10 safety tips for motorcyclists

THE road safety of motorcyclists have recently come under the spotlight, following several serious accidents  – one of which claimed the life of Westville Resident, Michael Du Buisson, (45).

Du Buisson,was killed when his motorbike collided with a bakkie on 29 May.

Another biker in his 60s died in hospital after he was injured in a serious collision on Main Road in Malvern on Saturday morning.

ALSO READ: Motorcycle fraternity calls for motorists to be mindful of motorbikes

Popular Queensburgh resident, Danie Fleming, was critically injured after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a truck on the M19 Durban bound just after the Dunkeld Road on-ramp around 10am on Tuesday, 14 February. He died in hospital the next day.

The Motorcycle Safety Institute has since called for motorists to be mindful of motorbikes on the roads.

Motorcycle awareness tips

Every day we read, hear or experience motorcycle accidents on our roads, and some riders survive and some don’t. If you find yourself in the comfort of a motor vehicle, then this is for you.

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognise” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look further away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc.). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

ALSO READ: Biker killed in Malvern crash

5. Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, not activating the brake light. Allow for a greater following distance, say three or four seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-cancelling, thus some riders, sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimise the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Manoeuvrability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way. Please give him some room, don’t drive in his safety buffer.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but a slippery road surface makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person. Save a life – look out for motorcyclists.

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