Post by scrap on Apr 3, 2012 16:00:39 GMT 10
Best solution is not to be hit from behind in the first place:
- watch the mirrors, slow down progressively using the brakes (rather than engine) so your brake light can give a warning.. Importantly KEEP checking the mirrors so you can be sure the vehicle behind is reacting. Tapping the front brake lever will strobe the rear brake light, making the bike more visible to approaching traffic. You'll need at least two parked cars behind you to provide a crumble protection zone.
- when stopped, don't switch off but keep watching the mirrors. Consider keeping the brakes on, there's some evidence that automatics are involved in fewer rear end collisions because the brake lights are usually on at a standstill as the driver keeps a foot on the brakes.
- try to stop where you can be seen particularly if the queue isn't one you would normally find at that point (ie where there are roadworks with a temporary traffic control, or perhaps a broken down car is causing a queue). Don't stop just around blind turns or over a blind crest if you can avoid it. If I find such a queue and I can't stop where I can be seen I'll either filter past the queue or sit tight on the left where I'm least at risk of being hit (and can jump into the road verge!)
- don't sit right behind the car ahead either, if you sit back a bit you've a chance of moving up alongside if you realise the car behind isn't going to stop - I usually only shift to neutral when there is a car behind me that's stopped too.
- if you're stopped to turn right, don't sit at an angle to the road to make the turn easier - an impact from behind will push you into oncoming traffic . If you are in line with the road, it'll push you straight ahead. If the road is narrow, don't sit by the white line - you'll get vehicles squeezing past on both sides - not a safe place to be. Stop just right of centre of the lane and block it - vehicles behind will have to stop, but that's far safer than having someone doing 60kph clipping the end of your handlebar!
And don't forget... when you are slowing or stationary, the danger is BEHIND! Watch the mirrors, even when you are stopped.
- watch the mirrors, slow down progressively using the brakes (rather than engine) so your brake light can give a warning.. Importantly KEEP checking the mirrors so you can be sure the vehicle behind is reacting. Tapping the front brake lever will strobe the rear brake light, making the bike more visible to approaching traffic. You'll need at least two parked cars behind you to provide a crumble protection zone.
- when stopped, don't switch off but keep watching the mirrors. Consider keeping the brakes on, there's some evidence that automatics are involved in fewer rear end collisions because the brake lights are usually on at a standstill as the driver keeps a foot on the brakes.
- try to stop where you can be seen particularly if the queue isn't one you would normally find at that point (ie where there are roadworks with a temporary traffic control, or perhaps a broken down car is causing a queue). Don't stop just around blind turns or over a blind crest if you can avoid it. If I find such a queue and I can't stop where I can be seen I'll either filter past the queue or sit tight on the left where I'm least at risk of being hit (and can jump into the road verge!)
- don't sit right behind the car ahead either, if you sit back a bit you've a chance of moving up alongside if you realise the car behind isn't going to stop - I usually only shift to neutral when there is a car behind me that's stopped too.
- if you're stopped to turn right, don't sit at an angle to the road to make the turn easier - an impact from behind will push you into oncoming traffic . If you are in line with the road, it'll push you straight ahead. If the road is narrow, don't sit by the white line - you'll get vehicles squeezing past on both sides - not a safe place to be. Stop just right of centre of the lane and block it - vehicles behind will have to stop, but that's far safer than having someone doing 60kph clipping the end of your handlebar!
And don't forget... when you are slowing or stationary, the danger is BEHIND! Watch the mirrors, even when you are stopped.