Does your motorcycle make you a better car driver?

**schrodingers cat** · 2nd June 2010, 18:09

Driving home this evening in the dark and cold with all the other lemmings desperate for a hot meal and Shortland Street I got to thinking.

Since I've been riding again I think I'm a far more aware driver than previously. I'd like to think I was always aware of what was around me but I find I'm making much more effort to look for cyclists, motorbikes etc etc.
Also I lift and brake earlier and spend time looking for 'Plan B' escape routes.

So what do you think? Is this others experience? Does your motorcycle make you a better/safer driver?

(Note: answers to the affirmative in no way infer that you were anything other than perfect before!

)

**firefighter** · 2nd June 2010, 18:39

Actually, it was all the driver training i've done, in 4x4s and trucks that made me a safer rider, but I know what you're getting at.

Without doing all of that i'd probably be riding like a bastard.

**Indiana_Jones** · 2nd June 2010, 18:42

Originally Posted by schrodingers cat

So what do you think? Is this others experience? Does your motorcycle make you a better/safer driver?

The one thing that has helped me from my riding while driving is that I remember to turn the indicator off more often (It's an older car)

-Indy

**Blinkwing** · 2nd June 2010, 18:43

If I actually had a car, I'd be giving a definitive opinion.

What I've learnt on the bike has reinforced my general survival/safety skills so that'd influence all other forms of transport.

**PrincessBandit** · 2nd June 2010, 18:44

In a word. Yes.

Inattentiveness can be an easy poo-trap in a car - many times you can get away with daydreaming/distractions etc. knowing there is a big metal box around you. My driving has definitely come up a few pegs (hazard awareness, looking out for bikes more etc.) since becoming a rider myself.

**Bikemad** · 2nd June 2010, 18:45

sorry........just to clarify...........was it you or the lemmings that were desperate for a feed and shortland street??

**DMNTD:Me** · 2nd June 2010, 18:46

Try commuting on a scooter...jebus!
But to answer your question...yes riding a motorcycle and/or scooter has most definitely made me a better,more aware driver.

**Conquiztador** · 2nd June 2010, 18:49

I was driving home from an event and in front of me there was a cattle truck. The road was clear and so I started the overtaking. As I came to the end of the cattletruck a car popped up at the turn ahead. In front of the cattle truck there was a bus. One of those 3/4 size ones. On my bike I would easily have grabbed a little extra throttle and passed the bus with space to spare. In my car... But I had bikeriding in my spine and went for the bus. It became hairy and the car coming towards me had to pull over a fraction.

So at that instance the answer is a no.

**CookMySock** · 2nd June 2010, 19:01

I'm certainly more patient in a car now. On a bike I slay everything - in the car I sit back, it's not worth the agro.

Steve

**bones135** · 2nd June 2010, 19:18

I think it works both ways, in a car im more aware of bikes & move left when they come up behind so they can pass easier. On the bike im way more ware of the cars around me & know what they are capable of, i find im always trying to look 2 or 3 cars ahead as well as the ones coming the other way.

**Genie** · 2nd June 2010, 19:20

Im thinking you may just be correct. I did a defensive drving course a few years ago and that made a difference with how I drove. Since buying my bike I noticed even more awareness out there. My eyes are searching a hell of a lot more, scanning everywere. Anything that makes us more aware on the road is a very good thing.

**bones135** · 2nd June 2010, 19:24

Well theres a lot of drivers out there that dont pay attention so we need to look out for them too.......if we dont who the hell will.

**banditrider** · 2nd June 2010, 19:28

I think that if you've got any common sense at all then when riding a bike you should feel just that little bit more fragile than when wrapped in steel and it becomes in your best interest to keep your wits about you and ride defensively. More and more riding and theoretically you should become more aware of your surroundings, hazards, other drivers etc. Then it just becomes a habit no matter what vehicle you're piloting.

My worst nightmare as a driver is "not seeing" a bike and taking one out - I hope I'm doing enough as a driver...

**bones135** · 2nd June 2010, 19:33

Originally Posted by banditrider

I think that if you've got any common sense at all then when riding a bike you should feel just that little bit more fragile than when wrapped in steel and it becomes in your best interest to keep your wits about you and ride defensively. More and more riding and theoretically you should become more aware of your surroundings, hazards, other drivers etc. Then it just becomes a habit no matter what vehicle you're piloting.

My worst nightmare as a driver is "not seeing" a bike and taking one out - I hope I'm doing enough as a driver...

Could not agree more, a matter of paying attention to whats in front....beside & behind you & riding accordingly.