Owls - those of you who look behind with ease...

[klingon]

...If we always were focused on our riding and remained observant it would not be necessary to check the blindspots though.

I dunno about that. Have you never had someone move from the right lane into the middle lane, just at the same moment you're moving from the left lane into the middle lane? You can check your mirrors as much as you like in advance, but that final head-check is the only way you're going to see them start to move.

I always always do head-checks. Not as a substitute for other observational methods, but in addition to them. I have always done them when driving a car, too, and am pleased when I'm riding and I see car drivers doing a quick check before committing to a lane-change.

[The Stranger:Me]

If we always were focused on our riding and remained observant it would not be necessary to check the blindspots though.

According to the Hurt report -

"more than three-fourths of all accident hazards are within 45deg of either side of straight ahead. "

Think about it.

[Swoop]

mmm.... tall sports bike riders... oops! Off topic!

You called?

I have no problem - the VFR offers a good view to the rear via the mirrors (shock! Horror!), the Shoei has the best visibility of any fullface helmet I've worn,

Interesting Sir Viff.
The Raid II has less field of view than the HJC in my opinion. Recent studies in Motomail appear to have confirmed this.
The F-117 has some very good mirrors and has been a pleasant surprise, however a head check over the shoulder is always necessary to prevent "pesky-cager-syndrome"...

[rocketman1]

In another thread Varminter suggested that some of you guys and gals must be owls

How do you do it?

Depends on the amount of traffic, but when I am not following a vehicle I take my left hand or throttle hand off, sit up and put place my free hand on the rear seat, this means you can turn around easily to look behind, But I would only do it with plenty of free room ahead.

Youth is the main OWL factor, if you are young you are more flexible than us WISE old owls with cricky necks.

Bikes should come with permanent rear vision cameras aye. & display up front, just inside the screen, yeah, now theres a way to make a dollar!!
It will happen one day.

[swbarnett]

According to the Hurt report -

"more than three-fourths of all accident hazards are within 45deg of either side of straight ahead. "

Think about it.

That's hazards. I wonder what the proportion is for hazards that actually turn into accidents? It's easier to spot a hazard in front of you than behind you.

[The Stranger:Me]

That's hazards. I wonder what the proportion is for hazards that actually turn into accidents? It's easier to spot a hazard in front of you than behind you.

They only investigated accidents. I believe therefore that hazards in this context are hazards that resulted in accidents.

Yes it is, however I would interpret that to mean that the majority of your focus should be ahead, not behind. Leaving ample time for someone to sneak into your blind spot.

[swbarnett]

They only investigated accidents. I believe therefore that hazards in this context are hazards that resulted in accidents.

Thanks for the clarification.

Yes it is, however I would interpret that to mean that the majority of your focus should be ahead, not behind. Leaving ample time for someone to sneak into your blind spot.

Totally agree.