Photo by elroySF
As motorcycle riders we face dangers every time we hit the road. We are smaller and less visible than any other vehicle on the highway; the public is often unable to see us. We are riding on roads that were designed for four-wheeled traffic, which puts us at a disadvantage at sensor-based traffic lights. Even the simple act of balancing the bike can be thwarted by a careless pedestrian or curious dog. We take risks simply by climbing on the back of the bikes that bring us so much pleasure. So, how do we sanely undertake an activity that brings with it such danger?
Riders who have taken safety courses know that to successfully ride we must “manage” our risk. Even smart bikers who have not taken a course know there are things to do, or not to do, that will enable them to better survive each ride they take. We:
- wear as much protective gear as we feel is necessary to remain safe/comply with local laws.
- make ourselves as visible as possible with our clothing and behavior.
- ride attentively keeping an eye out for unseen hazards like animals, lazy drivers, and changing road conditions.
But what about open hostility? How do you deal with a driver who will not safely share the road with you? In other words, how do you deal with a driver exhibiting signs of road rage? My recommendation: back off; stay as far away from those lunatics as possible. In fact, learn to identify those drivers before they become a problem. According to an article at the Chicago Tribune that may not be as difficult as it sounds. William Szlemk, a social psychologist at Colorado State University reports:
Drivers of cars with bumper stickers, window decals, personalized license plates and other “territorial markers” not only get mad when someone cuts into their lane or is slow to respond to a traffic light, they also are far more likely than others to use their vehicles to express rage —by honking, tailgating and other aggressive behavior.
Are all cars with bumper stickers piloted by “road ragers?” Maybe not. But maybe this trick will help you sharpen your road rage radar.
What idiots have you encountered while riding your bike? Share your stories in the comments below.
5 comments
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July 6, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Mike Martin
fortunately, I stick to the dirt so I don’t have to worry about crazy drivers. However, I just turned 16, and road raged drivers are scary in a car, they must be terrifying on a bike. Your tips are great though, and when followed should reduce injuries on road bikes
July 7, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Poo
Great post, it’s good to see someone confirming what I have thought all along. With the types of comments and messages that people blatantly display with stupid bumper stickers, you just have to wonder sometimes. The classic “If you dont like my driving dial 1-800-EAT-SHIT” sums it all up quite nicely…
July 7, 2008 at 4:10 pm
harleymac1
Great post! There are always idiots out there that we must share the road with. We all have to remember that we don’t have that protective cage around us like auto drivers so we must avoid road rage at all costs. A few years ago here in Indy a cab driver did not like how long it was taking a mc rider to leave a light. He honked and the biker flipped him off. As they made the turn the cab driver passed the bike on a double yellow line and proceeded to slam on his brakes, forcing the bike to do his best to avoid him. Unfortunately, his escape was to try to pass the cab on the left which put him in oncoming traffic where he was hit head on. One less motorcyclist. Don’t fight back. Just let the idiots go!
July 7, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Jason
@ Poo:
Absolutely. And I find it interesting that the messages didn’t seem to make a difference. The article said it was just the presence of these things that ID’ed the ragers.
@harleymac1
Wow. I hate to hear stories like that. Those are total “lose/lose” situations.
July 8, 2008 at 6:48 pm
rick
Nice job! Thanks for reinforcing the basics we often overlook.