Dealing with Cyclists, Motorcyclists, Mopeds, Horses
Many car drivers often forgot that except them the road is also used by other people. Among theme there are cyclists, Bikers, horse riders, moped riders and so on.
In order not to annoy all these people and make the road nice for everyone read these useful tips and hints.
Motorcycles:
There are few motorcycles on roads, much fewer than cars, vans, trucks. That’s why they are often ignored by other drivers. Out of thousands of people injured or killed on the US roads every year bikers make up majority as they are 40 times ore likely to be killed than a car driver. To get these figures down, keep in mind:
* A motorcycle often looks like to be further than it is really as they are very small. It is rather difficult to define their actual speed as it always seems that they are moving faster. That’s why it would be better for a driver to assume that the bike ahead is closer than it seems.
* As the bikes are small in size they can easily get into blind spots of a motorist or outside objects, such as trees or fences, can mask them. If you are intending to change lanes or turn into a junction make sure that there are no motorcycles on the road.
* When slowing down the bikers often don’t hit the brake as motorists do but gently let the throttle down. That’s why you can’t see the brake light every time the biker reduces the speed. So you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the bike ahead ? 4 ? 5 seconds is standard but perhaps it is better to allow even more.
* Motorcyclists in most cases try to adjust their position on the road. There may occur exceptions of course, but most bikers change lane only in case of necessity.
* Bikes are able to carry out maneuvers when driving in good road conditions but you shouldn’t rely only on their driving skills. Be very attentive and careful.
Cyclists:
* When you notice a cyclist on the road ahead you should always slow down. Keep in mind that bicycles are considered to be vehicles as well so you should treat them with corresponding respect as any other motorist on the road.
* Be patient and give them more time for turning and when crossing junctions. If you behave in intolerant manner this will do no good.
* Give the cyclist as much room as possible when passing him\her. The distance between your car and the cycle should be at least 3 feet.
* Be very attentive; remember that as the cycles are small in size it is rather difficult to spot them.
* Although most of cyclists are sound people there are odd exceptions. Some of them jump into the bike without thinking, without wearing reflective or protective cloths and without caring about other drivers and road rules.
* Any car driver should be especially attentive and careful when opening the vehicle’s doors. A lot of cyclists are injured with car doors opened into their way.
Slow Moving Traffic ? Mopeds, Horses etc
If you deal with high speed moped (50 mph and more) use the same instructions as listed above for bikes. If the moped is of slower kind you should treat it according to rules for cycles.
The following tips should be followed if there is a horse rider on a road:
* Make sure that there is enough room for horse and rider. Reduce your speed and pass very carefully.
* Forget of beeping when the horse is close to your car. Loud sounds can frighten the animal and in this case its behavior is unpredictable.
* If the horse and rider are on narrow road, you’d better slow down and wait until it is is not dangerous to overtake.
* Don’t try to overtake if the horse is scared. Stop an wait for the rider to control the animal and calm it down.
* No need to say that you should dip the headlight when passing at night.
Geoffrey Thomson
Technorati tags: Cyclists on the Road, Motocycles and Cars, Mopeds on the Road