Great info for great riding

How to Steer Clear of
Danger on the Road

I could not describe what was actually happening up there because a few cars blocked my view. But I could see auto rooftops suddenly moving erratically. I anticipated that the cars in front of me would soon react if an accident had occurred, so I quickly pulled to the side of the road to get away from them.

Moments later, drivers began to jam on their breaks and swerve left and right to avoid hitting each other as well as the two vehicles that had already collided. Luckily, I had separated myself from the action.

In that instance, my habit of systematically scanning the road far ahead as well as up close -- taking in the "big picture" -- enabled me to steer clear of a serious mishap.

Learn to avoid "target fixation"...

Surprisingly, however, if you do spot something dangerous in the road, you shouldn't focus hard on it. If you do, it's likely a phenomenon called target fixation will draw you toward the danger.

Concentrating on something in the road can cause you to drive toward it. This happens because our brains caution us to keep our eyes on things that can harm us.

Such action was most necessary when we lived in caves and our lives depended upon keeping four-legged predators and other threats in sight. But, it is a terrible survival reaction when it can make you drive directly toward something that suddenly invades your path.

• Don't fix your eyes on a dangerous object. Look where you want to steer your motorcycle to get away from the danger…

• Don't stare at the swerving truck, piece of blown tire, pothole, edge of the road or anything else you want to avoid…

• Use target fixation to your advantage. Pick a safe point, lock your eyes on it then steer toward it…

I have placed myself in a few precarious situations by going into turns too fast then drifting dangerously close the outside of the curve. But (using a left turn as an example) the instant I took my eyes off the outside edge of the road and focused hard on the white line down the middle, the motorcycle suddenly started moving toward that safer place.

The same tactic works on "surprise" potholes and deep-set highway drainage grates. When I look away I can quickly steer around such hazards to avoid jolting the front wheel.

Maintain a 360-degree air cushion...

When I ride, I systematically take in the big picture by looking close in and far ahead. I also concentrate on the traffic around me. I want to maintain a comfortable 360-degree cushion of space between me and other vehicles.

I continually "circle" myself visually by glancing from side to side and by scanning my mirrors.

And I always have an escape route in mind in case the driver in front of me suddenly hits the brakes or some other danger appears.

Check your blind spots...

Before changing lanes, it's a good idea to look in the rear view mirror then take a quick glance to check your blind spot. Cars drifting beside me that did not show up in either mirror have surprised me when I turned my head and saw them. This precaution has prevented me from pulling into their path.

I frequently check my rear view mirrors to see if someone is gaining fast or following too close.

I usually drive at least as fast as the cars around me -- and often a few miles per hour faster. So, if a vehicle is gaining, it must be moving at a pretty good clip. I do not hesitate to get out of the way before the driver crowds me or makes a dangerous passing move.

Constant vigilance…when you ride, your safety depends upon it.

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