Switch on at intersections. September 2007

OBSERVATION
Slow down so you have time to watch the traffic which is both approaching and within the intersection. Use 'scan vision' rather than fixating on one area. Look through or over other vehicles so you can take in the big picture - and don't forget to check your mirrors. You may have to change your lane position so you are not obscured from view by other traffic as you approach the intersection.

There are plenty of clues as to what other road users may do if you're looking. Cars with indicators on, front wheels turned, slowly moving or brake lights on give you pre-warning of what a driver is about to do. Not 100% reliable though, as unfortunately not all drivers use their indicators. This is where your instinctive sense for danger is invaluable.

Also, consider bright riding gear, including your helmet, and have your headlight on - give yourself the best chance of being seen.

ANTICIPATE THE UNEXPECTED
Don't count on other drivers seeing you! At intersections, drivers sometimes act without thinking or looking properly - eg - a gap appears in traffic - a car cuts you off, a vehicle drives through the intersection between the orange and the red light- it may be illegal but for an unseen rider it could be fatal if you're hit! Treat vehicles that could turn across your path or pull out on you with extreme care - assume it will happen and be ready.

Be aware that you could be partly hidden behind another vehicle and that altering you position when approaching an intersection, you could make your self more visible.
Don't forget that other drivers have a blind spot too - the 'rear 3/4' area, usually identified as being behind and beyond a car's 'C' pillar. Make a conscious effort to stay away from it. Remember, if you cant see them in their mirrors, they can't see you.

RESPOND
A response is something you have thought about before you do it. By lightly applying your brakes (setting up) as you approach the intersection, you have programmed yourself and the bike for the need to stop or take evasive action. Having done this forward planning, if something unexpected happens, you are more likely to respond calmly and correctly to suit the situation.

A reaction is something you have done without thinking and under pressure. From a fright, for example, we could overbrake without thinking and lock up - which means a fall is the likely result!

Give yourself time to think and respond with care - keep a 3 second gap in front and watch the car behind you is slowing down as it approaches the intersection, too. Be ready to move if it looks threatening, to avoid being rear ended.

At Stay Upright we train riders to use the OBSERVATION, ANTICIPATION and RESPONSE (OAR) system of risk management at all times to reduce the chances of a crash.
It's simple and effective method but it does require one important contribution from the rider - CONCENTRATION!
Many crashes with cars and other vehicles happen at intersections - many of which can be ttributed to a lack of concentration.
The key to safety is as simple as OAR- why not use it?!

Until next time. . . . Stay Upright

Brendon Thompson
State Manager Tasmania

Stay Upright
Motorcycle Techniques