MARCH 2006 TALES FROM THE TRAILS ARTICLE

MEMBER SAFETY RELATED QUESTIONS

One Chapter member asks:

“I travel on route 95 frequently and try to stay in the right lane. The approaching on-ramp merge lanes entering from the right seem to give me the most problem when a vehicle, merging from the on-ramp, is trying to squeeze into traffic. At the same time, the left travel lanes can be congested with a continuous string of passing traffic. What is the best approach in a situation like this?”

Response:

Statistics show intersections are the most dangerous place for a motorcycle. Route 95 on-ramp merge lanes are no exception. Short of staying off such highways or trying to anticipate on-ramp merge lanes well in advance, successfully interacting with merging traffic is largely a matter of following the Search, Evaluate and Execute (SEE) process currently taught in basic rider courses. Some of our more “experienced riders” who have been riding for many years may have been taught the SIPDE (i.e., Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute) method. The concepts are basically the same and when used properly either method will result in safe riding techniques.

When we search for and evaluate an approaching hazard, such as a vehicle merging from an on-ramp as you have described, we need to act with skill and control to execute a proper maneuver. Once it is determined a merging vehicle is approaching from an on-ramp and will soon enter your riding space, while at the same time vehicles are in the lane to your left, it is best to increase your ”space cushion” by reducing your speed. This will allow the on-ramp merging traffic to enter the highway while also allowing vehicles on your left to pass.

At this point, after checking your mirrors and blind spots to ensure there are no vehicles tailgating or closing rapidly from behind, you need to execute. In this case the proper action would be to decrease your speed by rolling smoothly off the throttle and gently applying the brakes.

Keep in mind that every situation we encounter while riding will be different and will require its own unique response. In general, it is always prudent to “leave yourself an out”. Some riders even prefer to stay in the far left lane while maintaining speed with flow of traffic.

This month’s Safety Article discusses good Search habits and the use of our mirrors in more detail.

Ride smart and have safe fun,

David

3/06