Road safety tips for motorcycle enthusiasts
Motorbike accidents and fatalities remain a major cause for concern on SA’s roads.
Hein Jonker, founder and chief instructor at the Motorcycle Safety Institute of SA, recently stated that, between August 1 2017 and August 31 2018, there were 726 motorcycle accidents in which 187 riders were killed.
In 72% of these accidents, other vehicles were also involved.
“Most of the crashes happen in urban areas where there is a huge congestion of risk factors such as other vehicles, pedestrians and road surface issues,” Jonker said.
In addition to the risk factors mentioned by Jonker, the four main causes of motorcycle crashes, according to the Automobile Association (AA) are: speeding; right of way violations; loss of control in bends, corners and curves; and judgment errors.
Head of Auto & General Insurance, Ricardo Coetzee, said: “There is a need for ongoing, increased vigilance on the road for motorcyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike.
“Paying closer attention to risk factors and being more considerate of other road users will go a long way to keeping all road users safe.”
Here are A&G’s safety tips for both first-time motorcyclists and seasoned riders, as well as for motorists encountering bikers:
For riders:
ý Make sure you are familiar with and well in control of your bike’s features, capabilities and limitations.
ý Invest in quality protective gear and remember the golden rule of ATGATT: (All The Gear, All The Time). If you prefer darker clothing, add something bright to your outfit.
ý Keep a safe following distance and always have an escape route. You need sufficient room and time to react should other vehicles make unpredictable and unsafe manoeuvres.
ý Once you’ve identified what action you need to take, whether it be overtaking, changing lanes or turning, do so swiftly and safely.
The AA highlights three bad habits motorcyclists should look out for:
● Overconfidence – even the most seasoned riders can make common mistakes.
● Attitude – destructive influences like peer pressure or intoxication can lead to fatal decisions.
● Ignorance – continuously improve your riding by training under the guidance of professionals and learning from more experienced riders.
ý Don’t fall in behind big vehicles or trucks that obstruct your view, and others’ view of you. Don’t rely solely on your mirrors and check your sides and over your shoulder. Signal every move clearly.
ý Too much clutch and no clutch can both lead to a bike tipping over on turns. For slower, tighter turns, ensure you feather your clutch. This will give you the ideal momentum to make the turn.
ý When cornering, ensure you start on the outside of the curve. Delay your turn-in so you can see further ahead, and give yourself extra space to manoeuvre.
ý Always be on the lookout for vehicles about to change lanes.
ý A US study found driving fatigue was as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you’re travelling a long distance, stop every 120 to 200km.
ý If you’re driving in a group prone to pushing the limits, this could endanger not only the entire group but other road users too. If you feel uncomfortable, rather leave the group than risk being involved in an accident.
For motorists:
ý Too many motorists who have hit and injured a motorcyclist claim the motorcycle “came out of nowhere”. A motorbike can easily be concealed in a car's blind spot. Take an extra moment to look out for motorbikes when you are changing lanes or turning at intersections
ý Motorists should keep a safe following distance and allow about four seconds between themselves and a motorbike. Advances in braking systems allow some motorbikes to stop very quickly – making a four-second safety cushion a must.
ý Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting, not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
ý The indicators on most motorcycles are not self-cancelling and some riders – especially if inexperienced – may forget to turn them off.
ý Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily, avoid road debris and minimise the effect of passing vehicles and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to show off or be reckless, and allow them space to move.
ý Be very cautious when it starts to rain, as water on the surface could cause oil and other spills to rise to the surface of the road – and this is something that is especially hazardous for bikers, as motorcycles have less than half the amount of grip as a car.