Biker down in Chch

[Skyryder]

This mornings Press gives a breif report of downed biker who hit a 4x4. Anyone got more info on this.

Skyryder

[toads]

I haven't heard anything about this, but I have been reading a lot of posts with negative opinions about 4x4 drivers, I am wondering if these vehicles, eg cherokee jeeps etc are too high up to see bikes properly or something, it is quite horrendous the amount of accidents with bikes involving these vehicles.

[thehollowmen]

Yep - you've hit the nail on the head
I been in the boss's one and I have trouble seeing down low and have blind spots all over

If a car is following 2 seconds behind me at 50, I can't see it.

I hate that car, and usually try to drive my own cage when I have to...

oh... that and I keep getting people complaining "I didn't see you" when they pull out infrount of my car or bike...

[maybe]

I own 2 4x4s and I find the big mirrors on them actually give me a better view down both sides and I can see anything that gets to about half way down the vehicle before it goes into my blind spot.
I have also learned that if I then lean slightly forward I can see in my blind spot as well.
DON'T blame the vehicles blame the ignorant, arrogant drivers.

[vifferman]

I own 2 4x4s and I find the big mirrors on them actually give me a better view down both sides and I can see anything that gets to about half way down the vehicle before it goes into my blind spot.
I have also learned that if I then lean slightly forward I can see in my blind spot as well.
DON'T blame the vehicles blame the ignorant, arrogant drivers.

Indeed. It's up to drivers to be aware of the limitations (visibility, handling, brakes, ugliness) of the vehicles they drive, and to adjust to them / drive accordingly.

Like wearing a paper bag over their head if they're driving some abortion like a Toyota Will, or any of the new Renaults/Nissans....

[bgd]

I agree with Maybe on this. I used to drive a Landrover and with the higher seating position and the big mirrors you have a much better view of what's around you. It's the driver not the vehicle.

[dangerous]

I own 2 4x4s and I find the big mirrors on them actually give me a better view down both sides and I can see anything that gets to about half way down the vehicle before it goes into my blind spot.
I have also learned that if I then lean slightly forward I can see in my blind spot as well.
DON'T blame the vehicles blame the ignorant, arrogant drivers.

very true....... I have a 4x4 d/c and a hiace van 4 work and cars/some bikes follow that bloody close i cant see them through the rear window just as well i use the side mirrors.
I gave up my classic sports cars cos I was finding it too hard to see other cars etc good thing bout the bike, ya high up.... good view like the 4x4.

[Motu]

My Pajero is so big and slow I dunno how a bike could miss me...like - hello!!! ,here I am! What's got more visability,manoeverability,acceleration and stopping power - any motorcycle or my lumbering great diesel 4x4? I reckon the odds are stacked in my favour with all the bike riders going around with eyes shut,falling off on road works and running into 4x4s.

[thehollowmen]

*nods*
I do agree with you... you are higher and can see more. I just found I had blind spots I didn't know about until I started getting used to the big 4X4. A good example was a cyclist who came up right inside beside me. I almost turned into him. Changed the mirrors a lot after that scare. You do have to change your driving style a little too when driving something larger. Can't zip between traffic and lane share... although with what I've seen down here some people think they can *wince*

Us bikers have to be very alert and be very careful.. but we hope the other road users are too...