MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
HIGHWAY HAZARDS
Proficient
Motorcycling
From Motorcycle Consumer
News
CONSTRUCTION
ZONES
Construction zones are
a common sight on our nation's highways and include some serious safety
concerns, particularly for motorcyclists. Construction signage often precedes
these hazardous zones and these signs should alert you to possible lane changes,
construction debris, and surface irregularities such as raised pavement edges.
One such "edge trap" occurs when one lane is at a different height than the
adjacent lane during repaving. Construction standards allow pavement ridges to
be 1 1/2 inches high without tapering, which creates a significant edge trap
that can cause balance problems and can snatch the handlebars from your hands.
Avoid crossintg any steep pavement edges if possible. If you must cross a
raised edge, attack it at as close to a 90 % angle as possible to avoid your
tires from sliding along the ridge.
During construction, traffic is often
diverted onto a temporary detour. Expect an abrupt transition between the
original pavement and the bypass. Plan a line that allows you to cross the
transition as perpendicular as possible. Watch for metal plates or other
temporary surface. Keep your speed down and the bike vertical when crossing
these slippery surfaces. Concrete barriers are commonly used in work zones to
define lanes and separate oncoming traffic. These lanes can be narrow,
reducing your lane options. Also, these lanes can trap debris as well as water
and mud in wet weather, which can reduce traction.
Ground-away pavement surfaces ("scarified or
milled") cause the motorcycle to weave back and forth as the tires hunt for a
single track on the uneven grooves. These surfaces can feel scary, but control
will be maintained if you relax and avoid braking or changing lanes
abruptly.
OBSTACLES
Some drivers aren't terribly concerned
or aren't aware of the consequences of not properly securing loads and they
don't seem to consider how seemingly benign objects in the road can cause
serious injury to a motorcyclist. All sorts of objects come flying from other
vehicles, including construction materials, garden furniture and garbage
bags.
Shredded truck tires are particularly nasty,
because steel wire belts imbeded in the tires reveal sharp, jagged edges when
they come apart. Avoid having an obstacle appear suddenly from underneath a
car in front of you by keeping a two or three second following distance to give
yourself time to take evasive action. Look for clues about possible obstacles
by watching for brake light or adjustments in and position of the cars ahead.
If you do come upon an obstacle you cannot avoid, rise off the seat, lean
rearward and accelerate just before hittng the obstacle to help the motorcycle
surmount the object.
BLIND SPOTS
Motorcycles can easily get lost in drivers' blind spots, so one of the most
important strategies for conspicuity on the highway is to avoid lingering in
these areas where drivers cannot see you. Blind spots typically fall just
behind a cars' front bumper all the way to the rear bumper, out of range of the
mirrors. If you can not see the drivers face in his mirror, he can't see you.
Large trucks have very large blind spots commonly referred to by the cautionary
moniker "The No Zone." Continually monitor your position to avoid riding in
this spot. Remind yourself to ride through blind spots.
Never make lane changes into a car
driver's blind spot, because they may simultaneously attempt to change lanes in
the same spot. Change lanes smoothly, allowing time for others to easily
predict your intentions and don't forget to signal. Motorcyclists have blind
spots too; unfortunately most motor cycle mirrors do a rather poor job of
revealing what's behind and to the sides. Take a quick glance over your
shoulder to be sure its safe to change lanes. Time head checks so you aren't
taking your eyes off of traffic ahead at a critical moment.
THE
RAINBOW CHASER