Are you paying attention?
There are more and more gadgets helping us while we ride, but are they really helping, or are they actively distracting us?
A while back we asked our readers how they felt about satnavs, listening to music and making phone calls when riding. There were plenty of responses, so thanks to everyone who got in touch. Here is a selection of the main views held by MSL readers.
DISTRACTIONS
I found myself nodding in agreement with Mikko’s observations regarding the drivers doing anything but concentrating on their driving.
Personally, I have always felt that being in control of a motorcycle is a great deal more involved than driving a car. Aside from the fact that for most of us, hands and feet are mostly kept busy just controlling our machines, we also need to shift our body weight and position to suit the road conditions. In addition, I personally believe that motorcyclists require a much greater level of concentration and awareness than car drivers. The simplest of things such as a patch of gravel on a bend, or an adverse camber we haven’t noticed as we pull up to put a foot down, can both result in at best embarrassment and at worst damage and personal injury. Being aware of the road conditions and our surroundings is vital for our safety and survival.
When out on my Tiger I have the option of satnav, or Bluetooth intercom which can link to radio, phone, mp3 player and pillion. That is potentially a huge range of potential distractions and I am not so stupid as to kid myself I can cope with any or all of them. However, I can minimise the distractions and my solution to this is as follows:
Firstly, I always wear earplugs as I find high levels of any type of noise very distracting and earplugs reduce it sufficiently that concentration is enhanced while still being aware of my own engine and those of surrounding vehicles.
Secondly, when using the satnav I don’t pay a lot of attention to the display. Most of the prompts I need are delivered by the voice announcements, which are mostly concise and not too frequent. I have tried to listen to radio or music on the move, but again I find it far too distracting. As for the phone, I have an aversion to the phone at the best of times, but when mobile I know I couldn’t safely deal with that. In recent years, I have made a concession when my wife is riding pillion. We now have use of an intercom. It has its uses and having a second pair of eyes looking out for hazards or turn-offs, etc., is a bonus.
Keep up the good work at MSL.
Paul Zimmermann