AdventurePoser

Scan-Look around
Predict-What do you think other drivers will do?
Identify-Who or what are potential threats?
Decide-What will you do?
Execute-Based on the above

Some nice weather a couple of days ago, so I rode the motorcycle east and jumped on the Interstate heading toward Portland.

In the #3 lane of four lanes, I look to my right at the onramp that is coming down an incline to merge into the #4 lane. I notice a yellow c7 blazing down the ramp.

I immediately rolled off the gas and the Vette proceeded to cross all four lanes before accelerating again in the #1 lane. In a few seconds, he was gone!

He would have clipped me had I not slowed, and several other vehicles had to brake hard to avoid him as he blew across three lanes. As far as I could see, he never turned his head, looked in his mirrors or used his turn signals.

Sheesh. Let's not be that guy.

Foosh

Great post!

I am hopelessly OCD about doing exactly what you describe above, and I'm absolutely convinced that I've avoided countless accidents, just because I've had suspicions about someone in range of me doing something stupid.

I also think this an area where very competent humans will maintain an advantage over driverless technology for the foreseeable future. The human brain has the capability to interpret more subtle signals and predict possible hazards that haven't yet materialized, whereas today's driverless technology can only be reactive.

Perhaps someday artificial intelligence can approach that level of sophistication, but we're not even close to there yet.

AdventurePoser

Foosh,

Exactly. The ability to maintain disciplined situational awareness and then having a plan to deal with small events before they become life-changers is absolutely essential for driving, motorcycling or flying.

I couldn't tell you how many times something like this has occurred right in front of me, but it wasn't a problem, because I was able to predict it and act accordingly.

Foosh

This is exactly the type of thing drilled into all pilots in flight school. I know my flight training programmed me to operate a surface vehicle the same way.

dvilin

When I had my HD it seemed like everyone in a car acted like you were invisible. Those riding days on my motorcycle without doubt made me a more aware and defensive driver today.
As you experienced it can save your life or a trip to the hospital.

NSC5

Good job OP! My daughter will be old enough to drive in a couple of years and I have been making sure she understands how important situational awareness is in managing risks. It is even more critical now with all of the distracted driving from our digital addicts.

yeller z06

What the OP described is exactly what I remember them teaching in the MSF school. I've been riding since I was 19 (past tense, since I've now given it up) and even after 15+ years of experience, I learned stuff in that MSF beginner's school. All of those things apply to driving a car. Those of us with HPDE experience on top of that are probably even better equipped to handle the mindless distracted morons on the road.

That said - just yesterday I nearly clipped a dufus on a scooter/moped thing because he was so tiny and shouldn't have been there. He was blasting down the highway at 50+ MPH on an unlicensed moped (they aren't supposed to do more than 35, otherwise they require a plate) with his stupid friend on the back (another reason it shouldn't have been going so fast) with his left blinker on for several miles, a stupid mohawk thing on his helmet, probably stoned, weaving in and out of lanes, etc. but regardless of all that, it still would have been my fault. And I would have felt terrible about hitting him, maybe killing him and his passenger and scratching my fender.

But I digress. What was my point?

Oh yeah, pay attention to what's going on. Watch out for the morons on their phone.

RipcordZ51

Great advise! Saved me from several mishaps while riding - especially be aware of pick-up trucks loaded with furniture, mattresses, etc. Have had those come off in front of me but being prepared and anticipating saved the day.

cvp33

My sincerest apologies........I was in a hurry, on my cell phone texting and I nearly spilled my beer.

Bmbl-Bee

Crazy drivers. The sad thing is that when people see this kind of crap with a Corvette involved the only thing they think about is the Corvette. If it would have been a Toyota Corolla or anything else, it would have just been a fool driver. The car brand would never come into thought.

justplainjim

Sad but I think everyone that interacted with that jerk off that day will probably look at all Corvette owner's in the same vein.

cv67

exactly why I quit riding yrs ago

Between everyone fiddling with their nav screens, watching movies and texting risk is way too high.

Seen one too many get killed or be crippled the rest of their life no thanks

acroy

Good grief, this should be programmed, 2nd nature to every operator of every vehicle.
I grew up on a bike (the pedal kind) and still cycle more than drive...
De-Fense! Only way to stay alive. I've avoided countless bad situations

Maxpowers

Riding a motorcycle also builds these proficiencies into you daily driving habits. It doesn't matter whoes at fault when a car and motorcycle get into an accident.

JimNeedsC7

Yeah - any of us who ride motorcycles have learned to watch EVERYTHING when we are out on the road. With heavy traffic and so many distracted drivers we all need to watch everything no matter what we are driving.

Welcome to the world of motorcycle drivers!

AORoads

Maybe not your situation, but a long time ago, I learned there are only two kinds of other drivers when you're on a motorcycle (of any style or power): those that don't see you---and those that aim for you. ymmv

The driver that comes down an on-ramp (not this one perhaps), typically doesn't take the extra effort to see anyone in lane #4, or lane #3 either. Lane #3 is much harder to see even turning head to look. You saved a life---yours.

AdventurePoser

After I got out of the way I had time to reflect on the irony of it all....

62corvette

For me, having played high school and college basketball helped a lot. You learn to size up 9 other people and a ball, all moving, and anticipate and react.

vbdenny

I was crusing in my Stingray, early last night when a Bentley GT W-12 pulled up on the right. With twin turbo V-12 engine seems that land yacht can really move. After i provided a sample of my NPP (sans 42), he said that it sounded better than a Lambo or Ferrari.

The stuff you can buy with money is just amazing.

sTz

Some great posts!

I've owned many bikes over the years and the close-calls that I've experienced are shocking.

It amazes me that you can literally make eye contact with someone and they'll still pull out in front of you as though you are invisible.

Simulating crash avoidance and recovery paths help to increase reaction time; and situational awareness is certainly paramount.