Are they really out to kill us?

[Katman]

I wonder whether the mantra "treat every driver like they're out to kill you" is holding us back.

Although I fully believe that we should treat every other road user with a healthy dose of caution I think that seeing them as potential killers is merely perpetuating the "us versus them" mentality.

A more harmonious relationship between everyone on the road would work heavily in our favour and could be helped into fruition by looking at car drivers as more than just "fucking cagers".

If we want them to treat us with respect perhaps it's time we offered the same in return.

[bikemike]

I wonder whether the mantra "treat every driver like they're out to kill you" is holding us back.

Absolutely.

Although I fully believe that we should treat every other road user with a healthy dose of caution I think that seeing them as potential killers is merely perpetuating the "us versus them" mentality.

A more harmonious relationship between everyone on the road would work heavily in our favour and could be helped into fruition by looking at car drivers as more than just "fucking cagers".

If we want them to treat us with respect perhaps it's time we offered the same in return.

Respect where it's due though, and that includes benefit of the doubt.

Goes without saying.
What prompted the post...?

[PirateJafa]

A small amount of hyperbole to reinforce the notion in a learner of riding cautiously and defensively is more than worth any "alleged" negative side-effects.

[Katman]

A small amount of hyperbole to reinforce the notion in a learner of riding cautiously and defensively is more than worth any "alleged" negative side-effects.

I'm sure there's just as effective ways of druming the concept of caution into learners without portraying all car drivers as intent on murder.

[spacemonkey]

I'm sure there's just as effective ways of druming the concept of caution into learners without portraying all car drivers as intent on murder.

Possibly, but it is the current "path of least resistance" when it comes to grabbing the munters attention.

[Katman]

The idea that "they're out to kill us" is what produces the "fucking cagers" attitude that leads to the animosity that is adding to the risks that we face on the road.

[Milts]

How about intent on negligent manslaughter?

[bikemike]

I'm sure there's just as effective ways of druming the concept of caution into learners without portraying all car drivers as intent on murder.

What about More effective?

Invisible

[porky]

the more wheels, the less harmonious things become.

[Katman]

A small amount of hyperbole to reinforce the notion in a learner of riding cautiously and defensively is more than worth any "alleged" negative side-effects.

The danger lies in hyperbole becoming belief.

[Katman]

Is the excuse "the fucking cager didn't see me" just a method of glossing over our own inability to adequately identify and assess a hazardous situation?

One that we can then use to support the "out to kill us" theory.

Maybe, instead of teaching motorcyclists to look at others as potential killers of them we should be concentrating on teaching motorcyclists to become potential saviours of themselves.

[Usarka]

I like to pat wolves because sometimes they are nice.

[Katman]

That's lovely dear.

[jonbuoy]

A better one is assume every car on the road can´t see you.

[Katman]

A better one is assume every car on the road can´t see you.

I think that one gives us far greater scope to share the road amicably.