novaks47
Yeah!
Can't disagree with any of it. I'll just add what's worked for me.
It all depends on where I'm riding. On Lawrence Expressway for example, nobody pays attention. Riding on the left side of any lane will guarantee some one will just shoot on over from the left into my lane. Heck, anywhere I ride that happens, except for the freeways, oddly. I've almost been clobbered quite a few times in that manner. Heck, it's even happened when I've been almost completely ahead of the car that's moving over! Riding on the right side of the lane nets me the same result, just from the other side, and less time to react from attacks coming from the right. Riding in the center(most of the time) has served me well. Oh, let's not forget the blind drivers that have almost rear-ended me when I've come to a stop anywhere but in the center of the lane. And lane splitting while in heavy traffic that's moving, while everybody wants to be in any lane other than the one they're in? Forget it. I know my luck, and I ain't going to push it. lol Only as a last resort. The worst part is, when these geniuses change lanes, they do it as fast as possible, and their reactions times are slow at best. One they start moving over, no amount of honking or anything else will halt their maneuvering in time, if at all. I've seen a few accidents happen in that manner, car on car. The blind lane changer only hit the brakes as they were smashing into the victim car. Nice, eh?
As for seeing farther ahead, well, I've never had a problem with that, even when in the center of the lane. Then again, level roads are few and far between here. Plus, I keep my distance. Enough distance, that if someone shoots over in front of me, it's a non-issue. Also leaves a nice accelerate-away-from-danger buffer.
Anticipating other drivers moves is something I've always been great at, even before I started riding. It's saved me in the car and on the moto's. Between that, good foresight, and good reaction times as well as reacting calmly, is all why I've never been in so much as a fender bender. I'd say those tools, plus the proper riding skills(lane positioning debates aside), are the most critical to staying upright.
At any rate, I'm sure I'll adjust my riding style once I get out of CA, where people drive differently as well. I also don't stay in the center all the time, it all depends on the area, and wether or not there's a lane to my right. Ride in whatever manner keeps you safest, is all I'm getting at. :thumbup:
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