Just to wade through this, I have a simple trick, if it's a 50/50 call about a manouver, don't do it.
I don't know if you call it defensive, or what, but when I'm not sure what the hell's going on up ahead, I dial back my Rossi-beating speeds to those of a meer mortal.
Let's see, blind corner, not sure, take it easy, bit of dazzle from the sun, back off a bit. Clear road, nothing in sight, better still on the return leg so I've ridden it really recently, give it a handful (of course respecting that if again, I'm not 100% sure, the back off a bit rule applies...).
I view riding outside the limits of the conditions as the biggest mistake a rider can make, whether those conditions are rain, traffic, tiredness, ability or any other factor in the safety of a ride. If you're riding outside the conditions, I believe only dumb luck stands between you and an eventual accident.
Following from this, I believe the key to managing the conditions is managing yourself, and more importantly, your reactions to the conditions. You don't get this by blaming the other guy, you get it by analysing when shit DOES happen, and trying to learn from it if you can.
I belive a lack of situational awareness (AKA awareness of conditions) is one of the key issues which could be addressed to increase safety on our roads today. I do not believe as per the press statement that high vis would help this, as to see high-vis as people still have to develop a situational awareness that allows them to spot it.
I would also argue that high-vis won't help motorcyclists spot gravel, cows, sheep, cars or other hazards all of which can be equally fatal*.
You won't see what your'e not looking for.
*yes, there are degrees of fatality, you can be dead, really dead, or 'eeees goooone! so shush pedants![]()
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-90)
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending to much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it." - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
"Motorcycling is not inherently dangerous. It is, however, EXTREMELY unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence and stupidity!" - Anonymous
"Live to Ride, Ride to Live"
Hmmm, there are old pilots and bold pilots but there are not so many old bold pilots eh Pussy?
Of course that was penned by the safety Nazis to back up their own point of view against those daring young men in their flying machines!
Echoed in the world of motorcycles even today but now of course those daring young men are costing us all through the high ACC levies so the safety Nazis have loaded the dice against them yet again!
Those that can do, those that can't dream up safety rules to save those that can from hurting themselves!
Oh happy happy day, someone to do my thinking for me!![]()
Last time i checked a rider wasn't required to wear a vest by law! The police condone the Truck drivers action and even WORSE is the bikers in NZ standing up for the police and truckie! I wonder why we pay more reg than AUS< UK and US! Yes, go for it, someone say move there then. Bikers need to get tougher and stick together to get the government and police to WAKE UP! We're not always in the wrong!
PS: Dairy example is great!
News to me too.
General concesus is that Hi Vis would not have altered a thing in this situation.
We could all ride to Parliament to tell em that but what good would it do?
Better we get out and do something for those poor buggers in ChristChurch.
Every day above ground is a good day!:
Shouldn't have to wear Hi Viz. I doubt it would really make much difference anyway. Most drivers that don't see riders still will not see riders even if they are completely fluro yellow. People don't see riders because they don't LOOK.
I drive a big ass Toyota Prado when not on the GixxerMonster and have had many many dumb shits still pull out in front of me having not seen me. If they can't spot an oversized 4x4 they are not going to see a little yellow crotchrocket let along a rider wearing a simple hi viz vest.
Nail your colours to the mast that all may look upon them and know who you are.
It takes a big man to cry...and an even bigger man to laugh at that man.
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