S a s h a M u l l i n s
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IRON BIKER NEWS 5/99 ROAD RAGE. Were all guilty of it. Disrespect is the first attack we will feel as victims of reckless driving behavior. "How dare they f*&k with my ride and me" fuels us into action the ego-defense mechanism kicks-in and we seethe with anger. We interpret the irresponsibility, lack of courtesy or thought, whether from stupidity, selfishness or inexperience as an invasion of our existence, because it downright is! Were not surrounded by metal and could easily suffer grave injury from another drivers carelessness. Rage fires up and we seek revenge. However, once enraged we have the potential to drive recklessly too. The March 1999 issue of AAAs Car & Travel states that "the problem with aggressive drivers is worse than ever federal officials have reported that two-thirds of the fatalities in the United States are attributable to aggressive driving." A figure not to be ignored. Read the Signs We read maps to plot our intended route. All along the way, we watch the signs leading us to our destination. We study, read, interpret, decide and follow the directions. If we can read a road map, we can interpret vehicular actions and driver body language as tell tale signs of impending trouble. These are the behavioral clues that let us anticipate a move that could take us down. Whos Behind The Wheel and Is The Wheel Even Attached? Were vulnerable on our scoots, so its important to understand that our best defense is awareness to protect ourselves. We cant ride "free" if we are not aware of our vehicular surroundings. The way a driver handles their vehicle and communicates is our first assessment. Blinkers, brake lights, hand signals, lane changes, positioning and speed serve as the mechanical "body" language. The exterior condition of the vehicle is another important piece of determining evidence. Is the muffler dragging, the door panel kicked in, tail light smashed, blue smoke pouring out? The attention span of the person behind the wheel carries a message that serves as a screaming beacon. Whos driving the cage? Are they cruising one-arm gangster lean style yacking on a cell phone; is it a car full of rowdy teenagers; an elderly person sitting so far below seat height that visibility is a thumbnail sketch, a disciplinarian swatting at their unruly kids in the backseat; a confused traveler lane weaving to some mystery street; a new driver struggling with technicalities; an the indie-500 wannabe; or a bored trucker playing cat and mouse? Where is the driver emotionally and mentally? Are they angry, sad, dreamy, spacey, egotistical, or suffering from dementia? People are loaded with emotional turmoil and unfortunately project it from behind the wheel. In New York, as in other melting pot cities and towns, cultures from various countries continue to practice their driving methods here in America, which wreaks havoc. Some believe that since America means freedom that means freestyle driving too. I had a foreign cabby cut me off and tell me that a motorcycle has no right to a full lane. There are many licensed drivers not able to speak or interpret the English language; therefore, they cannot understand American driving rules or road signs. (Unfortunately, I think that goes for some American born folks too). Not knowing whos behind the wheel leads to situations that can brew a strong cup of insane road rage which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities . . . all potential scenarios that folks comment "should have never happened." Avoiding Road Rage The Eyes Have It How can we ward off road rage? How can we make peace with the surrounding traffic? Patience to deflect careless reaction and anticipation to determine what the other driver is gonna do, is a start. Take the responsibility to learn what is happening around you. A visual edge is the best defense. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation uses the acronym SIPDE to make judgments and take action in traffic. It stands for: S can I dentify P redict D ecide E xecute Watching body and vehicular language "the signs," coupled with strong rider skills reduces the element of surprise and gives us the time to make decisions. Scan the surroundings and ahead to search for potential hazards. Identify hazard types such as other vehicles, people or animals, or road conditions, etc, to avoid any potential conflicts. Predict what the potential hazard might do and decide a course of action. Once the decision is made, execute your plan. Ride in a Space Cushion Creating space around the bike buys us time to anticipate the moves of other drivers and separate ourselves from potential hazards. Remain aware of your space surroundings at all times, whether riding country roads or highways. Avoid getting boxed in. If an aggressive tailgater invades your space, the best way to disarm their recklessness is to wave them on or move aside to maintain your space. Riding with a surrounding space cushion allows for an easy escape from unforeseen circumstances too. Sight Unseen The main excuse for a cager taking a biker down is "didnt see the motorcycle," and visa-verse for us. My humble opinion here is not that we are always "invisible" but that we are not SEEN as legitimate, moving, highway vehicles. Were also acknowledged as a superior level of bicycle with equal flexibility to just stop and move out of the way, a recreation that belongs tooling along the road shoulder. The more of a presence we can make, the more aware we make the other driver. (And yes I do believe loud pipes get attention and, as a result, probably do save lives.) Of course, we cant only rely on our being visible to other drivers. We have to have the bionic eye and superhero strategies to separate our riding experience from destructive road rage and the reckless driving behaviors of others, so that we can enjoy a safe, relaxing ride. Reckless drivers must be made aware of the dangers to others and themselves because of aggressive driving behavior. Just as we read a road map and plot our trip, we need to read the signs of potential danger and plot the moves of other drivers so that we can avoid becoming victims of road rage and arrive safely and peacefully, not in pieces, to our destination. And, yes, The Ride Shall Still Set You Free even in traffic P.S. For more information on strategies for defensive motorcycle riding pickup this book, its great: The Motorcycle Safety Foundations Guide To Motorcycling Excellence by Whitehorse Press. © 1999 |
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