On average about a quarter of motorcycle fatalities every year happen on rural roads often on a corner where the road changes direction.

This 5 minute video features a police advanced motorcyclist who shares some of his experiences to help riders plan for what you can see, what you can’t see or realistically expect to happen. The video looks at limit points, what they are and why they are important to help riders tackle left, right and a series of corners on a rural road.

The short video sequence will visually highlight the skills necessary and the principals, which should be adopted to safely negotiate bends.

THE TWO SECOND RULE is a simple, effective way to work out the MINIMUM distance for following another vehicle in good road and weather conditions.t

In bad weather the distance should be doubled.

When the car in front passes a convenient landmark, such as a bridge or road sign.

Count one second – Count two seconds.
Alternatively, if you say ‘Only a fool breaks the two second rule’ fairly slowly this should take two seconds.

If you pass the landmark before you have counted two seconds, you are too close. Drop back and try the test again.

SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE

‘Never drive so fast that you cannot stop comfortably on your own side of the road, within the distance you can see to be clear.’

Be aware of:

1. The braking capabilities of your vehicle.
2. The type and condition of the road surface – in slippery or wet conditions braking distances increase greatly.
3. The effects of cornering, braking and vehicle balance on tyre grip.

Hazard Management.

Correct use of the five phases of the system will give you a safe and methodical approach to hazards.

What is a Hazard?

Basically, anything which is potentially dangerous. Use your skills to recognize a hazard, plan for it and take the appropriate action.

The Three main categories of Hazard are:

1. Physical features such as junctions, roundabouts and bends.
2. The position or movement of other road users.
3. Problems arising from variations in the road surface, weather and visibility.

Additional Roadside Hazards:

1. Pedestrians – especially children.
2. Parked vehicles – and their occupants.
3. Pedal cycles – once again, especially children.
4. Concealed junctions.

For hazards on the near side it may be more appropriate to steer a course closer to the crown of the road. This would have the benefits of (a) giving you a better view, (b) providing more space to manoeuvre should it be necessary, and (c) allow you to dominate your road position and convey your intentions to other road users.

However, the principle of safety should never be sacrificed for position!

Want a clear conscience?

Then you must…

• M atch your vehicles speed and direction to the traffic.
• O bserve accurately.
• R isks identified and kept to a minimum.
• A ttention kept to a high level.
• A wareness of road and traffic situations.
• L imitations, know yours and the vehicles.
• S kilful use of the vehicle controls.

Observation

The foundation of good driving is the ability to use sight, hearing and even smell to gain information about driving conditions.

Open your eyes:-

Most people only look at what is going on directly in front of them. Look in the distance as far as you can see then check out the middle distance before returning to the foreground. Check the sides and rear of the vehicle to build a bigger picture of all that is happening about you. Use all your mirrors and turn your head (it wont fall off!).

Look for other clues to give you an advanced warning of hazards.
Reflections in shop windows, tree lines, eye contact with other drivers, cross views and other road users position, speed etc are just some of the aids available to you.

Know and read road signs. These will give you an advance warning of hazards that you can build into your driving plan.