rsw81
Keep it Kosher
After almost 6 years and 40k+ miles of riding, I've managed to be a very alert and defensive driver, anticipating long before hand cars pulling out onto the street in front, thus avoiding close calls.... until tonight. On my way home from getting gas, a white Audi A6 made an illegal left turn at a lighted/controlled intersection right in front of me. Speed limit in the area was about 40mph, and I was doing probably 45mph. Road conditions were perfectly dry, great visibility, ~3 lanes in each direction, time of day around dusk (thus headlights on cars were also on).
I kept my cool, didn't grab a hand full of brakes. I was able to gradually but quickly spill off speed in a controlled manner, not locking up the rear end, let off the brakes to then swerve left to avoid the rear quarter panel of the car and the accident.
My point in posting this experience is to say to everyone, don't get comfortable. No matter how many years of riding or how many miles you've covered, everyone still needs to take the time to go to an empty parking lot and practice the basics... like emergency stops.
Be careful out there, be acutely aware of your surroundings, and ride like you're invisible.
-Rob
I kept my cool, didn't grab a hand full of brakes. I was able to gradually but quickly spill off speed in a controlled manner, not locking up the rear end, let off the brakes to then swerve left to avoid the rear quarter panel of the car and the accident.
My point in posting this experience is to say to everyone, don't get comfortable. No matter how many years of riding or how many miles you've covered, everyone still needs to take the time to go to an empty parking lot and practice the basics... like emergency stops.
Be careful out there, be acutely aware of your surroundings, and ride like you're invisible.
-Rob