Copyright© 2011 by Ralph Couey
For the last year or so on one of my websites, “Soul of a Motorcyclist,” I’ve been tracking motorcycle accidents. I started this as a way of educating myself on common factors involved in accidents and applying that knowledge to practical self-defense on the road.
Motorcycling, for all of its joys is an inherently dangerous activity. The multitude of hazards are too numerous to list in the space allotted here. However, the most common are well-known to riders:
· Failure to yield: When another vehicle turns left across a rider’s path, pulling out from a side street or driveway, or changing lanes.
· Sudden Stops: A vehicle slows or stops suddenly in the traffic lane in response to a traffic jam or to execute a left turn. The rider is unable to react in time.
· Single-bike accidents: Usually a catastrophic loss of control for a variety of reasons, such as road conditions, debris, animals, or a medical incident with the rider or a mechanical problem with the bike.
· Excessive speed, carelessness, distracted or impaired riding.
Adding to these hazards, many riders are woefully ill-informed with regards to proper braking technique. Experts now say 90% of a bike’s stopping power is in the front brake. In an emergency stop, the bike’s weight shifts forward, taking weight and therefore frictional coefficient from the back tire. Riders who primarily use the rear brake will find their stopping distances increased significantly.
