STREET SMART

[Finity]

Originally posted by MrLau@March 24, 2007 12:58 am

So glad to see many of your contribution...

 

A small tip for approaching minor road....

 

Again... SLOW down... !!!!!!!!!!

 

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/899/minorroadqw6.jpg

Well happens to face this kind of situation once a while when i was heading home. But the most unforgetable is my 1st. Its a T-junction and it happened during the night time. I was riding 60-70km/h as the speed limit is 70. So was travelling on a straight road and about 3 car length in front of me was an empty taxi driving avout same speed as me. So when approaching near the T-junction saw that theres another taxi[@ side road stopping and waiting to move out]. Before i rode pass the taxi[side road] it start to move and drove out of the road. I was shocked so my attention was diverted to the stupid taxi-driver[side road]. 5 sec or abit more i turned my head bck to the front and there was another shocked, the taxi that was infront of me had stopped to picked up a passenger. And because i am a new and unexperienced rider and with just less than 1 quarter car length i decided to swerve to lane-2. cannot remember whether i checked the lane but all i know was at that time i got no chance to apply e-brake. I was lucky no vehicle was around. My left shoe touched the back of the taxi and the horror feeling follow me for about 2hr.

 

Other experiences are those rich or so call rich guy in them bmw. Turn out as if they are driving a lorry. They[most driver] dont bother about riders. They will just take their own sweet time to move to the main road and some just move to the lane 2 when they turn out from side road while riders like me are riding so fast and so close to them. Always have to brake like e-brake to reduce my speed from 70 or 80 km/h to 20- 30 km/h.

[Pplater]

Some of my riding habits I would like to share and to seek advice from more experienced riders to guide me.

 

Firstly, In the above situation, I will always move from lane 3 to lane 2 if possible, especially if I'm the only vehicle on the road at night, and check both mirror and blindspot mirror for escape route to lane 1 if the vehicle from minor road comes out. I will also slowdown a little, and more if the vehicle starts inching forward. If the vehicle starts coming into lane 3 i will hit the brakes to pass him at a slightly faster speed, so that i can e brake if he cuts into my lane. If traffic is heavy, I will slow down and remain in lane 3 and check right blindspot mirror only.

 

Secondly, when approaching bus bays, my method of telling is the bus is moving off before the signal lights comes on is:

 

1. Bus in bus bay, no boarding/alighting. Bus is going to move off

2. Boarding alighting, surely not moving off.

 

Usually this gives me early warning whether the bus is moving off a few seconds before its signal lights come on. My habit is to move to lane 2. This assists the buses from moving off, and gives me a safety buffer too.

 

Sometimes, some bus drivers will move off aggressively because i give them the chance. My habit then is to move a little to the right of lane 2.

 

Lastly, i have a habit of increasing buffers along expressways. In smooth flowing traffic, where lanes on the right are faster, I will stay a little on the right of lane 2 if I am in lane 2. This is to leave a buffer from drivers who cut in from lane 3 upon entering the expressway. Often, i change lane to lane 1 and pull away. I stay a little on the right because I feel that a vehicle approaching from behind can see me and is able to clear me. But vehicles on my left and ahead of me cutting in may not.

 

In traffic where lane 1 is equal speed, i find that the threat of vehicles cutting in mostly comes from lane 1, or lane 2 to lane 3 etc. Hence, I'm more weary of vehicles on my right if they are slower than me but ahead of me.

 

When in lane 1 and passing a car in lane 2, i tend to move a little to the right of lane 1. Sometimes when I am riding at legal speed limit (90km/h) (ah hem, plus 20) on lane 1 and passing a lot vehicles, I will stay more to the right. This gives me a buffer, and more importantly, gives other bikes space on my left to squeeze through if they want to.

[saboon]

My personal preference when using lane 1 in the expressway would be to hover between center of the lane to left of the lane.

 

Thats because "theoretically" it gives me an escape route to the left if there is chain collision in front of me.

 

If i was on the right of the lane, the only options would be to ebrake with all my might (usually I will lose out in braking power because unlike cars i only have two wheels) or squeeze to the right, between the railings and the collided/stopped vehicles (which is not much space to start off with either).

[endlessloop]

It is possible to E-brake from very to extremely high speeds. ChiYen did it from 200kmh, and I believe him. On the PG long, I hit 215kmh and go to scrub off a good 120kmh before making a left into turn2 at about 80-90kmh.

 

The technique for high speed E-brake is the same as low speed. The difference is that you realised that the braking distance thriples, quadruples or more times at the higher your speed.

 

The first one sec is spent letting the front fork dive without locking the front wheel by a non-sudden grab of your front brake.

 

After you feel your front fork dived, you can then press harder and harder onto your front brake (again not so sudden as to lock your front wheel). At high speeds, you really have a good 3-5 seconds to do this. Don't be afraid to really apply pressure to your front brakes. You will be suprised how powerful your brakes are as you add braking pressure. Most bikes will allow you to brake so hard that your body will feel like being pressed forward. Key is to avoid locking your front wheel. Check that your front tyres are not worned out or more than 2-year old (rubber will harden and not be as grippy).

 

If your bike is not of short wheel based type (ie not a class2 sports bike), you can add a bit of foot brake to your rear wheel. Remember that the main braking force will and MUST come from your front brake (or the rear wheel will lock). So the rear foot force is a nice-to-have. Beware that in a panic situation, we see that we are going to crash into the front vehicle and we stomp harder and harder onto the foot brake. That is not right. You should press harder and harder on your front brake (after the initial diving phase) to use more front braking force than rear.

 

Do practise braking from speeds as high as 90kmh at a suitable vacant and safe place at least once in your life. Braking at 40kmh is not good enough as we usually hit higher speeds on expressway. Brake from 90kmh to familarise yourself from higher speed braking as well as to let yourself see how much distance is needed to stop the bike so that you will realise that you need to keep sufficient safety distance next time on expressway next time.

[Guest nE0]

I did hard braking from 280 before, its something you really have to get used to.

 

Takes guts to grab that lever hard at 280.

[jianlong]

i agree with it..

[Pplater]

10 months ago, i skidded at the KJE to BKE flyover (towards PIE). Today i entered the same decreasing radius flyover. At the point where the radius was about to decrease, the right lane which i was on had a broken down vehicle, a TP car and cones. (of all places must be that point) But I cleared it this time.

 

Because i slowed from 120 to about 70km/h (which in reality is 50 to 60), i saw it in time.

 

Because I checked left and rear i knew the left lane was clear as an escape route to lean into.

 

Because I played in track once i knew i could lean like i did today and still have allowance for more leaning.

 

Because I slowed down, i knew even if had no escape route, i could slow to a stop without buanging again.

 

Most importantly, why i post: "Because i read street smart, and try to practice HOV which Endlessloop taught me, coupled with all the good advices contributed by fellow rider in this thread which Spectrum started, I am now a little more safer on the road."

 

The TP look at me dunno whether i will go into him or not. Of course won't la. Stupid idiot, put cones stretching 20metres only dunno how to put before the entry point into the bend and close the lane. No wonder keep looking at oncoming, must be many close shaves for him standing there.

 

Taking evasive measures against hazards and errant drivers is all in the day of a rider. Its all part and parcel of riding, but to every rider, being in control of a tight situation where you loss control before is always something you can smile about inwardly, and learn more from that.

 

Thanks all for accelerating my learning curve. We don't need to learn from our own mistakes. Be streetsmart too and enjoy your riding

 

If you want to learn more about HOV, please pm me. Endlessloop will conduct a next practical class when there is sufficient people (6pax).

[HamsterZ]

Originally posted by endlessloop@March 21, 2007 07:20 pm

TP Safety CO said that the motorcyclist fatality rates is actually increasing this year.

 

There are already some 33 deaths and March is not even over. Whereas on average previous years is about 100 motorcyclist deaths per year. If this rate goes on, we are looking at 120? this year?!!!

hhmm I realised the accidents are so muhc higher in SG. I rode so much harder (faster ) every weekend/trips up north, yet all my buangs/close encounters are all in SG, 80% by other inconsiderate road users... Sigh..

 

Sometimes I think riding in malaysia like macham safer!

[sfowner]

I think riders should all get onto youtube or any of the other video delivery portals and search for motorcycle accidents.

 

It's a useful way to remind and educate ourselves how a seemingly innocent situation can develop into a potentially fatal accident event.

Some are truly shocking... hopefully we don't scare ourselves silly, but enough to shape our riding habits into safer and more responsible ones.

 

Ride safe...

[Spectrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Streetsmartm163.jpg

 

High Spd on N-S Highways:

 

Too many fatal accidents for bikers has taken it's toll on the highway north.

And a main cause for big bikes going at high spd.

While it is difficult to deny ourself a blast to max... when the rds are clear...

And with a group in high spirit.

 

In all things... there is a price.

Always Remember! The reaction time is minimum.

 

Debris

 

The bike hitting a small piece of debris on the highway will end your ride there & then.

Where or what u become will depends on what u hit or don't hit or what hit u.

 

Slow Overtaking Vehicles from Left Lane

 

U will have to start to brake strongly if a vehicle moves out from the left lane

from far far ahead cos they will block up the highway.

(a gd scanning is essential)

Otherwise your choice is left brakedown lane or between the vehicles/barriers.

And that's where a lot of bikers got into trouble this way...

Or a narrow escape.

Those that had a narrow escape... it's a lesson to cherish & am sure will be life changing.

Those that did not... the lesson may not matter.

 

Please do ride within the capacity of the road & traffic.

There is really no need to lose any more bikers to the roads or highways.

[Spectrum]

Originally posted by Pplater@April 02, 2007 02:11 am

10 months ago, i skidded at the KJE to BKE flyover (towards PIE). Today i entered the same decreasing radius flyover. At the point where the radius was about to decrease, the right lane which i was on had a broken down vehicle, a TP car and cones. (of all places must be that point) But I cleared it this time.

KJE to BKE towards City

 

This Decreasing Radius has caught most off guard including myself.

A reduction of spd is essential.

Perhaps if there is enough land is for us to suggest to TP to improve the

situation...

Too many crashes there.

 

And it is always important to be able to stop within your visual range..

Gd one Czh...

 

Sfowner: Do post the link if u find some interesting video & share it with us.

But ahem.. don't scare us that we won't be able to ride for a few weeks. ha ha...

[sfowner]

shows it is worth checking left n right even if the light is in our favour.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=...d&v=Oq-Qm92QLjA

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgFMCdVvBKM

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=...d&v=rDX6fmoNPZM

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kvxKCV9Qmk...related&search=

 

 

graphic.

[yotsuga]

thanks man it really helps the newbie rider a lot

[sfowner]

You're welcome.

 

Riders please take note of additional lanes on Sheares Bridge.

This means narrower lanes and harder to squeeze.

So do exercise patience on this stretch as the cars do come very much closer to each other now.

 

Ride safe.

[Pplater]

60km/h and 65km'h makes a lot of difference. Don't believe?

 

Video link

http://sg.video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=298814

 

The maths

http://www.science.org.au/nova/058/058key.htm

 

Enjoy

 

I never knew exactly how to explain the sense of security i get travelling at 40 to 50 in the neighbourhood, and sometimes slowing to 30 where necessary. This is in spite of being comfortable travelling on 110 on the CTE at night when there are few cars and straight roads all clear ahead. Perhaps this video explains why.

[sfowner]

Our Traffic Police should be screening some of these public awareness messages on TV. Hardcore speeders won't bother, but everyone that it helps convince to slow down means saving lives.

[Pplater]

Posting this article, courtesy of Jingle who posted it in Chatterbox thread a long time back. Thought its good to share. Soem people react very rashly to other road users' bad/reckless behavior on the road, only to regret after the red mist has passed, or some just simply continue to do so everytime without remorse or caution on hindsight. Hope this article helps.

 

The 90/10 Principle

Author : Stephen Covey ( Management Guru)

 

 

 

Have you read this before?

 

Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle?

 

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?

 

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How?

 

By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

 

Let's use an example.

 

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the nex t will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minut e delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying go odbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

 

 

 

Why?

 

Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?

B) Did your daughter cause it?

C) Did the policeman cause it?

D) Did you cause it?

 

The answer is " D".

 

You had no control over what happened with the coffee.

 

How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

 

Here is what could have and should have happened .

 

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a

towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you

come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

 

 

 

Notice the difference?

 

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

 

Why? Because of how you REACTED.

 

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

 

 

 

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.

If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like wa ter on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

 

 

 

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?

 

Do you lose your temper?

 

Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)

 

Do you curse?

 

Does your blood pressure skyrocket?

 

Do you try and bump them?

 

WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

 

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

 

 

 

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

 

 

 

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.

The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle. The r esult? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life.

 

Bad days follow bad days.

 

Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged..

 

 

 

You can be different!

 

Understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

 

It CAN change your life.........!!!!!!!

[Pplater]

A cool road safety vid. Think before you act. Cause there aren't no time to regret bad decisions after sh*t happens.

 

http://www.livevideo.com/video/Maxxi/29293...real-world.aspx

[Spectrum]

Well said Pplater.. Keeping our cool goes a long way

Especially in road safety...

How would u react to a driver that almost cause u to crash...

cos he miss seeing u...

and could had cause u damage, pain or even your life?

[Spectrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Taxi06m.jpg

 

Seldom but Sometime I do take a taxi to work

and it is always interesting to engage the driver in conversation.

 

This particular Thursday morning was no different.

But what is discuss was... mmmm...

 

We exchange normal courtesy...

 

Then he says that he is rather uneasy about being on the road.

So me ask why?

He had an accident a few weeks ago... mmm..

With a motor cycle.

 

Upper Changi Rd turning into Xilin Ave towards ECP.

Car infront of him make the turn.

He stopped. Sees a Motorcycle & judge that he can safely make the right turn.

 

As he was about to complete the turn... the motorcyclist with pillion hit

the back of his taxi.

 

Time: 6-7am

 

Bike was completely smashed but miraculously escape serious injury.

 

His account: Biker should see him & his pax says the biker was lookin backwards.

Biker is a P-Plater

 

Did try to impress on him that he does not have the right of way.

And his judgement was poor. (he's 60+ in age)

And his mis-judged turn caused serious damage to a biker & his pillion.

But all he was concern was Fine $600 & 9 demerit pts.

 

Our conversation ended there as I had reached my destination.

But it left me with some serious thoughts.

 

Just a few months ago...

Another conversation...

 

Taxi driver tells me last nite... about 3am..

His friend had a serious accident with a Motorcyclist.

Motorcyclist badly injured.

 

Reason: His friend has poor vision cos did not take medicine.

 

Why they confer with me these stories...

I don't know...

But It sure does gives me a lot to think about.

 

I believe these are minority & the majority of drivers are Good.

But how do we deal with situatiion like these...

 

All I can say is to be able to stop if someone turns into your path.

 

A horn or flash of high beam my save the situation.

But always remember:

The right turning vehicle is one of the leading killer of bikers...

 

The Right of Way does not mean Survival thru the Junction.

[CAT]

Makes good sense to stay away from taxis whenever possible. Many of them are not good drivers. It doesn't help that they work long hours and may not be in the best of health. Some of the vehicles especially the older ones are very basic with outdated suspension and braking systems which will affect their handling and stopping capabilities. Overall just too many negatives.

[Spectrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/StreetSmart164mm.jpg

 

STREET SMART TIP OF THE DAY #164

 

This is an Important Question U must ask yourself...

Approaching any junctions...

All guards should be Up...

If u are relax with the "right of the way" mentality...

It maybe an expensive lesson which we may not be able to walk away from.

 

Speed should let us be able to stop well clear if the vehicle decides to turn into our path.

For whatever reasons...

And there are Plenty.

 

Watch the drivers...

Their actions & behaviour will always give a hint as to what they gonna do.

 

Horn or Flash them... if u need to.

And make sure they know u are comin...

 

Vechicles turning right still accounts for the major killer of bikes!

[Pplater]

Spotting the bad drivers-Getting out of the sticky situation before it arises.

 

Its possible to pick out majority of aggressive drivers and tailgators. When checking rear, those cars you notice which cut sharply into lane 1 or follow the car in front it using 1 second rule will tend to be the ones coming up to tailgate. When that happens and you're in lane 1 cruising because no one was previously in your rear, its time to get back to lane 2 or squeeze if thats your habit. Often, the rear car will come up fast and tailgate the car in front of you, and helps you "clear road"

 

Cars with a headlight/front design which looks fierce or aggressive normally have drivers with the same attitude which goes with the outlook of the car. Especially those with spoilers, nowadays even Nissan Sunny also want to be WRX wannabe

 

Drivers which tend to practice soft lane change are the ones you might prefer to be in front of. If they respect other road users, they tend to to be safer drivers. Normally the way they lane change and their safety distances gives you a preemption of their behavior. Blindspot mirrors suggest a higher possiblity it will not cut out suddenly, although not always true. By guessing their possible behavior before hey do their thing, we can reduce the chances of being tailgated, caught in the blindspot when they cut in.

 

Lastly, for small bikes being tailgated in heavy traffic and having no where to go, brake lightly, high rev and throw clutch. Its just enough power for a slight surge to pull ahead. By forcing them to slow down and then pulling ahead to increase the distance, you give them the chance to hold their constant speed and position. I've tried flashing intermittent many times. Its very very difficult for them to step the brake pedal a little bit longer to increase their distance behind you. Help them by slowing down and pulling ahead. This increased distance also gives them a chance to accelerate to overtake.

[w1n6]

Originally posted by Pplater@May 04, 2007 01:34 am

Lastly, for small bikes being tailgated in heavy traffic and having no where to go, brake lightly, high rev and throw clutch. Its just enough power for a slight surge to pull ahead. By forcing them to slow down and then pulling ahead to increase the distance, you give them the chance to hold their constant speed and position. I've tried flashing intermittent many times. Its very very difficult for them to step the brake pedal a little bit longer to increase their distance behind you. Help them by slowing down and pulling ahead. This increased distance also gives them a chance to accelerate to overtake.

Not a good idea to play with tailgating vehicle.

[Pplater]

Originally posted by w1n6@May 04, 2007 02:19 am

Not a good idea to play with tailgating vehicle.

Not to play. Its to signal my request for more space behind me. Its something i rarely do, as a last resort if i can't lane change to give way to him due to heavy traffic or i judge that is not safe to squeeze away. Normally i find that when you intermittent brake, they heck care. If you slow down gradually, they have to slow down even more than you to give you the space you need. Often, i find that slowing down is useless. They remain in the same position very close to me. I find slowing down a little to let the space in front of me open up, and then pulling ahead much more effective. If the driver is nice, he will maintain his constant speed and position behind me. If he speeds up to close the gap again, well, he wants to play and i dun play on public roads.

 

These days i rarely get a tailgator. I find that picking them out before they tailgate me gives me the chance to change lane to avoid them, and watch them go tailgate the car in front of me with much inward satisfaction, and waiting to see something happen to them, without involving me.