What should you do if an oncoming vehicle seems ready to cross your path?
What should you do if an oncoming vehicle seems ready to cross your path?
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A.
Speed up and move right in your lane
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B.
Speed up and move left in your lane
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C.
Slow down and move right in your lane
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D.
Slow down and move left in your lane
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The correct answer is D
Correct. This gives the driver of the other vehicle more time to see you.
Anticipating danger with oncoming vehicles
Always assume that if a driver could cross your path, it's possible. We're all fallible and when riding a motorbike you represent a fast-moving object with a small profile which is difficult to see. It is easy to ride in blind spots, and you are easy to miss, especially if you aren't wearing high-visibility clothing.
The scenarios where another driver might pull out in front of you:
- Pulling out from the kerb - you haven't positioned yourself far enough right and a driver looking over their shoulder can't see you (note that with your potential speed, you can cover a lot of ground quickly)
- Pulling out from a blind intersection - some intersections are difficult to see from, especially if there are larger vehicles parked near their entrance. When you approach an intersection, give yourself more of a buffer and more chance of being seen by moving away from it. I.e. if it's an intersection to the left, you will move to the right of the lane, and if it's on the right you'll move to the left of your lane. With crossroads, keep an eye on both sides as you approach.
- Overtaking on a motorway or dual carriageway - if this happens then the driver hasn't checked the blind spot and it means you are riding in it. Get used to not riding in drivers' blind spots.
