Avoiding accentdents

[MTizzle]

I was riding in traffic when car in front of me tried to do a lane change but didn't notice the car next to him, so he swerved back. Nothing happen but this being my first summer riding I keep wondering what I could have done if they did hit the other vehicle?

[uzimon]

Originally Posted by MTizzle

I was riding in traffic when car in front of me tried to do a lane change but didn't notice the car next to him, so he swerved back. Nothing happen but this being my first summer riding I keep wondering what I could have done if they did hit the other vehicle?

a sideswipe? not a big deal if youre not ridin their ass' and are covering your front brake, like you should be doin at all times

[DuckyZX10R]

My first quick reaction would probably be to hit the brakes. I'd probably try to swerve, which is not a good idea while slamming on the brakes but I guess that's were training/experience comes in...must avoid doing that. After milliseconds of all that, I'd be wetting my pants praying the car/traffic behind me doesn't plow through me!!

[Shifty1]

Hand full of front brake and 1/2 a foot full of rear. Swerve slightly to sideswipe if you've got to. All else fails, prepare for impact.

[musgrajr]

try to find a course given by the motorcycle safety foundation, they teach a lot of good stuff, i've been riding for years and still learned some stuff

[ESCLASS]

Can't say cuz I wasn't there but if ur riding with vehicles around u..number one thing to do is always remember to keep that protective cushion of space between u and those cars. That's a safe distance from the car in front and always try to keep left and right side of u clear. If u cant ..at least keep one side free or drop back till ur clear...that is if u don't decide to pass all of it first. In the case of what u saw...if u had the space cushion....u would have enough time to make a decision and or make a maneuver. Experience/practice would give u the skill to handle ur bike as an extension of urself...and not panic by accidentally twisting the throttle...or slamming on brakes..unless that's what u decide is best. In a quick second u will think oh shit! He's about to hit the car and know that his next move would have been to immediately swerve back into his own lane or over compensate by swerving back into his lane and then the next...or even slamming on the brakes himself and maybe spinning out of control. Its that serious! So u have to always ride like ur invisible and think for them as well as urself and play the possibility game...meaning that I am always guessing what everyone else might do and what can happen so it forces me to be ready for many situations. Not saying I'm invinsible but every fraction of skill and preparation helps change the odds in ur favor.

[Shifty1]

I know I was kinda crackin' wise up above but really, like esclass said, we weren't there so we can't really say. Maybe grabbing a handfull of brake would have been the best idea but the best thing to do for the future is to always leave yourself an out. Leave distance, an open area to one side or the other, anything that gets you outta harm's way. People are stupid...they are even more stupid surrounded by 2 tons of steel. Along with watching for signals and brake lights, I always keep an eye on their heads to see when they are checking their mirrors and planning to make a move. But, bottom line, you can be the best rider on the road but you still have to worry about everyone else.

[ESCLASS]

Very good point...about the signal lights, brake lights as well as head movements. The key is to incorporate all of that to the point where its just second nature. I also watch for the guy/girl on the cellphone in the left hand..elbow on the door totally oblivious to what's around them. Or the person fiddling with the radio...or trying to pick something they dropped, up of the floor or the guy arguing with his girlfriend in the passenger seat. Its crazy what u notice as a biker. Either fall back or get around/passed them asap. Just like a car..honk that horn or pull in that clutch and open the throttle lightly a few times so they hear that muffler...vroom vroom vroom vroom!!!! Lol or both.

[JBearSVT]

LOL... start looking for where you want to land.

[MTizzle]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

try to find a course given by the motorcycle safety foundation

Did take a basic course, I'll try take another maybe Intermediate coure.

keep an eye on their heads to see when they are checking their mirrors and planning to make a move

I always do this in my car but never really do while riding. I be so focus on the traffic that is approaching so i won't be holding any one up.

LOL... start looking for where you want to land.

They always say SEE where you want to go.

I was boxed in, it was in heavy traffic. Drivers here always want to ride next each other not leaving for room these types of situations, never understood it though. But I did have enough room to hit the brakes but with a Suburban riding my tire I would have became a speed bump.

[JBearSVT]

I hear you- I live between two of the biggest casinos in the world so traffic here really sucks ass. Since it's mostly casino traffic, most drivers are paying even less attention than they normally would be, even though that sounds impossible. Then there's the tour buses...