gap, so had enough time and distance to act. I'm not sure what else I could have done.

I'll be more careful in future when there is limited visibility. This isn't the only place on Auckland's motorways where this can happen - Drury going south is another example, but there isn't usually slow traffic there.







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[nzspokes]

Keeping that 2 sec gap is vital. You have to be able to stop in the space you can see to be clear. Why were you in the RH lane?

So sounds like you were a bit close to the car in front. But you didnt hit anything and you found a way out. Bonus. Much better not being dead. :cool:

[AllanB]

Wear two pair of undies.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkeGifGgXGA

[gkamp]

Keep your mistakes small... I'm sure you've heard that before... I travel in my daily commute in freeway speeds with very heavy traffic. I tend to stick to the left (hov) lane I always try to stay hard on the very right of that lane for a couple reasons. One being I can see 3-4 cars ahead of the one I'm following, two the cars on the right potentially ready to kill me can see me very far back as one of the cars in the line and it also gives me the whole lane on the left side to swerve including the shoulder, three if a emergency maneuver needs to happen I have a couple choices, lane split my lane and the one on the right or swerve left into the shoulder. Also if traffic stops hard I position myself in between the two lanes so if I do get rear ended hopefully I will be pushed between the two ahead of me instead of being crushed between the one behind and directly in front of me. And as always, maneuverability and quickness are your strengths, don't be a traffic zombie and continually push to get ahead of the cars. I also run in a very low gear so hopefully I can be heard coming as well as seen.

Everyone has their theories, these are mine I've learned over the years and so far, no accidents, no bike drops solidifies my theories.

Keith Code is also a inspiration for my riding behavior too and I couldn't agree more with his statement in this article http://www.motorcycle.com/features/head-shake-the-teachers.html

Sorry I know this is a long response :) be safe and continually learn and reflect to be a become a rider every day.

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[Moise]

Keeping that 2 sec gap is vital. You have to be able to stop in the space you can see to be clear. Why were you in the RH lane?

So sounds like you were a bit close to the car in front. But you didnt hit anything and you found a way out. Bonus. Much better not being dead. :cool:
There was a good 2 second gap, otherwise I doubt I'd be writing this. It at least gave me time, but not quite enough distance to stop!

I was in the RH lane because the 3rd (LH) lane ends.

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[Oscar]

"Learnings" is not a word.
That is your lesson for today.

[Moise]

.

Keith Code is also a inspiration for my riding behavior too and I couldn't agree more with his statement in this article http://www.motorcycle.com/features/head-shake-the-teachers.html

Sorry I know this is a long response :) be safe and continually learn and reflect to be a become a rider every day.

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That's an interesting link. I've seen another version of it somewhere.

My situational awareness should have been better. Given I couldn't see very far in front of the car ahead, I should have been over to the right trying to see past.

Also, I wasn't checking for traffic in the lane to the left often enough. If I'd known that it was clear, then I could have simply followed the car in front when he changed lanes.

The mirrors on my bike aren't the best. Something else to look into.


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[AllanB]

Got a fright in the car once when I was forced to brake hard on a passing lane due to the car in front slaming on the brakes. I thought it may have been due to an accident but no it wasnt maybe just merging conjestion at the end of the lane that I was along way away from.

Passing lanes.

Merge like a zip.

Yeah right.

More like the first corner of a F1 race.

[FJRider]

Keeping that 2 sec gap is vital. You have to be able to stop in the space you can see to be clear.

Actually ... the legal requirement is to be able to stop within half the distance of clear roadway ahead. The OP was clearly not able to do this.

Obviously following too closely as well.

[Akzle]

Riding into Auckland

there's your problem...

[FJRider]

Passing lanes.

Merge like a zip.

Yeah right.

More like the first corner of a F1 race.

Why is it on Motorways and passing lanes ... people ignore all the basic road rules.

[neels]

Actually ... the legal requirement is to be able to stop within half the distance of clear roadway ahead. The OP was clearly not able to do this.

Obviously following too closely as well.
Half the visible distance on an unlaned road, visible distance on a lane marked road.

But yes, seemingly following too close for that situation, unfortunately you don't know in advance when that situation is going to arise.

Sounds like a good effort in getting out of it unscathed, rather than grabbing handfuls of everything and chucking the bike down the road.

[Moise]

Actually ... the legal requirement is to be able to stop within half the distance of clear roadway ahead. The OP was clearly not able to do this.

Obviously following too closely as well.

Not possible on a motorway in traffic.

There was a 2-3 second gap to the car in front, so no way was I too close. As I've said before, that's what made it possible to avoid an accident.

Maybe I need to state the obvious. The reason it became a drama was because the car in front couldn't stop and changed lanes instead. This left me just starting to brake with a stationary line of cars about 50-75 m ahead.


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[swbarnett]

Actually ... the legal requirement is to be able to stop within half the distance of clear roadway ahead.
Only on an unmarked road. On a road with a center line it's a legal requirement is to be able to stop within the distance of clear roadway ahead.

[swbarnett]

Not possible on a motorway in traffic.

There was a 2-3 second gap to the car in front, so no way was I too close. As I've said before, that's what made it possible to avoid an accident.

Maybe I need to state the obvious. The reason it became a drama was because the car in front couldn't stop and changed lanes instead. This left me just starting to brake with a stationary line of cars about 50-75 m ahead.
What if they had been able to stop? You would then have had at least a car length less room to play with.

I've learned the hard way to be very aware of he terrain ahead and note any upcoming spots where visibility is compromised. I always have an exit strategy. Unless I'm actually lane splitting I ride to the side of the lane where I know I can lane split if necessary. I've only had to use this twice in the past thirty years.

In my book you did all that could've been reasonably expected of you. The only thing that you may have been able to do differently is to have your escape route planned ahead of time.

[Ulsterkiwi]

as you say, the fact you had a decent following distance meant you were able to recover the situation and you now have a lesson to reflect on rather than broken bits on you and the bike! Nicely done.
The question I would be asking myself would be, was I depending on the driver in front of me to make decisions for me? A two second gap is a MINIMUM to give you enough time to assess and respond. Looking further ahead would help you determine the following distance might have needed to be larger between you and the car in front. Couldn't see any farther ahead? Then you were already too close. Never depend on the skills or judgement of others.

[Moise]

What if they had been able to stop? You would then have had at least a car length less room to play with.

I've learned the hard way to be very aware of he terrain ahead and note any upcoming spots where visibility is compromised. I always have an exit strategy. Unless I'm actually lane splitting I ride to the side of the lane where I know I can lane split if necessary. I've only had to use this twice in the past thirty years.

In my book you did all that could've been reasonably expected of you. The only thing that you may have been able to do differently is to have your escape route planned ahead of time.
If the car in front had stopped, then I would have had plenty of room because there would have been his stopping distance plus the 2-3 seconds following distance.

I was surprised how quickly the bike stopped, and really didn't need an escape route. But the back wheel was off the ground, and I know from experience that the last 30 km/h is where the dramas like locking a wheel can happen. It's moments like that when you appreciate decent tyres and good brakes...

[Scubbo]

I learned not to travel on statehighways today........ 50 demerits for passing a campervan and a cop coming round the corner the other way 500M away....

or rather, I learned to pass at just above the speed limit, meaning to pick 2-3KM long clear roads to try overtake and not get a fine :violin:

[Moise]

as you say, the fact you had a decent following distance meant you were able to recover the situation and you now have a lesson to reflect on rather than broken bits on you and the bike! Nicely done.
The question I would be asking myself would be, was I depending on the driver in front of me to make decisions for me? A two second gap is a MINIMUM to give you enough time to assess and respond. Looking further ahead would help you determine the following distance might have needed to be larger between you and the car in front. Couldn't see any farther ahead? Then you were already too close. Never depend on the skills or judgement of others.
It was a situation I'd never anticipated. But yes, for a few seconds I was depending on him to react to any danger that I couldn't see. I often back off coming up a blind hill on the open road, which is really no different.

[Moise]

I learned not to travel on statehighways today........ 50 demerits for passing a campervan and a cop coming round the corner the other way 500M away....

or rather, I learned to pass at just above the speed limit, meaning to pick 2-3KM long clear roads to try overtake and not get a fine :violin:
Write a letter, you should get off unless you were way over the limit. It's completely unreasonable to ticket someone in that situation.

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[AllanB]

Why is it on Motorways and passing lanes ... people ignore all the basic road rules.

Got to be first.


I just dropped my lad at the mall. On the way home I slowed to let a bus pull out. Angry 4WD dick driving behind me was leaning on his horn waving his fist.

I'm starting to wonder if the very overweight get associated anger issues - another fat bastard this time.

[nzspokes]

Got to be first.


I just dropped my lad at the mall. On the way home I slowed to let a bus pull out. Angry 4WD dick driving behind me was leaning on his horn waving his fist.

I'm starting to wonder if the very overweight get associated anger issues - another fat bastard this time.

Its because you drive a Ford.

[swbarnett]

If the car in front had stopped, then I would have had plenty of room because there would have been his stopping distance plus the 2-3 seconds following distance.
Indeed. That would mean that either you were slower or the stopped traffic was further away. I guess I was imagining them stopping faster i.e. hitting the stopped traffic.

[Ifsn8u]

Car drivers would have been "look at that hoon lifting his back wheel like that"

Clearly you did enough of the right actions prior and during or you would of crashed.

With every near miss I have had, which fortunately hasn't been too many. I always replay it in my head and see what more I could have done prior to prevent that ass clenching moment. They are all learnings as you say. :niceone:

[Akzle]

i wonder what cassey has to say about it :whistle:

[russd7]

Got to be first.


I just dropped my lad at the mall. On the way home I slowed to let a bus pull out. Angry 4WD dick driving behind me was leaning on his horn waving his fist.

I'm starting to wonder if the very overweight get associated anger issues - another fat bastard this time.

last time i was in chch (about 3 and half yrs ago) that was my experience everywhere i went coupled with cars, 4wd, vans, tradies small trucks, all wanting to occupy the space i was in on my bike, this happened nearly every time i was on the road, i was there visiting my father who was staying at the hospice while doing chemo. was planning on staying the week, after three days i got the fuck out of the shit hole and will avoid the place as much as i possibly can.
what pissed me off more was when i mentioned it all i got was "people are under so much stress, its not their fault" fuckem i say

[Moise]

Thanks for the constructive feedback. (You know who you are.).

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[Banditbandit]

then just at the crest he started to brake.



I would have been on the brakes at this point - don't wait to see what is happening in front - brake first - decide later .. You had no idea why he braked so you had no clear idea of what you will have to do over the hill. So brake.

The only time I don't brake when a car in front hits the brakes is if I can clearly see why they are braking ... and don't need to myself 'cause I can swerve or go round or something else ..

Yeah, the car swerved because it could not stop - yes, you survived so what you did was correct. But earlier braking would possibly have helped ...

[Moise]

I would have been on the brakes at this point - don't wait to see what is happening in front - brake first - decide later .. You had no idea why he braked so you had no clear idea of what you will have to do over the hill. So brake.

The only time I don't brake when a car in front hits the brakes is if I can clearly see why they are braking ... and don't need to myself 'cause I can swerve or go round or something else ..

Yeah, the car swerved because it could not stop - yes, you survived so what you did was correct. But earlier braking would possibly have helped ...
I did start to brake when I saw the brake lights come on, I always do that when following on the motorway. But he never braked hard, just swerved into the left lane, and then I saw the other cars.

Because I was already braking and had some weight transfer to the front wheel, I was able to get hard on the brakes almost instantly. That definitely helped.

I didn't use the rear, and the cable tie on the fork leg says that they almost bottomed.

[Banditbandit]

I did start to brake when I saw the brake lights come on, I always do that when following on the motorway. But he never braked hard, just swerved into the left lane, and then I saw the other cars.

Because I was already braking and had some weight transfer to the front wheel, I was able to get hard on the brakes almost instantly. That definitely helped.

I didn't use the rear, and the cable tie on the fork leg says that they almost bottomed.

Why didn't you use the rear? 30% of the stopping power of a bike is on the rear wheel ..

[Moise]

Why didn't you use the rear? 30% of the stopping power of a bike is on the rear wheel ..
On some bikes, but not a R1. The rear was off the ground for the last part.

I could have used it when I started braking, but would need to practice as it's too easy to lock the rear as the weight transfers to the front wheel.

[Banditbandit]

On some bikes, but not a R1. The rear was off the ground for the last part.

I could have used it when I started braking, but would need to practice as it's too easy to lock the rear as the weight transfers to the front wheel.

Yeah .. I've had the rear wheel off the ground under extreme braking ... gives you no stopping power at all.

[Gremlin]

Don't fall into the trap of focussing on the car in front as this is exactly how nose to tails occur. People are only watching the car in front, often following too close, so when the one in front stops hard, they have to as well. Usually results in either them hitting the one in front, or being rammed up the rear (Ok, or both... Aucklanders). Neither situation is good for you.

While paying attention to the cars in front, look as far ahead as possible, 12 seconds up the road or more. What is the traffic doing? Can you see it slowing down (brake lights or cars close together, or worse, smoke from locked brakes)? Start braking early, which will increase your following distance and warn the car behind you that something is happening. Having done this, you're managing your space. If you have to stop, you a, have more distance, and b, hopefully the car behind is now paying attention. Additionally, you can manage the car behind because you have space to work with.

There are a few spots on the motorway system with blind rises (another often with stopped traffic is northbound approaching Mt Wellington, or southbound, Manurewa hill). Pay attention to the reduced visibility, and increase your following distance. Give yourself more time to react.

[R650R]

and I had to decide whether to do the same or brake.

Well done, this thought process is what keeps you alive.

One thing I was taught years ago by a veteran trucker, you always have an option, even if its only choosing what part of the offending car you are going to collide with if that will mitigate injury potential.

I had similar when a ute I was overtaking at night did last minute brake and turn into driveway. I immediately emergency braked and turned, was still going to hit him so better option was to release brakes, turn more and try to pass in front of him. It worked! I did jump across the hump of his driveway at about 80ish, by some miracle the GSXR front end didn't washout on bumpy rural grass verge, ,missed a lamp post style letter box and tracked back on to highway. I could have ended up tumbling in ditch or fence but it was far better prospect than slamming into his front right quarter panel and maybe door pillar.

[5ive]

I have not found locking the rear a scary exerience at all on my over 200kg bike but I was on a dry road and in a 50km/hr speed limit area.

Stop. You're trying way too hard now.

[caseye]

Stop. You're trying way too hard now.

Trying? Ha. It's fucked in the head, locking up a rear in a 50K zone, really, what was it a bloody Dasch'nhound!???????????????????

[Moise]

I have not found locking the rear a scary exerience at all on my over 200kg bike but I was on a dry road and in a 50km/hr speed limit area.
No, but there are ways to make it much more interesting.

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[Akzle]

Trying? Ha. It's fucked in the head, locking up a rear in a 50K zone, really, what was it a bloody Dasch'nhound!???????????????????
rbgiafp.

well i hate to be pedantic.
especially if it would mean i appear to favour cassina, more than, say, having my nuts stapled to a cat.

but he said "in a 50 zone" not "at less than 50km/h"

you are quite correct in your observation of him being a spectacular douchebag, though.

plus at less than fifty he he would have probably had his foot out and been riidng in the drain, just incase it looked like someone might want a head-on with him.:shutup:

[Akzle]

oh wait. so did you :facepalm: :shutup:

too many beersies. :laugh:

[MarkH]

My reactions were probably a little slow, because I was surprised when the car in front swerved and I had to decide whether to do the same or brake. I doubt that he could have stopped in time.

The main positive was that I'd left a decent gap, so had enough time and distance to act. I'm not sure what else I could have done.

It sounds like the main improvement would be to react a bit quicker. When the car in front of you starts to brake then you should be on your brakes pronto.
Also - fix your mirrors, while braking hard I've often checked my mirrors in case I need to move out of the path of a following vehicle that is failing to stop in time. I don't think being rear ended is much fun while riding a motorcycle.

[Moise]

It sounds like the main improvement would be to react a bit quicker. When the car in front of you starts to brake then you should be on your brakes pronto.
Also - fix your mirrors, while braking hard I've often checked my mirrors in case I need to move out of the path of a following vehicle that is failing to stop in time. I don't think being rear ended is much fun while riding a motorcycle.
It's easy to say that I should have reacted quicker, but that wasn't the issue. I did not, and could not, see the stationary vehicles because the vehicle in front was blocking my line of sight as I reached the crest of the hill. I was at least 2 seconds behind him which did give me time, but compounded the lack of visibility. And I started braking as soon as his brake lights came on.

That's why I posted this, because I just wasn't sure how I'd ended up in the situation.

My principal conclusion is that I should have dropped back approaching the top of the hill because I didn't have good visibility ahead. Moving to one side of the lane to help see past the car in front would have also been useful. My main mistake was to assume that I had enough time and space to stop if he did.

Yeah, I must improve the mirrors. I had checked behind coming up the hill and there was no one in sight.

[Akzle]

. My main mistake was to assume that I had enough time and space to stop if he did.
.

é voila, as the franch would say in france.

[Daffyd]

I'm in the process of renewing my licence and (apparently) have to sit a written test. Fortunately the questions are available online so I've had a preview. Man, they have some stupid rules here...

One of the questions was on the minimum following distance, a multichoice and the options of 1, 2, or 3 full vehicle lengths. I tried converting the 2 second rule and finally decided on 2. Wrong! 1 full vehicle length!

Okay in a snarl up, but on the open road or expressway?

No wonder so many die on the roads here.

[Moise]

The 2 second rule isn't actually a rule.

Just drive around Auckland if you want to see what a joke our driver licencing is.

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[Gremlin]

The 2 second rule isn't actually a rule.

Just drive around Auckland if you want to see what a joke our driver licencing is.
It's a simplification of this: http://legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303092.html?search=ts_act%40bill%40regulation%4 0deemedreg_road+user_resel_25_a&p=1

If you run the conversion, 2 sec is actually over the legal requirement, but easier to spread and works at variable speeds, and an increased following distance is obviously safer than less...

Realistically, I'd say you can ignore (4) as there is no way you're satisfying (1) - (3) with short following distances.

[Moise]

I'll print out (4) and tape it to the tank ...

Seriously though, I should have followed (1) and not (3).

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[mojo1444]

https://youtu.be/KTniLBxIl1I

[swbarnett]

Its possibly better to go to a riding school if you want to get better at handling hazardous situations
I thought you didn't agree with riding schools on principle?


rather than seek advice on here as many on here would really need to be in your situation to get an understanding and there is no black and white rule on how to handle situations as they are never all the same or happen at the same speed. Good Luck.
While you are correct that every situation is different it is also true that there are commonalities. Most of us have been in situations similar to that described by the OP. The advice we give is in the spirit of that apparent similarity. Like all advice (riding school or school of hard knocks) it's up to the OP to examine the advice and decide if it's worth taking on board.

My own opinion is that a combination of official rider training, one's own experience and that of others provides the most value.

[Akzle]

Most on here appear to have situations
that happen in slower motion than mine so have had a few seconds to take evasive action which I have not.

again and again again and again again and again again and again.

there's a common factor that's slow.
but it aint the motion.

[Moise]

Its possibly better to go to a riding school if you want to get better at handling hazardous situations rather than seek advice on here as many on here would really need to be in your situation to get an understanding and there is no black and white rule on how to handle situations as they are never all the same or happen at the same speed. Good Luck.
I had another look at the stopping distance regs that Gremlin linked to. They do in fact cover the situation - I should have been able to stop within the length of the lane visible to me. When I followed the car in front over the crest of the hill, I wasn't able to do so.

Someone noted that earlier, but I didn't understand what they were getting at. It's clear now.




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[nzspokes]

I had another look at the stopping distance regs that Gremlin linked to. They do in fact cover the situation - I should have been able to stop within the length of the lane visible to me. When I followed the car in front over the crest of the hill, I wasn't able to do so.

Someone noted that earlier, but I didn't understand what they were getting at. It's clear now.




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Another way that Gremlin explained it to me was, never put your motorcycle where your eyes have not been. In this case the crest of the hill.

Glad that you are learning this way. :niceone:

[swbarnett]

I dont agree with riding schools only with respect to the accidents I have been in
OK. That certainly clarifies that point. It wasn't that clear in other threads.


as they have been the fault of others/dogs and they all happened too quick to even brake so going to a riding school would have not have helped.
If you go in to a riding school with that attitude then you will be proven right. Go in with an open mind and you'll be amazed at how much you can gain; even as pertains to the accidents you've had.


Most on here appear to have situations that happen in slower motion than mine so have had a few seconds to take evasive action which I have not.
One thing that can give you more time to react is when your riding is almost completely subconscious. This way you can react in a few milliseconds before you even register the danger consciously. I've been there a number of times in my riding career.

[eldog]

OK. That certainly clarifies that point. It wasn't that clear in other threads.


If you go in to a riding school with that attitude then you will be proven right. Go in with an open mind and you'll be amazed at how much you can gain; even as pertains to the accidents you've had.


One thing that can give you more time to react is when your riding is almost completely subconscious. This way you can react in a few milliseconds before you even register the danger consciously. I've been there a number of times in my riding career.

I don't remember, any mention of poster saying they actually been to a riding school or taken lessons.

yes you need an open mind, for any training IMO.

maybe poster is slow in the uptake.



OP as you drive around you will notice a few locations in akl that have a similar blind spot on crests of hills.
ones that come to mind like the one you describe are

spagetti junction-hidden ques (spelling?)

between mt Wellington and otahuhu.

just south of manukau interchange.

manurewa hill heading down to takanini.

I am sure there are more about the country, pays to be aware and position yourself, so you can see if your unfamiliar with the area.


all places I am aware that suddenly the free flowing spaced traffic can become stopped just over the brow of the hill.:eek:

[Moise]

OP as you drive around you will notice a few locations in akl that have a similar blind spot on crests of hills.
ones that come to mind like the one you describe are

spagetti junction-hidden ques (spelling?)

between mt Wellington and otahuhu.

just south of manukau interchange.

manurewa hill heading down to takanini.

I am sure there are more about the country, pays to be aware and position yourself, so you can see if your unfamiliar with the area.


all places I am aware that suddenly the free flowing spaced traffic can become stopped just over the brow of the hill.:eek:
Yes, there's quite a few due to terrain and blitheringly stupid design (SW motorway junction at Manukau going south). At least that has good signs now.

Waterview will undoubtedly introduce a couple more. Looks like they got a bit carried away with the flyovers.

I think the real issue for me though was not responding to the loss of visibility, and that can happen in many situations.



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[BMWST?]

Actually ... the legal requirement is to be able to stop within half the distance of clear roadway ahead. The OP was clearly not able to do this.

Obviously following too closely as well.
Negative.On a two lane road you must be able to stop in the distance visible to you.On a one lane road you must be able to stop in half the distance visible to you

[Akzle]

Negative.On a two lane road you must be able to stop in the distance visible to you.On a one lane road you must be able to stop in half the distance visible to you

double negative. (what about 3,4,5 laned carparks roads in auckland)



specifically and sematically, on a LANED road vs UNLANED road.

keep in mind "any place the public has access" is, legally, a road.

[swbarnett]

(what about 3,4,5 laned carparks roads in auckland)
Well, on those the idea seems to be to hook-up with the vehicle in front so that only the one at the front of the queue needs to break.

[rastuscat]

https://youtu.be/gLVSnKuFmGU

Spread the jam

[swbarnett]

Now that's a first for me. Something from AT that actually makes sense!

[Ulsterkiwi]

Now that's a first for me. Something from AT that actually makes sense!
its a good explanation eh?

tail gaters....uuugggghhhhhh....they grind my gears....

[Big Dog]

its a good explanation eh?

tail gaters....uuugggghhhhhh....they grind my gears....
They must be getting really close to grind your gears.

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[Ulsterkiwi]

They must be getting really close to grind your gears.

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from time to time they do get that close. Its usually in a line of traffic where there is nowhere to go anyway.

[Keezz]

Yesterday afternoon, 16/01/2018, there was another crash on SH1 towards Auckland around the Papakura area between a truck and motorbike.

One hear of so many accidents lately and I was wondering if any details are ever made available somewhere of what the cause of the accidents were.

I have been riding a few years now and have been in some near misses but no accidents yet.

Been doing a few valuable Ride Forever courses as well and try to keep on learning and up my skills and awareness on the Auckland roads with the ridiculous drivers who usually sits in any lane on the motorway and will stop for no reason whatsoever. Especially going south between Manukau and Pokeno.

Anyway, I was thinking that if details of the cause of these motorbike accidents were made available other bikers might be able to use this information to make them better riders in many cases by learning to be more aware of possible hazards.

Anyone knows if such information is available?

[Berries]

Anyway, I was thinking that if details of the cause of these motorbike accidents were made available other bikers might be able to use this information to make them better riders in many cases by learning to be more aware of possible hazards.

Anyone knows if such information is available?
All other vehicles are potential hazards. If you ride too close to them you might pay the price, if you sit in their blindspot you need to know that and be ready to get out of the way when they change lanes. At an intersection someone else could turn in front of you even when you think you have eye contact or in town someone might just blow a red light because their kids were arguing in the back seat and they never saw the signals. Like a good boy scout you should be prepared.

And of course you could be the person who changes lanes without seeing the car in your blindspot, or pulls out in front of a car at an intersection, or is worrying about what is for tea tonight and misses the red light. Works both way. Be prepared and concentrate on the job in hand which should be about getting to point B without falling off.

Not sure what people would learn from the crash reports. There are very occasionally the ones where you might think shit, that could have been me but invariably you just think what an idiot, why did they just ruin the rest of their life by doing X, Y, or Z. Or not doing it.

Not being observant, riding beyond your skill level and riding after a few beers probably sums up the main causes IMHO. Would recommend doing a defensive driving course for new riders/drivers but to be honest I would hope by the time someone gets their first learner licence they already have some skills picked up from riding their pushbike or being a passenger in a car. Call me a dreamer.

Have a look at the MSAC website as well. Last year they put this out (https://msac.org.nz/news/new-msac-initiative-aims-to-let-motorcyclists-ride-and-decide/) about increasing the understanding of the cause of crashes. This one ("https://msac.org.nz/assets/Uploads/pdf/2017-Motor-cycle-safety-a-single-point-of-truth.pdf"/) came out later. I dismissed it as simplistic bollocks but it may be of interest to a new rider not as tainted as myself. You'd think for $30 a bike they would send it out to all registered owners so they might read it rather than stick it on a website that has not been updated for two months. Hey, I'm dreaming again.

[caspernz]

Not being observant, riding beyond your skill level and riding after a few beers probably sums up the main causes IMHO.


Sounds about right.

Plus doing the basic stuff right, or wrong, will often mean the difference between a near miss or an accident :brick:

[Akzle]

i blame jews.


well. them, and townies.

[FJRider]

... Not being observant,

When I am following traffic ... as in being in a line of traffic ... I watch for brake lights of cars way ahead of me. If I can start braking before the "ripple effect" gets to the vehicle just in front of me ... I can increase the gap between us and give me more time to stop (and for more options) if it's needed.

[eldog]

When I am following traffic ... as in being in a line of traffic ... I watch for brake lights of cars way ahead of me. If I can start braking before the "ripple effect" gets to the vehicle just in front of me ... I can increase the gap between us and give me more time to stop (and for more options) if it's needed.

Evaluate position and possible evasion options, while observing both traffic and surroundings.:niceone:

[FJRider]

Evaluate position and possible evasion options, while observing both traffic and surroundings.:niceone:

Translated to mean ... find a suitable escape route ... :niceone:

[eldog]

Translated to mean ... find a suitable escape route ... :niceone:

Forgot to mention

become more alert

if possible slow down, create space and change down in case speed required to effect escape
cover brake to reduce reaction lag

and KISS Keep It Simple Stupid

[Scubbo]

I learned there are even more dicks on the road then normal, had my lane split gap purposely closed on me 3 times in a few mins in stopped motorway traffic this arvo --- all white middle age balding dudes --- luckily when they move left I can move right and get past them and give them a wave :shifty:

for those types of dudes it must be a real rage inducer being passed by a 125cc farmbike

[eldog]

Translated to mean ... find a suitable escape route ... :niceone:

The other night the escape route was only holding my nerve, direction, breath. Not planned, just the only one available when someone crosses the centreline toward you at 100 kph straight road at night in the darkness:2guns:

learning: always be alert, even when you think nothing can happen. Plan for plan B, C, D.... even when it’s plain sailing.