....................Practical Application (Scenarios)

You will have the opportunity to analyze a variety of traffic situations using the Search-Predict-Act strategy and begin the process of developing your riding strategy and hazard awareness. Below is the first scenario. You'll see a scenario of a riding situation. While viewing, aggressively search in the three categories, then work through the rest of the process to predict the risks and act to manage the situation. Once you've analyzed the situation and made your decision, read the description of the situation (Search), the possible outcomes (Predict), and the recommended actions (Act) below the picture. Click on "Next" when you're finished for another scenario.

Scenario 1: Residential Area, Speed 30 mph
 
Search: Your priority is the truck. The hazard condition is the board falling off the truck. There is no shoulder. Oncoming traffic? Traffic behind you? Ditch?

Predict: Worst case: the board has nails in it and will be in the path of the motorcycle. The truck may slow suddenly or stop in the middle of the road. You may need to brake or swerve to avoid a collision. Vehicles approaching may be blocking your escape route. Vehicles behind you may try to swerve around you or rear-end you if you stop suddenly.

Act: Slow if you can. Swerve around truck if path is clear or brake and then swerve. If swerving is not an option, your next-best choice is to stop short of the board. If that is not an option, consider riding into the grass and then stopping. Remember that grassy ditches have their own unpredictable hazards, bumps, holes, and traction.

This first example of search, predict, and act is kind of extreme. That is the intention. We’ll talk you through this one, and then you’re on your own. A rider has multiple choices, and there are a hundred different possible outcomes. You’ll never have time to consider them all. Your job is to identify the biggest hazards, predict the worst that could happen, assess the risks, and use good judgment and motorcycle skills to minimize your risks while maximizing your time, space, and traction.

Two ways to maximize your efficiency in this situation: have your escape routes picked out beforehand (around the truck to the left, around the truck to the right) and know if any vehicles are behind you by checking your mirrors every five to seven seconds. That way, when the board falls out, your escape routes are obvious and your only decision is whether to stop or swerve.

Special Situations: Intersections, Freeways, and Tricky Roads

Intersection Safety Tips: 

• ...-- Assume you are invisible to other drivers.
• .. -- When approaching intersections, assume cars traveling in the opposite direction are going to turn left in front of you!!
• ...-- Anticipate the moves of other drivers. Watch their head movement. It often indicates where they will be going.
• ...-- Watch for steering wheel movement and the turning of the front wheels.  These are usually the last warnings before the vehicle turns.
• ..-- Reduce your speed. This will decrease your stopping distance and increase the amount of time the other driver will have to see you. However, if you reduce your speed too much you may be inviting the other vehicle to turn in front of you.
• ...-- Cover your brakes and clutch to reduce your reaction time. Some riders will drag the rear or front brake as they near the intersection to further reduce reaction and braking time.
• ...-- Ride in a gear that will provide rapid acceleration.
• ...-- If another vehicle is passing through the intersection at the same time, try to ride alongside it and use it as a shield. Beware of riding in another driver’s blind spot. If you can not ride beside it, drop back to create a gap. This will make it easier for the other drivers to see you.
• ...-- Take note of vehicles parked on the side of the road or objects beside the road that will obstruct the view of cross traffic.
• ...-- Choose a lane position that will increase your visibility to other drivers.  Slight movement within your lane may help attract attention while movement from one side of the lane to another may indicate you are preparing to turn.
• ...-- If other vehicles are near you, the other driver’s attention will most likely be focused on them. Bigger objects get more attention.!!!
• ...-- If the light has just turned green for traffic going in your direction, check the cross traffic for color blind, late-for-a-meeting drivers. Make sure the intersection is clear before you proceed.
• ...-- If the light has just turned yellow for traffic going in your direction, check your mirrors for motorists behind you who may think you will pass through the intersection.
• ...-- Take note of the surface conditions. Spills (water, antifreeze, oil, diesel fuel, sand etc.) pavement markings, grease strips, and wet leaves will affect traction.
• ...-- If the intersection is extremely busy or hazardous, choose another intersection to conduct your turn, or choose another route entirely.
• ...-- If the vehicle in front of you is signaling to make a turn, shift your position within your lane to give vehicles behind you a clear view of the turn signal of the turning vehicle.
• ...-- As you approach a stop sign, flash your brake light to alert motorists of your intentions and to get their attention. Check your mirrors when stopped to be sure that vehicles from behind will stop. Keep the motorcycle in first gear when stopped.
• ...-- Always allow for space to escape when you are stopped behind another vehicle. Position your motorcycle toward the side of the vehicle stopped in front in case you need to move ahead to prevent being rear ended.
• ...-- Look both ways before turning to a one-way street.

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Special Thanks to the Motorcycle Safety Center of MN. for providing the above information. For more information, please visit www.motorcyclesafety.org

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