11-03-2014, 01:08 PM
A year ago I read of a maneuver developed in England I believe, for motorcyclists to make themselves visible in 2 specific instances, which are a couple of the top reasons for motorcycle accidents.
#1: A car pulling out from the side, as in pulling out of a side street or driveway
#2: A car approaching from the opposite direction. with the intention of turning left in front of you.
I have been practicing this maneuver for the last year, and although I have no "proof" that it has been effective, other than I catch drivers staring at me after doing it, it seems to me as if it might have some merit.
What happens is when I see a car getting ready to turn left in front of me or pull out from a side street I start a tight quick weave in my lane (while still covering my brakes and clutch just in case) . The theory behind it is that rather than the tiny white dot of a steady headlight, which is tough to judge approaching speed on, the headlight bobs and weaves drawing the other driver's attention. I even did this to an Ohio Highway Patrolman one day about to turn left in front of me. He stopped. I wish I had turned around and chased him down to see if it made any difference to him, as he may have seen me anyway before the weave, but I didn't think of it fast enough. I will get the chance to question an LEO someday (probably in the backseat of his car as he's writing me up for reckless op lol )
Anyhow with the recent reports here on the site, I thought I would mention it, in case anyone else wanted to experiment. BY all means if you don't feel comfortable doing it, DON'T, and if I get a chance to talk to someone I have pulled the maneuver on I will let you know what they say.
Ride safe!
#1: A car pulling out from the side, as in pulling out of a side street or driveway
#2: A car approaching from the opposite direction. with the intention of turning left in front of you.
I have been practicing this maneuver for the last year, and although I have no "proof" that it has been effective, other than I catch drivers staring at me after doing it, it seems to me as if it might have some merit.
What happens is when I see a car getting ready to turn left in front of me or pull out from a side street I start a tight quick weave in my lane (while still covering my brakes and clutch just in case) . The theory behind it is that rather than the tiny white dot of a steady headlight, which is tough to judge approaching speed on, the headlight bobs and weaves drawing the other driver's attention. I even did this to an Ohio Highway Patrolman one day about to turn left in front of me. He stopped. I wish I had turned around and chased him down to see if it made any difference to him, as he may have seen me anyway before the weave, but I didn't think of it fast enough. I will get the chance to question an LEO someday (probably in the backseat of his car as he's writing me up for reckless op lol )
Anyhow with the recent reports here on the site, I thought I would mention it, in case anyone else wanted to experiment. BY all means if you don't feel comfortable doing it, DON'T, and if I get a chance to talk to someone I have pulled the maneuver on I will let you know what they say.
Ride safe!