How THIS Road Strategy Can Make or Break Your Ride

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@WmLatin]

All these valuable strategies can be practiced even while driving a car- I try to do that every time I drive anything.

[@RonaldStJames]

Same here , driving strategies will keep you alive when driving anything .

[@brandypender9788]

Riding has made me a better driver for sure.

[@jakaberdajs730]

Just going to pu this here: started getting my a2 licence a few weeks ago. The instructor told me after the first day of riding, that hes highly impressed with my skill on the course and on the road, and if im shure i had no experiance riding on road before. Told him i watch your videos and practice on my dirtbike. His face light up and he said "thank you, adleast one. Keep on watching ewerything he says can save your life AND make you a better rider, both together". Now i know im not the only Slovene that watches your videos

[@rebel_ltz]

jaka berdajs Greetings from Hungary!

[@homefront3162]

HELL YES!

[@FGuilt]

Riding a motorcycle made me a FAR better driver.

[@slydale]

I was too distracted behind a wheel. Not so behind the bar, baby!

[@homefront3162]

yes

[@denisewildfortune4058]

I love that you put the responsibility squarely on the rider where it belongs! I too hear a lot of complaining on social media bike groups about bad car drivers yet I never say a peep even when I had an incident last week. It may be because I saw the risk coming, adjusted my speed, covered my brakes, and began an avoidance maneuver. It's so second nature and a part of riding that it never occurs to me to complain.

[@wobblysauce]

Takes 2 to tango.

[@wobblysauce]

The same thing with Lights it might be green but looking to see if it is clear on the cross path has saved me.

[@Sparrowash97]

Here in North Wales car drivers love to get right up behind you even when your keeping perfectly to the speed limits. A lot of the responsibilities are on the rider but I find a large amount of drivers who are completely ignorant to what it’s like to be sat on an engine and what kind of stopping distance you have

[@garretlewis4103]

As I learned in EVOC training (ambulance and fire truck driver training), S I P D E. Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute

[@billsawyer5265]

I agree 100%.... most riders need training. It amazes me to see so many sitting at traffic lights, in neutral, watching the girl walk down the street, instead of watching whats coming from behind them

[@michaelrmanley]

See that all the time too. Never stay in Neutral at lights. Unless traffic has come to a full and safe stop behind you. Then I take the opportunity to shift into N and relax/flex my left hand.

[@Robnord1]

Thank you for the free training videos Kevin ! They are greatly appreciated. On occasion, I watch the motorcycle vs 'crazy, angry drivers' channels. 99% of their videos confirm what you've said here about unsafe riders attracting close calls, wrecks, and conflict.

[@alkoenig85]

I also watch those videos. They are excellent training. I see the accident about to unfold, unfold, cripple or maim, WOW! What a resource the internet is.

[@Guildrum]

Small story: Was riding to work on memorial day, and a small portion of my commute takes me along a freeway. I went up the entrance ramp, noticing that a pickup behind me was tailgating all the way. I got on the freeway (speed limit 70 MPH), and accelerated to 75 to go along with the flow of traffic. The pickup continued to tailgate at about a car length behind me, so I slowly let off my throttle and coasted down to 65, attempting to encourage this guy to pass me. Being a holiday with suitably light traffic, he does so, and a second pickup behind him, hauling a gooseneck flatbed trailer also passes at extremely high speed. I estimate around 90 MPH. He gets about three car lengths ahead of me, still in the inside lane (I was in outside lane), and it seems that he didn't tie down the corrugated drainage pipe on his trailer well enough. Four lengths of pipe fly from his trailer and starts spinning across the highway. A couple of years ago I might have panicked and hit my brakes too hard, making a bad situation worse. However, I stayed calm, braked in a controlled way, and wove my way through the still spinning and rolling pipes. Practice does help. The only cost for this event was the price the guy paid for the pipe, because he didn't even notice he lost it.

[@brianlarsen6242]

I had similar with some lumber recently. Phew

[@sail4life]

Yikes, that's scary.

[@judgedredd49]

I do hope that when slowing in the outside lane or any lane that you showed your brake lights as by not doing so could have put you at greater risk.. I cant understand why over in the UK advanced riders are advised to only show brake lights or other indications when and where there is a need to show another road user and if no one to show then dont bother. This applies to overtaking and I thought it prudent to indicate my intention to overtake in order that the vehicle that I am about to overtake can easily see what I am doing but apparently that is frowned upon and not right.

[@keithdrummond1003]

Well put. I had frequent close calls the 1st few months of riding. Now, 18 years later, my close calls are far less often. That's not a coincidence.

[@rayhaley]

All of the vision skills listed are in essence defensive driving. I adhere to these principles whether in my truck or on my bike. Just makes good sense. Love your videos! Keep it up!

[@brandypender9788]

Excellent points! I keep my head on a swivel at all times while riding and after long distances I am mentally exhausted. I believe mindset and emotional status are factors too. I will not ride if I'm tired, upset or stressed, it takes away too much focus.

[@jimu2896]

Kevin I very much appreciate your teaching. At 47, I got my first bike (2018 Vulcan S) just about 2 months ago. I've been watching your videos for almost 2 years and felt comfortable (not cocky) and road ready the first time I rode. Every time I ride it's a chance to improve my skills and your videos are a big part of that. Thanks again!

[@gattling9]

Got my license last week, I'm applying your road strategy from the begining and had no stressful situations so far. Riding is fun, thank you for your work Kevin!

[@rickdff62]

Proper following distance is so important. I can't believe the number of times I see motorcycles (and cars) following like one car length behind a semi. It just boggles and blows my mind.

[@alscottpool]

Excellent 👍 post I'm a truck driver an I'm by nature defensive an constantly aware of my surroundings on average an I absolutely love that comfortable spot in traffic you talk about thanks your videos are appreciated

[@Alundert1]

I dont yet have a motorcycle license but Im gonna get my soon. I love your videos and hope I will be able to use the things you teach once I start riding. Keep up the good work Kevin. Greetings from Germany ^^

[@CousinSchultz]

I always say that I ride AS IF all the cars are trying to kill me It's a subtle difference, but a difference. I never trust a blinker and assume nobody can see me coming. Using many of your tactics have saved my butt more than once. Thank you and keep up the fantastic work Sir.

[@hughmanatee7657]

This is good advice for everyone on the road, not just motorcyclists.

[@hoboslim6029]

My issue with following gap is that people tend to merge into my gap. I also drive a school bus from time to time, and I get the same thing. I have found that my driving in my truck or car has greatly improved due to my motorcycle skills in watching for other cars and my following gap. It is also important to keep a gap when stopped at a traffic light or in traffic. We always need to have an escape strategy even when stopped. Most motorcycle accidents happen at slow speeds and at intersections. A person coming in hot to an intersection behind you may not realize that you are as close to them as they think, and this means they will hit you while you are stopped at a traffic light. An escape route should be planned before you stop at the light. This is one of the major points made in MSF.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

On a motorcycle escape route is created by simply stopping a bit to the side of the vehicle in front: you got better view, drivers behind have easier job identifying you, you have escape route between vehicles and in case someone rear-ends you it's less likely a sandwich of two SUVs with a motorcyclist between.

[@hoboslim6029]

@@adrianalexandrov7730 exactly. If you cannot see their mirrors they cannot see you. Also if you are far left side of the road (lane 1 for motorcycles) then you can always move out of the way provided there is no traffic to your left. Always access the situation for best route out of harm.

[@jameyhinds]

Yesterday I was on a secluded highway. I had been alone for just a bit when I came across an industrial mower - and often where there's one, there's another (they often work in teams). Long story short, I (thankfully) slowed up because, yes, there was another mower - and he was blindly turning! Coming to a controlled stop saved my bacon from frying. Your vids are very helpful in putting life-saving ideas in our minds.

[@jessewarren3281]

This is one of your very best advisories. Proper distance and ability to maintain the existing road speed is essential as well as seeing the whole scenery in front of you. I like riding a lot of times on A-1-A in Florida, taking in the scenery - very relaxing BUT it can also be very distracting with many people at intersections, cars bumper to bumper and it seems as if red lights no longer exist for many drivers turning onto A-1 -A. No matter what speed. we all need to widen the view.

[@sgpsimonb]

Great content, yet again. Not sure if you agree, but these are things I do riding in Bangkok and Thailand. These are two extremely different scenarios; Bangkok has 10 million vehicles for a population of 17 million, Thailand's provincial roads can be almost empty. City riding is intense, few follow speed limits or any other standard or rule. Open space is a chance to stretch one's right leg. Cars in Bangkok fill holes faster than water. I try and keep a +5 to 10 km/h speed-difference over cars so I can be a little more attentive of up-front. In city rush hour it is impossible to find safe distance so the only option is riding on the paint and never leaving a lane-splitting position (legal here.) I ride with over 2,400 lumens on all the time so when I ride in everyone's wing-mirror, there is little chance not to see me. Outside of Bangkok, bunched up cars and trucks happens at every traffic light. Traffic light changes are long here, so there is always plenty of free space you can push into when your light goes green. Thais are slow off the line, so you can find yourself some empty road easily. Keeping to oneself is much much easier, but one still needs to be attentive to being pulled into a grouping. I am constantly pushing ahead into a gap or holding back to stay in clear space. Do you think the maps on a GPS are good enough to assume corner speed? Zoom in enough and I feel there is good enough guidance from a map on a GPS, but not enough to be blindly confident.

[@all-yw2yr]

Great video, thanks for keeping us safe with your advice. God bless.

[@keithralfs5190]

I was taught by the UK Police Motorcycle Rider Trainer two things - 1/ Ride as if l was invisible 2/ If possible ride at 2-3mph faster than the traffic, so that l'm coming up to traffic, rather that the traffic is not coming up on me

[@charlesmillersr.231]

You're awesome Kevin! Thanks for helping me stay safe when I ride my motorcycle. Congratulations on your new ride. You deserve it. God bless you, Charlie

[@MCrider]

Thanks Charlie

[@ZombiePotatoSalad]

I remember when I was a kid, and we went to Galveston during the summer. I wanted to go swimming in the ocean, and my dad told me: "Once you enter the water, you're no longer at the top of the food chain, and you have to accept that." This is very true for riding motorcycles as well.

[@caseyw.8325]

you are prey

[@mr.random20]

Kevin I agree. When in traffic I don't worry about the speed limit just drive in a safe distance the same as the others

[@old68new68]

Absolutely one of the best people out there to explain concepts. If he’s not a professional teacher he should be.

[@BeeBeeAich]

Kevin, I appreciate your calm, kind, reasoned approach. I believe your recommendation for riders to examine their own techniques is right on target. Thank you!

[@barryweaver8833]

Great road strategy points! I also like to refer to everything about riding skills into "instincts", that's what get's ya back home to your bat cave safe & sound. Also if being cut off and feeling that everyone is out to get you bother's you, you might want to just stay off of a motorcycle. I say it's part of it and those two elements are actually something I work with, not against. I never expect or assume drivers will do the proper thing.

[@hoboslim6029]

I constantly say on my channel for motorcyclist to watch out for the cars. Getting cut off is usually at intersections or merging. Both of these can be seen by looking at the front tire of the vehicles around them. I always say never ride beside a car. Always look around. Your channel and content is a great inspiration for my content on my channel.

[@Accurize2]

I got back into riding after a 20 year hiatus. The last year I’ve put 9,000 miles on my 2020 BMW R Nine T. I’ve only had one mildly close call. That was coming over a blind hill at night and a buck was standing in my lane. I stopped with plenty of distance, knew I had no other vehicles behind me to worry about, and enjoyed the staring contest we had for about 5 seconds and then passed him as he slowly moved into the opposite lane. I swear I could have gave him a high five when I passed we were that close. That’s it…the people running into near death experiences weekly or even daily are completely riding without safety being first and foremost on every mile of the ride.

[@waltnovinger6431]

Great video, Kevin. As a way to help yourself learn how to better practice safe strategy, I suggest mounting a video camera on your bike in such a manner that whenever the bike is turned on, the camera begins recording. On my Harley trike, I use the power port (lighter) socket to power my GoPro clone camera; the port works with the ignition switch, and the camera is set to record continuously. If something unusual occurs, I'll pull the memory card out and review the ride's footage to see if there was any way I could have avoided the situation; I can also see what I DID do to get through the challenge and this helps imprint the successful strategy in my rider's mind. Of course, if an accident does occur, you have a video record that may be of assistance to your lawyer should it come to that. Keep up the good work, and I hope to "see you on the road."

[@l.d.barneske8qbi5]

If you do 1 mph slower than traffic flow you are still flowing with traffic but the wolf packs are always moving away.

[@tlbx57]

Except those behind you!

[@alkoenig85]

Well done. Agree completely. As a retired safety engineer I have given a great deal of though around motorcycling. Your presentations are always on point and very professionally done. That is why I support you and hope you have great success! Thanks.

[@kennethreynolds8]

Thank you Mr Kevin, great info and thanks for the reminders. God bless and ride safe. 🙏👍

[@chuckkelley5894]

Strategy, systems, routines, and practice, over Skills Alone will always be the way to go. I have watched 100s of hours of motorcycle training films that broadcast actual crashes. Not accidents, crashes. I haven't seen one that couldn't have been prevented by better strategies, etc. Your information is spot on. Your easy going style of delivery sometimes masks the strength of your messages. Ya gotta whack us with it sometimes! Excellent work, Kevin, keep it going.

[@robbo4858]

There should be a book of MCrider quotes. I'll start with 'Ride in a position in which you can see, and be seen' - MCrider Best single piece of advice I've ever heard. This line is stuck in my memory and applied every time I'm out on the streets. Thank you MCrider for all of your training

[@jsowers21]

This is really good. As I have ridden a ton of miles over the last 3 years, the number of "close calls" have been drastically reduced. Being aware of your surroundings and having strategy to stay in the "least dangerous" portion of the road have been huge. There will always be things we can't control but if you control what you can your odds of getting home safely greatly increase. Watching several "close call" motorcycle videos, in nearly every one the motorcyclist is extremely aggressive or could have put themselves in a less-dangerous position.

[@jonathanmorgan4916]

Hey Kevin, wanted to say thank you for all the great videos. I have been consuming them at a rather steady pace for the past few weeks. After a few days I realized just how valuable these videos are and made the decision to support the channel through Patron. I am in a group of riders that you have classified as high risk. I will be returning to the street after 10 years. During my hiatus I have remained very active on my dirt bikes. Watching your channel is highlighting just how different the two are. At 45 years of age I am not as athletic as I once was and am being forced a little further each day to rely more on knowledge and preplanning. I am looking forward to BRT in August and consuming more of your channel until then. From over here in Oregon, Thank you sir, I really mean that.

[@MCrider]

Hi Jonathon, thank you! I love to hear from riders that they find value in MCrider. It encourages me to continue the journey. Thanks for supporting the channel. Kevin

[@LandoT]

It makes me feel better to know that I practice this strategy always. Weather I speed up or slow down I always try and find a cushion or balance between the traffic ahead of and behind me, in anything I propel down the road. Awesome tip. As well as keeping you away from clusters of traffic (often times created by the last traffic light) in practicing this you are learning to be aware of traffic patterns and progressions. Thank you.

[@tangoechobravo5817]

I love this video - I drive my car exactly like this. I practice driving in rush hour traffic and not using my brakes. Just a 2 second lift gives me sufficient space. 1250 GSA adventure rider as well.

[@phineasbanning2760]

Going out for a Saturday ride today and will be sporting my new MC Rider T shirt that just arrived. Thanks for the continued education Kevin much appreciated as always. Be thinking of your videos today while on the road, who else is going out for a putt putt today?

[@Loneranger670]

I’m surprised MC Rider has only 181k subscribers for the high quality he puts out. If every subscriber let their bike buddy know, more lives can be saved and the world of MC becomes slightly safer. I sent 4 people his channel to look and hopefully subscribe.

[@eamo106]

I used to manage trainers for vehicles in the oilfield. this in the 90's ....We had the mantra 1) Aim High in steering (look ahead) 2) Keep your eyes moving (don't become fixated) , know what is behind you and where .. 3) Drive/ride 5 below the flow ( you suggest keep speed differential minimized) - agree to keep up with flow within +/- 5 to 10 mph. 4) Following distance should be 3-5 seconds passing a fixed point ... one you missed is look at the road and shoulders... plan your overshoot strategy ( LEAVE yourself and OUT) .. ie if the vehicle in front does brake hard do you go left or right ? a) Brake as much as possible in a straight line to lower the differential speed then maneuver to left if in the right lane if possible as its Highway clean, and left to the hard shoulder as last resort but better than a nose to tail impact. Bottom line is defensive driving/riding as a motorcyclist will always come off worst in a collision. Also watch the wheels not the car , they show the intent of movement and give heads up . Lights on, brake first, horn second.

[@Maartwo]

Another tip regarding vision. Check your mirrors often, so you can have a mental image of your surroundings. Road awareness saved my life countless times. A few months ago, I was behind 3 cars (all of them using the phone while driving) and the driver in front of the line locked his brakes, causing a 3 car pile-up. I managed to swerve and avoid them thanks to me leaving a gap and being aware of which lane was free for me to avoid the crash. Those idiots on those "crazy people vs bikers" compilations should look at this video.

[@justanoldman697]

Your opening statement was told to me 30 years ago and it changed forever the way I viewed and rode the rest of my life so far. Thanks for confirming that fact even now!

[@karlallen3006]

Use road-skill not to be come roads-kill. Yes. I take primary responsibility for my safey every time i get on a bike. Very personal. It (life) is in my hands. Keep up the great work here. Remember. STUPID HURTS!

[@stevewaclo167]

Great advice Kevin and to #3 (maintain a distance) I would add, “Don’t remain behind a vehicle you can’t see past.” Also, I seldom ride in heavy freeway traffic anymore, but when I did, I made a point of traveling just a bit faster than the prevailing speed. Not so fast as to exceed the differential problem you describe, but fast enough that I am constantly overtaking and setting my own destiny. I believe settling in with the “herd” raises problems of its own, so I constantly rode at a speed appropriate for conditions, and without a lot of weaving or lane changing, fast enough to be in command of the situation.

[@leslieaustin151]

Thanks as always, Kevin. Hope you’re soon over that cold.. Les in UK

[@vancemarin8022]

Bang on !!! I DON'T TRUST ANYONE while driving two or four wheels ! Got my bike and car license at 18 and in 52 years only one not at fault accident..

[@davidbedard7195]

Nothing could be more important to get across than these 3 principles . . . our riding habits are so fundamental - you have to take responsibility for what can happen while riding. Thanks again for another great lesson. I have ridden almost every day for 35 years and have improved my enjoyment of the road immeasurably by watching your videos.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

One of the things about my wife that drives me crazy, when she is driving is she follows to close. A term I learned in the AF is situational awareness. If you are on the highway it is important to know what is behind you, in front of you, and what is beside you and what is coming up from behind. I look for the car that is switching lanes often to be as far away from person as I can.

[@kman-mi7su]

"Everyone is out to get you on the road" It may be the road strategy, but for me, it isn't so much. I still say it to myself as a reminder to use a good road strategy and to adjust it when needed. It keeps you in check. Or as I also say, "ride like they're trying to kill you, intentional or unintentional" which also works for me mentally to constantly evaluate my strategy and be alert.

[@shay.m7351]

Good job , I really don’t think you can explain that any better - I Commute to and from Atlanta daily in the Peak of Morning and Evening traffic (I-85) and rarely have any issues purely for the simple fact that I employ and use all of these Strategies from the second I leave my parking space to the second I arrive to my destination. On the other hand I know some one who has given up riding all together because he has had to many close calls and he can’t think about anything else, that my friend, is sad.

[@ellwood59]

Excellent content as always. I’ve said this in the past but, if you concern yourself with your safety, you’ll usually get home safe. All three points are exactly what was taught to me, by professional drivers, decades ago. I’ve been a rider for over forty years and was a professional truck driver for over thirty. (No accidents or tickets) As Kevin said, practice all three points every time you go out on your bike or in your four wheeler. Odds are you’ll avoid the drama and pain.

[@billschrimpf6814]

Always great advice from Kevin but this one is key! Take some personal responsibility for your own life

[@Ed-ip2sg]

Thanks again Kevin. I like #3. When you get 5 or 6 cars in front of you riding close off of each other’s bumper prepare for a pile up. If the first car in line slows just a little, the last car will likely need to slam on the brakes. We have tunnels here and there is nowhere to go when it starts. Riders stay back and be aware of what’s beside and behind you as well. Kevin keeps me forever humble. When someone cuts in front. Back away.

[@maxwellmark]

My riding mindset is that “I’m invisible and every car on the road is a threat”. I do not like to be surprised, I try to see or anticipate everything. It can be exhausting, especially in heavy traffic, but all it really requires is to be alert. I honestly feel that a motorcyclist can be the best driver on the road, in a car or on a bike.....or they can be some of the worst. The choice is yours and most of it relies on your right wrist. Ride safe everyone...it’s in all of our best interests 😎

[@motovloggingwithvman2188]

Another one is not to be in someone's blind spot. I notice that everytime I feel some one tried to cut me off, it was because I wasnt watching their blindspot.

[@diffmiss]

Best of your videos I've seen yet. You are a life saver.

[@asoutheastasianmotorcycler6181]

The extra set of convex mirrors attached to the side mirrors help me a lot with everyday commute. Thanks Kevin for the idea, (double mirror setup on the super tenere)

[@ivanmalave820]

Excellent video. I practice every day driving my construction cargo van, my kids laugh at me cuz they see me (pretending) reaching the front brake with my hand on the truck gear shifter everytime I'm applying the foot brake plus I am always shifting lane position in my head to find the curve apex while trail braking and rolling the gas when I find the exit point. Is a lot of fun and since I drive more than I would like to ride (always working) anyway is a good training.

[@davejr2979]

Right on! I do the same in my E350 work van!

[@tpv59]

You have done it AGAIN Kevin!!! Thank You, Again!

[@gordmckenzie5539]

Excellent! Thanks for all your tips; I'm sure you have prevented many dangers on the road from those who take heed to these road strategies.

[@roycelabor4339]

As a fellow DFW rider, you’re spot on Kevin. It does take practice and patience to maintain safe intervals, but it can be done. The key point that you mention in so many of your videos is the importance of having a road strategy. It's absolutely critical!

[@julieyork7238]

Thank you for the great videos and training. I have never ridden before and thanks to you got the courage and purchased a 2019 Honda Rebel 500. I will take my Indiana MSF course next week. I will definitely keep watching and learning to be safe. Thank you for taking the time to teach us!

[@redhorsegarage]

Timely post. I started a three week road trip today and was thinking about the many road strategy posts of yours I have watched. Throughout the day I was keenly aware of the trainings I have watched and listen too. When I get back home, I will become a Patreon.

[@MCrider]

Thank you for supporting the channel. Make sure and get on the forums, there are SO MANY good riders and people on there.

[@motoh7934]

Great video Kevin! I try to follow these advice every day. Saved me from a lot of difficult situations ;) However, when someone says that everyone on the road is trying to kill him/her, as far as I know he/she means that drivers tend to do stupid and strange mistakes. Here in Poland, where I live, almost every day in a city provokes a challenge, i.e. a driver changing 2-3 lanes at a time, a driving turning left from a far-right lane, a driver braking abruptly for no reason. These things can be avoided, surely, but I think that they are the ultimate reason why motorcyclists say that everyone on the road is trying to get them.

[@Langor]

The way I see it, not everyone is out to get me. When I get on the bike, I act as if no one can see me. And the few that can see me are out to get me. That way I'm always careful and don't assume that because someone has seen me they're responsible for my safety. Lots of great tips in the vid. The gap in traffic only makes sense. Why would I want to constantly put my foot down and shift down. And brake. Much simpler to reduce speed a little and coast, most of the time, if youve timed it right, youll coast up right abiut when traffic starts moving again

[@elgringoec]

I'm with you, Kevin. I've been at this a lifetime myself. Not to be disrespectful nor presumptuous but my strategies are based on making it a given that every other motorist is out to get me. Broader, yet - anything that is moving or could possibly move is a threat to be mitigated. On that precept hang all the actions. Blessings!

[@TJRohyans]

I wish more people understood "Speed Differential" when riding/driving in traffic! That's the best explanation I've heard. Now, what to do about the automobile driver following me last night, less than 10' off my rear fender! I was doing 45 in a 40 in the right lane, just two blocks from where I needed to make a right turn, so speeding up or changing lanes was not an option. A "Brake Check" didn't seem to translate either.

[@zonktified1247]

Excellent advice and sound reasoning behind all of them Kevin. Subscribed and sent a link to my son. Thank you for taking the time to create, edit and posting your vids.

[@garyhalsey7693]

Hi Kevin, another brilliant video, as always. I completely agree with all the points you make in it. As a motorcyclist and PCV (Bus & coach) Instructor here in the UK, I would like to say the following. On point one, I teach and ride with the Far, Middle, Near, Rear observation method. Nine times out of ten, if you can see it, you can deal with it. On point two, you have to be moving with the general flow of traffic. As you say, too much quicker or slower = danger!! On point three, in the UK we have a saying, “Only a fool breaks the two second rule”. If you can’t say that between when the vehicle in front of you passes and fixed point and then you pass it, you’re too close!! Keep up the good work Kevin and look forward to the next video!!

[@jeffruebens8355]

The safer following distance will have people often turning into the "extra" space in front of you when traffic is heavy. Just keep slowing down to get the safe following distance back. Be aware of the blind spots for bigger vehicles and only go in them briefly.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

That’s why I like riding the country roads and taking those is much is possible .where ever I am going to me being on my motorcycle is to part one the enjoyment of being on the bike and to getting to where I’m going I also enjoy looking at the surroundings where I am going while I am traveling the smells in the country and someone riding the crazy highways only only if I have to I do not have a modern Motorcycle and I particularly do not want to be going 75 miles an hour today most motorcycles have wind screens I don’t have that until winter time comes along then I do put my windscreen on and my canvas lowers.

[@neptune3doz]

Thank you again brother for all you do! I follow your advice on the road always!

[@jroberthadden]

I thank God every day that I live in an area where I don't need to deal with daily traffic congestion. I still, however, try to always ride using the skills you just mentioned. Looking "downfield" and where I want to go, moving along at a reasonably brisk pace while keeping others at a safer distance, and always looking through curves and blind corners. By using an increased awareness we can minimize those moments where it seems like we are completely invisible to drivers. Ride on, brother.

[@thewatsongallery2749]

I often find myself a 'driving buddy' Another motorist or motorcyclist who follows up behind me at a safe distance. It's then that i feel the safest driving with someone with the same sensibility.

[@garyloucks7682]

goslo I do the same thing in the morning at a distance where headlights don’t interfere with mirrors and you can increase your visibility ahead using their lights it’s a sweet spot.

[@unik393]

Great info Kevin. I think riding with the traffic is one important tip while riding in interstates/highways. Everyone will be 'enjoying' higher speeds and suddenly one lazy sloth interrupting them will not be a happy affair for both.

[@luckyjordan8139]

I find that I feel safer when traveling SLIGHTLY faster than the main flow of traffic rather than slower or even at the same speed. This is especially the case on freeways. Vision in front is so much greater than rear or sides. And I’m less likely to find myself being cut off by a car changing into my lane unexpectedly. I can look further ahead and anticipate lane changers easier. I’m talking 5-10mph faster, not more than that. Thoughts?

[@tobyh3681]

Spot on analysis. Much of the "Smith System" for 4 wheelers applies to 2 wheels as well.

[@Champion2Manager]

Breath, relax and look everywhere!

[@DarkArwen929]

Facts. Too many of our two wheel brothers and sisters dying in avoidable crashes. Thanks for what you do. Instead of yelling at cages from behind the helmet, lets just be better.

[@14Marathons]

Excellent video, as always and very good safety tips. Thank you for your channel and videos.

[@mixfixdave7571]

Thanks Kevin! Saving lives and teaching a lot of us some valuable skills. My 15 year old son intends to ride street bikes and MCRider is required material!

[@-JohnSmith-]

I also say never rely on someone else for me not to crash, an example is never riding/driving in the lane next to a line of stopped cars waiting to turn in a turn only lane because people pull out all the time and riding past in the next lane leaves my safety in their hands.

[@brillot2000]

I live in the Los Angeles metropolitan area the second largest city in the United State by population. I commute on a motorcycle every day on our crowded freeways. The 3 topics that you covered are important. However, a densely populated area such as this has its set of unique challenges. We have a huge problem with people staring at their phones, high-speed lane wonders and people in the carpool lanes illegally that are not carpooling. I personally have had countless people pull out of stopped traffic into the carpool lane directly into my path of travel. These and many other drivers do not look behind or into their blind spots before making a lane change. They see that it is empty in front of them and just go. That's where I use a combination of these 3 strategies. I slow down, look far ahead of me, turn on my warning lights, and prepare for the worst. Several instances have occurred where I had to react and start to brake hard because of these numbskulls. I came out of these instances unharmed and very upset at these drivers. You cannot fix stupid as they say. Lane splitting is a common practice in California, which I use on a daily basis. When done under certain conditions it helps keep the rider out of potentially dangerous situations. I see riders, including peace officers rider at high rates of speeds between the traffic of 80+ MPH. This scares me and I hope not to be a witness to a rider that gets in an accident and pays the ultimate price with their lives. A buddy of mine had a guy passed him aggressively while he was on his bike. Then saw him again in a pool of his own blood several miles down the road.

[@nickmiracle2317]

I ride in a way that makes me obnoxiously visible, brights #1 lane etc. My goal is to make sure they see me but sometimes they just don’t so that makes me responsible for my safety. If you see a potentially bad situation developing back off so you don’t get caught up in the mess. It’s better to let someone fill the gap so your not filling a box.

[@guylenora5513]

Thanks Kevin...once again well said. I really try to diagnose any near miss that happens while riding. Look for the reason behind the close call. What could "I" have done to prevent it. Then work on never letting that happen again. Any time you are "surprised" on a bike, you did something wrong!

[@wildbill5670]

Kevin I rode for years and years (put over 100K miles on a 69 sandcast CB750 alone, should have never sold that one!) but I have said for many years and my money is on you will agree. 80+% of accidents on motorcycles are the direct result of some thing someone did in a car, IE: turned left in front of one. But at least 90% of those that involve a automobile are the result of negligence on the riders part. Too fast is a big one and another is not being aware of what anyone at anytime can do that is near you or in your travel path.

[@jessewarren3281]

I think this article is most important and very telling.

[@ThePreacherProclaims]

Sometimes the best advice is the hard advice. Thanks Kevin.

[@isaachuerta]

Informative Videos at Its Best👍 , Safe Driving Alongside McRider Safety Tips Have And Will Save Lives!, I Know Its Saved Mine Every time I Ride, I Remember Crucial Advice Embedded In My Brain To Safely Ride City Congested And Rural Roads.Thank You McRider For Providing Tremendous Life Saving Videos, The Advice Is Giving But Its Ultimately The Riders Decision To Exercise Safe Riding,And Conduct Regular Maintenance On The Machine.

[@neilshepherd1904]

Great advice as usual. I find it helpful even when driving to take a few seconds, to mentally run through routine strategy/ies, relax, take a deep breath, etc., before driving. If there's anxiety, stress, adrenalin, whatever, it messes with my brain and proper decision making. Something else that helps (still mainly relying on my mental street/road map) is asking myself before I leave "Where am I going now and what roads will I take to get there?" Too many times than I'd like to admit, I've found myself heading in the wrong direction :) . Cheers.

[@bccraddock8919]

I love your channel and wait anxiously for Friday morning to check out your next episode. I don't think I have ever been disappointed with the show. Today's was especially poignant, as I have lost friends because they didn't heed the motorcycle defensive driving do's and don'ts. Not looking far enough ahead and following to close have cost me too many friends. Thank you for the PSA today. I hope you rerun/replay this often. It's to valuable but too often overlooked.

[@gasmann6746]

Great tips Kevin I am using these techniques and feel much more comfortable doing so. 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@ostekuste3646]

Road strategy aside, usually every time I’m on the road, I have to evade someone doing something stupid. This counts for when I’m riding or driving. Mostly people crossing the center line while on the phone/texting, but a lot of drivers pulling out right in front of you even if you are in a car. Guess I’m just in a crappy drivers haven.

[@razzrasmussen5773]

Love your channel and practice often. Enjoyed the video. I was t-boned by a unlicensed driver a few days ago and probably going to lose my bike. I looked left and right, had the bike in 1 spot. Left edge. Car on right was at Stop sign. Police said it was the unlicensed driver at fault. Still playing over in my mind if I could have done more. Keep up the good work.