Road safety tips for bikers and motorists from superbike rider

King Price Xtreme rider Clint Seller has been riding on two wheels since he was three.

Today, his superbike is vastly more powerful and dangerous than the scooter of way back when.

The power makes Seller acutely aware of the risks involved in racing and riding a motorbike on the highways and byways of South African roads.

On the Eastern Cape roads alone, the death toll over the Easter long weekend more than doubled from last year’s figures.

The reasons ranged from poor driver behaviour, drunken driving, and speeding to fatigue.

Our roads have turned into war zones. It is especially motorcyclists who are at risk because many motorists just aren’t aware of them.

What can change this?

Clint gives expert safety tips for motorists and motorcyclists.

Tips for motorists:
• Double-check your blind spots: motorbikes can easily disappear in a driver’s blind spot. Make it a habit to check your blind spots twice before changing lanes or merging to avoid hitting a motorcyclist. Adjust your mirrors and consider installing blind spot mirrors for a better view.

• Keep a safe distance: maintain a safe travelling distance behind motorbikes because they can stop more abruptly than cars. Doing this will give you enough time to react if the motorcyclist stops suddenly. In my experience, you should try to keep a distance of about 4 seconds before coming to a complete stop.

• Be vigilant at intersections: intersections are dangerous for cars and bikes. Always check twice before crossing an intersection. Take an extra look to scan the road for small vehicles like motorbikes and bicycles.

• Use your indicators: communicate your intentions with your turn signals, which allows motorcyclists to anticipate your actions and adjust their riding. Be consistent and give ample notice before turning or changing lanes so others on the road have time to react.

• Be aware of the weather conditions: rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make it harder to see motorbikes. Adjust your driving by slowing down, turning on your headlights, and giving riders more space. Remember, wet roads can be slippery for cars and motorbikes.

Tips for motorcyclists:
• Be visible: wear brightly-coloured clothing and use reflective materials to increase your visibility. Ensure your headlights function correctly, and always use them, even during the day. Position yourself in the lane where you’re most visible to other drivers, thereby avoiding blind spots and staying out of their direct paths.

• Ride defensively: anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to react. Assume other drivers may not see you and position yourself in the safest place on the road. Stay alert to your surroundings, scanning the road for obstacles like potholes, and be ready to take evasive action if necessary.

• Signal your intentions: use your indicators or hand signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Indicate your intentions well in advance to give other drivers time to react to your actions.

• Wear protective gear: invest in a high-quality helmet, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing to minimise the risk of injury in case of an accident. Always wear your helmet. Where possible, choose gear with built-in armour or padding for added protection and ensure it fits properly for maximum effectiveness.

• Take a safety course: participate in a motorbike safety course to improve your riding skills and learn advanced techniques for handling hazardous situations. Regularly refresh your knowledge and skills because it will help you stay sharp on the road and equip you to handle challenging situations.

(Content: Supplied).

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