THINK LIKE A GUARDIAN
Whether biker, driver or both, some things to remember.
Having the right attitude—with an intent to responsibly look out for bikers and their safety—is the most important tool in a Guardian's toolkit.
All traffic situations are unique and include variables that may call for different courses of action (or inaction). The advice contained in our training is not meant to replace good judgement, instinct or common sense. Rather, these are suggestions—guides based on what researchers, safety experts and experienced motorists have reported.
Some recommendations may increase risk in a particular situation. If this is the case do not do them. Never do anything that might place you or someone else in danger.
Taking a hand off your wheel, beeping, documenting a road rage incident, or stopping at an accident scene may increase risk to yourself, the motorcyclist or others depending on the situation. Only perform our recommendations if you can do so safely.
Assess every situation independently and always use your best judgement, instinct and common sense before anything else.
All traffic situations are unique and include variables that may call for different courses of action (or inaction). The advice contained in our training is not meant to replace good judgement, instinct or common sense. Rather, these are suggestions—guides based on what researchers, safety experts and experienced motorists have reported.
Some recommendations may increase risk in a particular situation. If this is the case do not do them. Never do anything that might place you or someone else in danger.
Taking a hand off your wheel, beeping, documenting a road rage incident, or stopping at an accident scene may increase risk to yourself, the motorcyclist or others depending on the situation. Only perform our recommendations if you can do so safely.
Assess every situation independently and always use your best judgement, instinct and common sense before anything else.
SAFETY TRAINING ORGS & RESOURCES
One of the best US training programs we know of for handling an accident scene and treating a fallen biker is Road Guardians' Accident Scene Management training classes. For more information or to enroll in a class, visit Road Guardians' website.
We love this outfit, including because their training approach is fun and down to earth. Plus they have a wealth of easy-to-read, effective safety material & media that encompasses motorcycle accident scene protocols and trauma response. These include both of these two awesome resources below (the first is free to download), click the pics below:
p.s. we've also included their YouTubes in our video training gallery.
p.s. we've also included their YouTubes in our video training gallery.
ARRIVE ALIVE VIDEO SERIES
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ROAD SAFETY VIDEO LIBRARY
ATTENTION, PERCEPTION AND MOVEMENT
This entertaining video explains how a combination of attention, visual and perceptual issues result in accidents with motorcyclists, and what can be done to mitigate them. Although made for motorcyclists, the same principles apply to drivers. Below is a summary of the issues and actionable takeway points for Guardians.
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Issue Drivers can miss motorcyclists when scanning quickly. Takeaway Slower scanning will make motorcyclists more visible. Issue Accidents are more likely to occur in residential streets due to lowered vigilance and peripheral blindness. A driver is more likely to not see a motorcycle in a familiar area because their peripheral vision "fills in the blanks" with what they're used to seeing (ie. not a motorcycle). Takeaway Exercise heightened care for motorcyclists in residential areas.
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Issue Selective Attention: a motorist's subconscious notices potential dangers (other cars), and ignores non-threats like motorcycles. Issue Static objects (like bikes stopped at an intersection) are less visible, and motion gets attention. Takeaway Experienced motorists do a good job of "reading" other stopped drivers. Establishing eye contact is a great way of both predicting their next move as well as getting their attention. If you feel that a proximate motorcyclist may be at risk—usually due to another driver's apparently not seeing them—you can gesture emphatically with your hands. This can be done inside your car. However, you're more likely to get noticed if you gesture with one hand outside of your window. If you feel there is increased or imminent danger--for example if a driver appears likely to pull out into a biker's path--you can honk to get the driver's attention while gesturing. The gesture we feel is most effective is repeating a pointing motion towards the direction of the motorcyclist. Some use scenarios: another car is ready to turn left in front of an approaching biker; or another car is ready to pull out from a stop sign. Safety caveat If you're gesturing outside your window, make sure there are no risks to your arm, including approaching motorcycles or bicycles. Do not gesture or take your hands off the wheel if it is unsafe for you to do so. |
THE SMIDSY
THE MOST COMMON CAR-ON-MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
THE MOST COMMON CAR-ON-MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
BE
THEIR EYES AND EARS
THEIR EYES AND EARS
There are situations where a motorist may have a better vantage point than a motorcyclist or other involved motorist or pedestrian and can proactively warn them of a risky situation. This is especially the case for truck and SUV drivers and others who generally have a higher vantage point and more visibility for situational awareness than bikers, especially if their vehicles are interfering with a biker’s ability to see. This is most common in an urban street when a car or pedestrian is crossing in front of a bus or other large vehicle and into a moving biker’s path (see Hall of Heroes for other video examples). A hand sign outside a window for the motorcyclist, another vehicle or a pedestrian to stop or slow down, or beeping to get any of these party’s attention, can be the course of action that can save someone's life
HOW TO SAVE
A MOTORCYCLIST'S LIFE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
A MOTORCYCLIST'S LIFE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
MISC
BIKER GUARDIAN NEWS
• We're developing an app to gamify motorcycle safety training based on Biker Dope's app-driven biker game played in the real world--Biker Quest
• We're adding training materials as our curriculum develops
• Please return here for updates
