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Recently went on a trip with my lovely wife two up on the Street Glide. After passing through a green light someone up ahead decided they wanted to suddenly turn left into a gas station causing a sudden stop. Thankfully, through training I've learned to have the proper distance AND to check my mirrors for rearward hazards. So, I braked hard and even, looked in mirrors and could tell the car behind me likely was not going to stop fast enough so I moved over to the right into shoulder and sure enough he came screeching past us about two feet to our left and missed the car ahead of me by less than a foot. Training saved our lives and saved our romantic trip we were going on. It increased my wife's trust in my riding and earned me some cool points in her eyes.
You know I'll listen carefully to what you were talking about and I've been driving high performance road racing sports cars for years and that's the way I drive my car on the street that's the only way to survive especially in heavy traffic I live in Charlotte or near Charlotte North Carolina and if you don't watch the intersections you're dead
That's, in my opinion, the single most important thing to remember while riding. I've seen too many riders in hospital beds because they had the right of way and assumed other drivers will pay attention/respect it.
This advice is good for car drivers, too. A while back, I was stopped at a light in a small north Georgia town. Light turned green. I was just about to go, but - as is my habit - took a quick look to my right and to my left. On the left I saw a huge semi approaching the light kinda fast. Decided to wait just a bit to make sure he was gonna stop. He didn't. Barreled through the intersection at 30-40 mph. If I had left when the light turned green, I would not be here today.
I got into an accident years ago when I proceeded after just getting the green, a car blew the red and I t-boned them good & hard. the cop that responded to the accident said that I could theoretically get a ticket because green means "proceed if safe to do so" and it clearly wasn't safe! Now, I always wait a beat or two before going through on a green if I'm first.
Very good advice. I have seen that stuff many times from all types of drivers. I even double check while driving my truck. Assume other drivers do not obey driving laws !!!!!!
This happened to me last month on the bike. Light turned green and for ~2 seconds but this fool in a white crown Vic ran the light. My girl and I would surely be dead or critical. If only I had my gopro on at the time.
All good habits to maintain. In addition, it's a good idea when coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, modulate your brake lights to get the attention of motorists approaching from behind.
I do that with the front brake, and stop the last 10 MPH with the rear brake, that I've set so it doesn't activate the brake light... It's also a good habit to do when the light turns green and cars are approaching from behind. Also if you don't trigger a light and you're sitting there especially at night the cars coming up from behind might not see you and they'll trigger the light to change before they reach the line, so I'll run the light if I don't see any other cars.
You forgot to mention that you’re supposed to rev your bike while stopped at a red light. Have to show everyone how much money you spent on your sick exhaust! In all seriousness, when coming to a stop, I always go to one side of the lane where a) I can see or be seen the easiest by cars ahead and behind (think a red light around a corner) or b) Where I am the safest (aka not getting foot ran over or plowed into). I’m always lined up to pull out of the way if needed. I see people stop 1ft behind the middle of a car’s bumped and that’s just asking to become a motorcycle sandwich. Thanks for the great safety tips! I’m hitting a year of riding in a few days and know I wouldn’t be near as safe without your videos!
My 07 ultra Glide classic doesn't sound nearly as mean as my 81 shovel head. I cut the baffles and wading out of the 2007 and she is still a quiet bike.
I love the simplicity of these vids, which makes total sense. Admittedly I WAS, up until this vid, one of those who put it in neutral at stop lights & put both feet down. However, when I enter an intersection as the first vehicle on my bike or in my car, I always - 100% of the time - look both ways because I trust no one, a habit I’ve been doing for decades.
THANK YOU MCrider. That is only the first time in 40 years that apart from my driving instructor in the late 1970's, I have heard someone else point out that all driver must treat the green light at a junction as a give way. ALWAYS check and make sure the crossing traffic has stopped. Too often I have seen vehicles in front of me pull up fast or be hit by crossing traffic jumping their red light. Checking crossing traffic will add about one or two seconds each time you pass through a traffic light controlled junction on a green. Small price to pay for making sure you see your loved ones at the end of a good days riding out.
Came across an accident yesterday, man down, no helmet or gear, in his late 60's...head, arm and leg broke. I love my gear even in our (AZ)100 degree weather. Thanks for your dedicated help. 🙏❤
JR Arizona Patriot - Totally agree. I work outside (Professional Land Surveyor - "Greater Phoenix Area") - and as soon as I get home, I love to take a spin on THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 - Just got back from "my therapy" (riding). High VIS Jacket, Gloves, Jeans (sorry), Full Face Helmet and my work boots - which go way above the ankle - 111° at my house today, and I don't care if it's over 120° - I'm going riding - WITH ALL MY GEAR ON.... "Period".... Best.
gemini232003 The only person saying “everything out there “ is you and you alone. The reason you threw out the “everything out there “ thing is because you are making a feeble attempt to cover your asinine comments about riding gear. Obviously it doesn’t protect you from everything out there, that’s why you said it, hoping to dilute the facts with an obvious statement. It’s transparent and I’m not buying into your ridiculous argument. I’ll take my chances with gear over no gear but don’t insult my intelligence with a lame statement like everything out there.
gemini232003 I garner from your last comment that you are completely clueless as to what I just said. I don’t think it’s humanly possible to have missed a point more than you did. You might as well have said, oh yea, well Judy Garland is the power forward for the Chicago Bulls. You simply did not grasp what I said. Did you even read my comment? Damm dude.
The best thing you said was your comment about squeezing the front brake repeatedly to fladh your brake light to be better seen by traffic pulling up behind you. I can't tell you how many times I have done that and it has a definite effect on people. You can literally see the change in their focus as the approach and stop.
All excellent techniques. Here in Texas we have many intersections where a road crosses above or below an Interstate highway that have a signal light for the service or access road on each side of the highway. The lights are often timed such that when you leave the first light the second light is just turning green when you arrive. I have seen many accidents, including a motorcycle fatality, where the vehicle passing through the second light was hit by a driver on the access road. When you are riding up to a light that has just changed to green, pause for a moment and look carefully before entering the intersection.
Really good video. One additional point is that when you stop ensure there is a suitable distance between you and the vehicle in front. It's key to have enough space to move forward out of any danger, your escape path. All too often bikes will stop way too close to the vehicle in front "blocking" them self in. All good tips. Ride safe.
50 years ago I had a fast 80 C.I. 37 knuckle head chopper, w/ suicide clutch, setting at a red light I head tiers squalling close behind me, the intersection was clear so I dumbed the clutch and left my passenger sitting the street, the car stopped about 2 feet away, Looking back at my friend setting there, I’ll never forget that look of fear on his face, I never trust cars to stop behind me or at red lights, I cuss myself when I forget to look both way at an intersection! On an MC, death is only seconds away, typically I ask myself, is death waiting for me at that next intersection, it’s worked for me for 59 years! Ride to live, live to ride!
Thanks Kevin, you always provide great information. I just went thru my basic rider course and passed, so I will be getting my licenses sometime this week. I haven't done much riding on the open road so the class was very informative to me. I am looking to get my bike within a few months but will continue to view your youtube videos while I wait to get my bike. Thanks again for all the information that you put out.
Another good video, thank you! Towards the end, your comments "never put your safety in the hands of others" and "take responsibility for your own safety" applies throughout all aspects of life.
Much like a lifetime of martial arts training, self awareness and avoidance are the 1st steps to staying out of trouble. Really enjoying your tips and learning new ideas, even after years of riding. Thank you.
Well I have carpel tunnel in both hands and I can't hold the clutch for a full light cycle so I don't. I stop go to neutral wait 20 seconds and go to first. No you won't wear out the clutch plates but you will wear out the throw out bearing or bushing depending on your bike...
I will admit being in neutral at red lights, more so due to clutch hand fatigue; however, since watching Kevin's "tutorials", when I choose to go into neutral it's now dependent on volume of cars in front/back of me, time of day (peak vs. off peak hours), and I now keep my hands on handlebars while surveying with my head/eyes on a "swivel"....thank you for your knowledge and wisdom Kevin....God Bless you....amen
This is why lane splitting can be an important safety maneuver. When approaching an intersection for a stop, I like to get between two cars if possible. It protects me from being rear-ended by a driver not paying attention. And yes, this has happened to me. Thankfully it was low speed and neither I nor my bike suffered any damage. I did have a “discussion” with the driver of that car, though.
I live in a rural town and the only time I'm in traffic is when I need to go to the city. Not being used to city traffic I welcome the stop at the traffic light to give my left wrist a rest after all the gear changed in relation to stop/start traffic but I always wait until the car behind stops. I have combined brakes so it doesn't really matter if I use the foot or hand brake as the result is the same. The road camber and or surface often dictates which foot goes down first and with my partner on board it's both feet down.
In Australia we ride on the opposite side of the road to you guys and on some roads there is a lot of camber. On these roads I have to put both feet down as I'm a shorter rider on a taller bike. If I just use my left foot I have to stretch me leg further and lean my bike. Plus if there is any oil or gravel on the road it will be slippery and my foot could slide out from under me. Both feet down is more stable and I keep the front break on.
My bike weighs 712 pounds. I do make sure I'm in 1st gear, but I do keep both feet firmly on the ground. Especially with me and a passenger, it approaches 1,000 pounds or more... I'll stick with both feet down. And yes, I do leg exercises, make sure I'm strong .
I had a car not see stopped traffic and drove straight through me and folded me into the car in front! I broke three vertebrae in my back, punctured lung, several other broken bones, and my front and rear tyre were physically touching one another! This was 2005, I was young but I still have major health issues as a result. I still ride and always will, but the most important part I felt this video touched on is ALWAYS be aware of what’s behind you, all around you in fact, but behind especially! Safe travels friends
At the stoplight, I don't always hold the clutch in admittedly, I know you should, but what I do always when stopping, is look into my rearview mirror and always keep my hand on the handlebars so I can quickly put her in gear. Also at every stop at a light, I look for an escape route in case a car comes in too hot.
Three weeks ago, here in Battle Ground, WA---Experienced rider on an Indian, entered notorious intersection (notorious for accidents) near my house. He was headed to work as a Manager for a motorcycle accessories business. He was killed when a pickup driver ran the red, while the motorcyclist was entering the intersection. Could have, would have, should have used more precautions like you teach, I think.
Another very common accident at intersections: 3 or more cars stopped at red light waiting for green light. Red light turns green so drivers begin moving forward. First car stops (i.e.waiting for pedestrian in crosswalk before completing right turn, etc.) Third car rear ends second car. Drivers see the green, assume it's safe to go, then look down to finish futzing with radio, phone, etc. Always look behind you and keep room for safety in front of you!!
Some jurisdictions allow for 'lane filtering' or 'lane splitting' by Motocycles. Its a valuable way of keeping bikes and cars separated .. exc when a vehicle runs a red light just as the lane splitter gets to the front of the traffic awaiting for the green light. The motorcycle rider is concentrating on riding between the 2 front cars, missing mirrors etc and does not think to check left and right before blasting away from the stationary traffic .. Statistically he's going to get hit and be seriously injured or worse. If its a stale red light, don't lane split.
life saving advices as always. in greece lane splitting is allowed when traffic light is red.... i commute to work and back 62 klms a day i always end up in front of stopped cars so neutral it is.. but when im stopping first in light allways 1st gear in and eyes on my back.... always checking intersections before starting
Loves these video's, thanks man!!! Red-light at intersection is something I am very scared of. Seen so many cars riding the red light. I've got an automatic / CVT . Left handlebar is the rear brake. It's a wide m-cycle so I keep in my lane, but see others squeeze between cars to get up front. Common in Holland, even during traffic running slowly.
I have driven well over three million miles professionally and I am a former motorcycle rider. ( BMW Paris /Dakar.) these are out standing lessons you are putting out there. I too have done work to promote traffic Safety and it seems like an uphill battle. Stay energized and Keep up the good work!
The last thing you do when the light turns green is to go. You first look left, then right, then left again. Then look for left turners. As soon as you pull away, put your feet on the pegs, they are of no use when dragging along the ground
I was sitting at a red light a few years back in my car with a friend as passenger. The light changed, and my friend teased me "Hey, Ed. The light's green." About the time he said "green" a car ran the red light and went through the intersection. I replied "I like to wait for everyone to finish running the light before going." He just sat there speechless for a while and finally said "We coulda died." LOL Good video. I've ridden for 54 years and these are the habits I've learned.
If your hand gets cramped from squeezing the clutch: 1. Practice. 2. Adjust the clutch cable and lever so it's the least uncomfortable. 3. Clean and lube the cable, if it's cable-operated. 4. Buy a Kawasaki. :-) When I tried my Kawi, I was very pleasantly surprised by the lightness of the clutch. Then I tried a few other kawasakis, and they all had this light pull. It helps a little.
Dallas, TX is by far the worst city I've experienced when it comes to a-holes plowing through intersections 3, 5, even 10 seconds after their light has turned red. It can happen anywhere but it was literally a daily occurrence during a recent extended stay in Dallas
Not clutch plates, but how about throwout bearing? I'm not sure if the bearing is on the drive or driven side. If it's on the drive side holding the clutch in would be wearing that bearing but I bet it's on the driven side.
John Ridley In 47 yrs of riding & +300K miles, I’ve only replaced one clutch & that was on a Harley Ultra with 100k miles. To me, that is a none argument. Besides a clutch is a lot cheaper than an avoidable hospital trauma bill or a funeral.
I live in Florida and when a traffic light turns red you can bet two, or more autos will run that red light. Here in Florida if they are driving any vehicle other than a motorcycle they are trying to kill you with it.
Right foot on the ground when you have a female passenger looking around and taking pictures, or in my case have nerve damage, weak legs, and a bouncing GF.
I rode passenger for a few years before getting my own RK (\m/). It’s just as much her responsibility to keep you upright as it is yours. Teach her how to be a safer passenger.
Big shout out to Guido, Scenic app (Scenic@motomappers.com). I was rear-ended on my Ducati by a hit and run driver while waiting for a red light to change a few weeks ago and his app, that I use every time I ride, provides time and location and motion/speed data that is very helpful for the police. Be safe out there. Wear all your gear. Watch your mirrors and plan your exit. I would add though that given this experience I'm not sure there really is time to react. I know I didn't have time.
I don't ride a bike. I would love to but I know guys that have been busted up on them and they are never the same. Excellent advice though if I ever decide to get a bike.
Some bikes do have very stiff clutches... I'd suggest they check to see if that's the case (and get a bike with normal clutch pull). I rode an old Ducati once that would have fatigued the hand of Thanos.
It's very rare that I disagree with Kevin, but this is one occasion that I do. If you're stationary, keeping the clutch pulled in means that if anything happens and your hand is knocked off the clutch lever, the bike will jerk violently forwards, or worse still, land on top of you with the engine in gear and your leg being sawn off by a spinning chain. It sounds dramatic but it has happened. You should be assessing following traffic long before you come to a stop, and always position yourself to the outside of your lane, firstly to be seen in two mirrors of the car in front, and secondly so you have an escape route if the driver behind is staring at their phone and isn't braking. It's bad practice to rely on always putting one particular leg down when coming to a stop, you need to be equally proficient with both. There are multiple scenarios where you'd use either foot, so getting used to leaving the machine in neutral, anchoring the bike with the front brake and being ready to pop it into 1st and hammer away at a moment's notice is best practice. In my humble opinion. Plus, it's easier on arthritic hands ;) stay safe
It's worth noting, that the green light doesn't give you the right of way automatically. The right of way first goes to anybody that lawfully entered the intersection to clear it. This will depend a bit state to state, but often you're allowed to enter the intersection on a yellow, but not when it's red. So, the yellow is either a proceed or stop based upon whether the light turns red before you've entered the intersection. The result, is that that traffic has the right of way until it's cleared the intersection. You can also wind up with situations where a motorcycle has used a dead red law to enter the intersection. Once that vehicle is lawfully in the intersection, it doesn't matter if you now have a green, you still don't have the right of way until the traffic clears the intersection. You see this most often on signals with left turn arrows that go separately from the green to go straight. The motorcyclist would be fine to enter against the green arrows provided no other traffic is turning. Technically, somebody who runs a red probably doesn't have any rights here, but you'd be a fool to not let them to clear the intersection anyways.
A rider was killed when he was rear eneded at an intersection here where I live. I'm surprised you didn't suggest watching the rear view mirror. I position myself so I can quickly get between 2 cars if necessary.
@ 3:00", I'm not that knowledgeable about motorcycles but when you depress the clutch on a car you are engaging the throw-out bearing. Extended use of the throw-out bearing will result in premature failure. So, while it not technically part of the clutch it is part of the clutch mechanism. Since the clutch is spinning while the engine is running I trust there is an equivalent to a car throw-out bearing to wear? Please enlighten me.
Own your lane I see many riders going all over they're lane. Drive it like you own that lane this will keep most drivers from passing you in your lane. Signal your intentions, no one but you knows where you are going to go. :)
Clutch squeezed all time on stop not always right thing to do. Ir red light is longer, always put on N gear, always right hand fingers on brakes. If stopping using both brakes or front. If riding slowly - use rear brakes..
@@MCrider With what point?Arguments? Braking with both brakes stops bike faster than only 1. Rear brake usage helps "hold" bike on slower maneuvers.. Squeeze clutch all the time if is long stop light - only your choice. Do you do the same if you drive car with stick (Manual transmission)? And maybe it's differs depending of what style bike you ride? What is that few important things you teach new riders on your practical riding lessons? + What technique are teached to students about break and clutch usage - how many fingers should they use to squeeze thous leavers?
Can a Burgman 200 go 60 to 65 on a long ride at that speed and not hurt the bike One more question an MP3 500 Piaggio is good bike and I wonder being it’s a foreign bike so it would be hard to have Service on it do you think Love All Your advice
I just got rear-ended by a guy who obviously wasn't watching what was going on ahead of him. I was in my car at the time and didn't get hurt. If I was on my motorcycle I would probably be seriously hurt and still in the hospital right now. The guy hit me doing about 45 miles per hour.
In the UK the stats on being rear ended whilst on a motorcycle are rare at only 2% of accidents recorded however I believe that they are greater in the USA about 9%. I maybe wrong but I may be right. I must admit that I don't like the idea of staying in gear with brakes on and clutch held in. Certainly not for several minutes at a time. Maybe for seconds but not for minutes., However in our Highway Code it does and always has recommended that if staying stationary for any length of time one should turn off the engine. I don't like that either but just recently with the new green earth policy [ excessive carbon being released into the atmosphere whilst stationary ] some police forces in the UK are prosecuting motorists who don't turn their engines off whilst at lights or stopped in normal traffic queue situations,, road works etc. The other question or rather consequence of being in gear with brakes on and clutch in and foot on brake is that if rear ended the natural consequence of being pushed violently forward is that the hands come off the brake and clutch levers and the foot comes off the rear brake and then the bike is in drive mode and as such it leaps forwards at a greater velocity and collides with the vehicle in front. I don't like that scenario either. In the UK Filtering is allowed if deemed to be safe but that means that the motorcyclist being now at the front of traffic but between other vehicles tries to beat off any other vehicles by its side by out accelerating them and that can lead as you say to a collision with the first or second vehicle that has failed to stop on the red light and coming across the intersection. If two vehicles are in front and far enough apart when I stop I sometimes draw up from behind and between them and so they are acting like buffers protecting me. I wait to see which vehicle moves off first and then slowly and safely follow on. I also agree with what you say in that sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
I think there are two points I'd like to call out. The first is that you keep the motorcycle in gear because you are planning to move out of the way of the person who is going to hit you from the rear. The other is that point three of the video is about going through a junction and avoiding being struck. I think that this is actually a fairly common occurrence everywhere, with turns going across lanes of traffic being the most dangerous. Filtering if legal in the US would be quite nice. I think we would probably have to update our studies to figure out what the new "best way" is then :-) Happy Friday!
Kevin, you missed a big point of safety during a stop. New riders don't give themselves an escape route at a red light by snugging up to the vehicle in front of them. You might have your bike in 1st and ready to go, but when you look in your mirrors and notice the lady who is updating Facebook coming at you, you won't be able to move out of the way before she flattens you against the vehicle in front. Stopping a few feet back gives you a better chance of peeling to the left or right if needed.
I just read through most of the comments to see if anyone else noticed that point. Bunched up cars and bikes are common at intersections in our area. As someone who likes to ride with as big a space cushion around me as possible, I like to leave at least a car length in front of me when I stop at intersections.
I’ve been practicing leaving the bike pointed towards the gap between the cars in front, so in emergency I don’t even have to steer, I can just let the clutch out. It’s easy enough to straighten out again as I roll forward when the light is green.
I’ve been riding long and hard for almost 50 years; war stories galore about stupid car drivers. Two weeks ago I was driving my car and it was me who drifted through a red light. Pure luck would have it there was nobody around, not one witness to my utter stupidity. Well, there was one witness, me. Be careful out there bikers . . . just be careful.
Riding a motorcycle makes you realize how stupid others drive. I have lots of people pull out in front of me from parking lots and side streets. Only to realize if they had just waited patiently there was no traffic behind me. Always be prepared for bad ,in a rush drivers. Whether in a cage or on a bike.
Out-Standing! (Got hold of an old, tattered motorcycling magazine once, and the lady Harley rider suggested one should never slow down and stop at all; just make three right-hand turns to circle the block, instead of a single left-hander. (At which you are Vulnerable. {Poor woman -- I think she died in bed, when a nurse-person gave her the wrong drug cocktail!})
Yeah ya gotta be careful putting 2 feet down at a stop if you're wearing shorts because it's 90°+ so as not to burn your calf of the exhaust pipe. You don't want your skin making sizzling noises like bacon in a frying pan.
Picked a helmet up off a coffee table once, rattled, cracked in three places, blood inside, from a van that ran a red light, he survived to walk or ride again. Harley challenges Grom to a race, takes off the instant light turns green. For the guys and their girls that don't wear helmets, put this image in your head, juicy green grape, hammer, your heads, popped like a grape.
I ride the way I drive. Defensive and very observant. Always aware of my surroundings and at a stop light I look behind me before I stop, looking for tailgaters and rear enders. Also when taking off it's not oh, the light is green let me take off and be first. Yes the bike will always be first but you never know when someone will run a red light. Always expect the unexpected! That's my thinking Ride safe keep braaapin!
Putting the bike in neutral and taking the hands off the handlebars is the most common thing I see (almost on a daily basis). I see people do it so quickly too. They stop and within seconds their hands are crossed over their chest or in their lap. I don't get it.
@Mr. Happy yo mr happy. Hope this dont make u sad. Occasionally, I will put my left hand on top of my left leg for a moment, if it's been a long ride. But not on my hip. Lol.
Another thing I like to do is position myself so I'm not directly behind a car in front... off to one side or the other gives you an exit option or worst case a higher likelihood of a glancing blow. I also leave space... more space on high speed roads that are stopped (road work for instance). My biggest gap personally is keeping an eye behind me; I do it... but get lazy.
I ALWAYS give my self an escape route when riding my motorcyle. I assume that nobody sees me. I ride a Harley Electra Glide. My headlight and passing lamps are always on. Helps motorist see me more better. Keep your speed down. Most accidents I have witnessed were due to speeding.
I'll admit I'n not always staring at the mirror either. But the steps you are taking will help. Usually drivers realize the mistake and slam brakes. You WILL hear it and if your positioned for safety you got a lot better chance then if your 3ft behind the car in front and right in the middle of the lane!
You can also replace the clutch springs with something more appropriate. I personally replaced mine with ones that were stiffer because I've got big strong man-hands, but for somebody with smaller hands or ones that are less strong, it might make sense to go with ones that aren't as strong. You can also adjust the clutch lever so that the lever is position to where your hand is strongest. Lastly, sometimes people think that because they're just gripping it too hard to begin with. They've already got the clutch disengaged, but they continue to pull as hard as possible.
Never put yourself in a vulnerable spot. SUGGESTION; When at a stop light, stop at least 1 car length from the painted stop line or crosswalk. Why? I've seen multiple accidents where drivers coming from the left do not see the car stopped in front of them & veer to the right, jump the curb & hit the car @ the red light. I have actually seen skid marks cutting across the lane, where you would normally stop @ the painted line. Why reason #2: stopping further back @ red lights gives you a margin of safety as cars make turns in front of you. If you're right @ the line, cars will sometimes come within a foot or two from your front wheel. NOT A GOOD PLACE TO BE! I learned this technique myself while observing; traffic patterns & where accidents usually occur. It might save someone, so I'm sharing my tip. Ride On!
While your concept is sound, you forgot about what triggers the lights. Those sensors or in some cases cameras, are only triggered while a vehicle is at the line. If you are not on the correct spot, the light will never change.
@@robertheinkel6225 In my area, lights are automated or (on timers). I've had no problems, wherever I've ridden. You're welcome sitting @ the line. I prefer "not being a sitting duck"! Seen too many accidents where this had happened. It's not ...if it happens.....but when.
I make that h as of a car length behind the stop line, and on the right side. That keeps you far from the people turning right from your left side that oversteer and cross the centerline (bad drivers, semi trucks, etc) AND the people turning too tightly from the right. Any way you look at it, wherever you're stopped; you have got to remain alert and aware of the vehicles around you.
@@davealbertsen9387 you're correct. In this particular situation, line of sight, at the red light, up to the left was obsured by tree's/bushes. You would have about a 1 second or maybe 2 to respond & you're escape path (reaction) would be going through the intersection while trying to avoid any traffic. The speed limit was 40 mph & the 2nd car was going faster when looking @ the skid marks. Being observant & looking ahead will save you for sure but sometimes there just isn't enough time. One of my escapes was; on a bright sunny day around 11:00 am a vehicle was sitting at stop sign intersection on my right. I was doing 55 mph @ that time & flipped my high beams on just in case and slowed down before coming to the intersection. The driver made a left directly in front of me and kept driving as if "I wasn't even there"! No acknowledgement of what she just did! She would have to have been "blind", not seeing my high beams in her EYE'S, while her face was directly in my high beams lights, making the turn.They are "super-bright". Some people have no respect for motorcycles. She would have stopped & apologized if she did. They expect you to stop for them. I've had ladies (almost always) pull right up next to me @ a red lights, while sitting in the left half of the lane because of road conditions. I look over in "dis-belief" and they keep looking straight ahead, no eye contact. UNBELIEVABLE! At that time I was on a Harley....and blasted her eardrums off @ launch. She won't be doing that ever again.
@@sjguy1099: I totally get what you're saying. I've been a CDL driver for many years. I get the impression that private automobile/truck drivers look at "company trucks" and motorcycles AND even bicycles in the same way; " they're not gonna hit me because they DO NOT want to face the consequences!" The bikers and cyclists don't want to DIE, and the professional truck drivers want to keep their job; or their tractor, and keep from having to work twice as long to keep insurance. The motorcyclists are (for the most part) far more considerate of both pedestrians and others in traffic. Be aware, be safe, live long and ride!
