Triumphrat

Olhogrider · 12-15-2012, 10:51 AM

The "blind spot" is anywhere OUTSIDE their car.

Johnnystriple · 12-15-2012, 07:12 PM

I can't say too much I once pulled out in front of a motorcycle cop on my bike. I didn't see him at all and it was a one way street. I did get pulled over and was lucky to talk myself out of a ticket. I was very stressed at the time and told him my story. I also told him that I was going to a local pool hall and get a bit to eat and gather myself. He decided to not give me a ticket. He did follow me to the pool hall though. I had a burger fries and a couple of beers. Stress all gone. That was when I was a lot younger though. I have sworn off alcohol and riding since. Lucky to still be alive.

WDG · 12-18-2012, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonkster

...I assume that other road users may often be genuinely unaware that I am there and no matter how hard they are 'concentrating' there will be situations when they will just not register seeing me...

I recall a study a number of years ago, that found the majority of auto drivers involved in accidents with motorcyclists did not have anyone close to them (family or friends) who rode a motorcycle. Apparently, those who know a motorcyclist are much more likely to watch for and notice them on the road. I suppose it's a bit like when you buy whatever model of car, and suddenly you're seeing them everywhere. They were there all along, you just didn't notice them, before.

saphena · 12-18-2012, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUCKMAN

Let's see ...I can sum it a few words...they have their heads up their ass

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreemsicleT100

Without all the mumbo-jumbo, I can sum it up a little more concisely: distracted driving. It's not some stupid evolutionary theory. Drivers don't see us because they're not practicing Driving 101. Look in your blind spot before you change lanes. Playing with phones, radios, and just plain old poor habits have contributed to every single close call that I've had on my bike.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olhogrider

The "blind spot" is anywhere OUTSIDE their car.

This is a theme which comes up frequently, us innocent motorcycling victims are only victims because of other people's failures and yet we know, from this article, from many other studies, and from our own experience that expecting perfect performance from everyone else is just absurd.

More importantly we use it as an excuse for our own imperfect performances. In the "every single close call" quote above don't forget that your own performance contributed to the close call.

Sheepdog · 12-18-2012, 05:52 AM

I ride as though I was invisible...

norton74 · 12-18-2012, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

I ride as though I was invisible...

When you are riding...you are invisible to others. At least, that is how you should be thinking.

RudyS2MT · 01-07-2013, 02:00 AM

3 things I say to myself when I get on my Scrambler:

1. I am invisible
2. Some one will try to kill me
3. there is a deer on the road who jump in front of me

This helps me set my self up to be observant and get my mind into the ride.....

VMMV

Rudy in Montana, USA

Bron-Yr-Aur · 01-07-2013, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saphena

More importantly we use it as an excuse for our own imperfect performances. In the "every single close call" quote above don't forget that your own performance contributed to the close call.

My performance is why it was a close call, and not an accident.

I, personally, do not expect perfection from other drivers, and seldom get angry. But when I can actually see the person's face in the rear view mirror, and they never check that mirror before they decide to change lanes and run me off the road, yes that angers me. I wasn't in your blind spot because I could see you. You just didn't look. My actions did not contribute to that situation, they saved me.

And I do not ride in people's blind spots for that very reason. I was simply overtaking. That scenario is very common for me here in the States and has happened many times. In fact, one day it happened 2 times within 3 blocks, about 30 seconds apart. The old adage "it takes two" does not apply here. It's simply not true.

I don't know how people drive in the uk, but here, people drive without regard for others, and many as though they have a vendetta. They are angry, spiteful and drive with a sense of entitlement. I'm not going to get into a long diatribe, but I've actually had people try to run me off the road on purpose here, with my car and my bike. I lived a long time in the middle of the city, and people are just flat out nuts. I'd love for others in cities here in the US (i.e. Miami, NY LA etc.) to chime in and tell me I'm wrong?

alexibrow · 01-07-2013, 08:36 AM

Excellent article.

I know of another (posted on another forum, now a sticky called SMIDSY Avoidance), which has helped me to learn a new and potentially life-saving technique; I can't post links from work but I'll try to remember to come back and post later :-)

Sent from my pet cat using pheromones.

DUCKMAN · 01-07-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saphena

This is a theme which comes up frequently, us innocent motorcycling victims are only victims because of other people's failures and yet we know, from this article, from many other studies, and from our own experience that expecting perfect performance from everyone else is just absurd.

More importantly we use it as an excuse for our own imperfect performances. In the "every single close call" quote above don't forget that your own performance contributed to the close call.

You must work for an insurance company and or dont ride a motorcycle in "Real" traffic. In 35 years of riding I KNOW when I screw up and I assure you its 99 to 1. The difference between a close call and DEAD is a very fine line. On the occasion that I have F!@# up I learn from my mistakes.