How I crashed my motorcycle & lessons from it. - Episode - 23 MCrider

[@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

[@fprintf]

This channel needs to be more publicized. Great content, thank you!

[@MCrider]

+fprintf Hey, I agree! Help me out by sharing with others. Thanks for the comment, Kevin

[@jeffshaw9399]

+MCrider (Motorcycle Training) i thank ur channel and u are awsome..im glade u do these video's..lots of great info

[@adrianhubbard1526]

Great comments thank you

[@Sequel7]

I’m always way more than just one car length. At least 2 to 3 cars lengths on the street. I ride paranoid

[@SM-ym8ww]

This channel is nothing short of a valuable public service and the best bike channel on KZbin. There is no shortage of crash videos on KZbin yet this is the first in depth unbiased analysis I have found. I applaud you for a much needed and great channel. I am now a patron for the first time.

[@is300Gang]

On November 10th, 2015, I was riding my 07 Ninja 650r on a surprisingly warm night. Due to said warm night, I took the bike out of storage and went for a little night cruise. Only a 45 minute ride or so around town, on my way home, 2 blocks from home, I was prepping to make a right hand turn off a very busy street here in St Louis(Lindbergh), and, turn signal on, flashing the brake light, a BMW smoked me from behind doing about 35mph, I was doing maybe 12mph. I stayed on the bike for the whole event, wound up straddling the gas tank with handlebars shoved into my knee caps, but I walked away and actually rode a "totalled"(heavy rear frame damage, cracked rear rim loosing air, slightly bent swing arm) bike home 2 blocks with Hazelwood PD following me. Here is what I think, saved me from feeling the pavement. Every single time before I corner, I check my mirror for traffic behind me. I check it 5 seconds before I corner, and right before I dip to make the turn. The guy who hit me was behind another car in a different lane of traffic, I didn't see him at the 5 second check. Right before I dipped, I saw his headlights coming up FAST in the side view. I knew he wasn't going to stop. Right then I stood the bike up, nailed the throttle wide open, and fractions of a second later I felt the impact. I think, had I not nailed it, and took the hit unsuspecting, I would be in worse shape than I was. I look back on it now and think, could I have done anything differently to avoid it all together?.. I can't come up with anything. The driver was a young kid, maybe 20 years old, joyriding in his uncle's BMW with friends, and he was looking at his GPS on his phone when he made his abrupt lane change into my lane, and continued looking at the GPS

[@ron5184]

Good stuff Kevin. I started riding again after a 23 year hiatus to raise the family. Glad I found your page. I live in FL a no helmet required state, but I do wear a helmet because my wife (of 22 years) asked me not to put her through having to care a of a brain dead husband. My advice to all the riders don't be selfish wear the helmet for your loved ones.

[@joshhipp]

I am originally from Florida but now live in Tennessee. When I go home to FL, it amazes me that so many people are ok with riding without a helmet. It doesn't even have to be a full face, but something is better than nothing, yea?

[@sdqsdq6274]

lol that why state has to enforce it , if down here helmet is not required , back in the day i wont wear one as well , motorcycle is about freedom ,wind blowing in your face , of course nobody thinks about the ugly side which is falling down and hitting a rail or something ....

[@davecarsley8773]

Believe it or not, we - in Michigan - were just successful in getting our many decade's old helmet law *repealed* !! I always wear one anyway, but how often do laws get taken _away_ ?? How often do we become more free, instead of less? I think it's great even if I never take advantage of it!

[@frankcrawford416]

We should think about our loved ones.

[@kaylera1]

Full helmet is so much more enjoyable to me anyway. I've tried the no helmet and just sunglasses approach...I think it sucks. Wind in your eyes, bugs hitting your face...in the spring the mayflies are so thick that you can actually see the clouds of them when you're riding...no thanks. With helmet can see just fine, can smell all the smells...with integral drop down shades can open the visor for air...feel more secure with the safety aspect. Guess I'm not the typical Harley rider with the du rag and Loks...I don't care.....I'll take the gear all day

[@stevejohnson7354]

I have developed the habit of "covering" the front and back brakes. The split second it takes to reach for the brakes can make the difference in whether you crash or not. Reaction time is faster. Stay safe everyone, and keep the rubber side down !

[@DFWKen]

As instructors, Kevin, probably the most importing things we can give our students to help them ride safely after their graduation is #1 Mind the 2-second rule. #2 Practice combination braking (front and rear) at every stop and also practice combination threshold braking at least once per ride. It's my estimate that 50% of all motorcycle accidents can be avoided with just these two skills. Thank for reminding us how important they are.

[@MCrider]

Great points Ken! Now if I could just ride as well as you I'd be a much happier man.

[@frankeggers4024]

In most countries there is a 2-second rule. However, here in the U.S., practically all states (perhaps it is all by now) have a 3-second rule. But, unless traffic is heavy, why not follow at a distance even greater than 3-seconds? In any case, I see 2-seconds as inadequate.

[@tomj.1349]

#3 2 fingers up covering the brake lever at all possible times = 1/2" second saved reaction time and reduces grabbing at the brake lever during an emergency stop situation.

[@frankeggers4024]

Even more accidents could be avoided with the 3-second rule which is just about universal here in the U.S.

[@DFWKen]

aequitas equitas This is not something that is recommended. As an MSF instructor, we work to keep students' fingers off the brake lever except for stopping. Why? Because we've seen too many crashes in classes where a student momentarily panicked and suddenly squeezed. Not only beginners, but also riders with decades of riding experience.

[@loudog9153]

Thank you Kevin. I am 60 and have been riding street since 1975. Every video I watch, I have LEARNED or REMEMBERED something of great value.

[@page.crow.chiron]

You have my attention. MCRider is helping me learn how to get back on a motorcycle. I have been off the bike for 20 years. I am learning to be the "wiser man" because of your work.

[@frankkirkpatrick5031]

A Wise & Humble Man You Are! Please continue to teach many. Many will learn from you!Thank You!

[@The333]

Wow, I never realized you had been involved in an accident, Kevin. On one hand, I appreciate the opportunity to learn from your incident. On the other hand, as a new rider, it makes me a bit apprehensive knowing that if a really mindful rider like you can get into an accident, then a new rider like myself can easily get into an accident as well.

[@durhamhighwayman9640]

if you watch some more of Kevin's uploads you will find that this accident is what caused him to seek extra training , leading to a change of career, leading to the fantastic rider that you see now

[@shannonanderson7179]

I've taken quite a few motorcycle classes, 2 advanced and track classes just a few weeks ago. I learned so much, and the classes have made me such a better, safer rider. the only problem with the classes is that they are super expensive, so not easily accessible to everyone. I've been riding all my life and I still learned so much from the classes. I ride a Honda GL f6b, and because of those classes I can take sharp turns just and fast as any sport bike. my line selection vastly improved, so did my trail braking and low speed tight turns because of those classes. I can drag my knee on my goldwing. thank you for being a motorcycle instructor and for posting videos for what is taught in these classes. I wish there were more motovloggers like you, that actually knew what they were doing. it helps riders that don't have access to these classes learn vital motorcycle skills.

[@drikareis1770]

Wiser girl here. Coming back to the roads after around 9 years off it, very little training previously, now a mother who wants to enjoy my bike and come back home safe and sound to my little girl. I'm enjoying your videos very much. Keep up the good work, it's very much appreciated.

[@christiansonr1971]

Thanks for the videos, I haven't seen a better video course anywhere. I just bought a 2002 Honda Shadow 1100, and I'm relearning how to ride properly since I haven't been on a bike in over 20 years. I work in the truck driving industry and find myself constantly watching driver safety videos, particularly the SMITH system videos. Your videos are as close to that system as I've seen, and are a great asset to any level of experience. I have subscribed to your videos and am working my way through them, some of which I will probably watch more than once. Once again, thanks so much for all you do, frog.

[@TheBrassCaster]

I'm in my 70'sand have been riding since I was 16., I've had 4 serious accidents. All of them the other party was cited for illegal maneuvers. If I had been paying attention to just what I was really doing they all would have been a non issue in my life. Yes, I may have been a bit irritated but that will soon pass. My scars, busted up bones, the really bad limp I have, I'll live with forever.

[@9of966]

"mental awareness" caused the accident, being distracted and not focused on the ride situation caused all the other conditions to catch you off guard, I just subscribed and will watch all of your videos, great job on this series.

[@chuckkelley5894]

Hey Kevin! I love how you man up thereby setting the example for your viewers. You take responsibility where most wouldn't/don't. You boil it down, sift it out and report your findings. I'm not in the DFW area anymore but you help make me proud that I once was.

[@rickdixontn]

I wrecked at 19, now 55. I was doubling my friend and we both ended up in the hospital. Just a broken wrist for him, no lasting injury for me, but my motorcycle was totaled. Since I walked away, it was in hindsight, a blessing for me to have gotten in that accident. I would never have been the rider I am today with the same awareness of how things can go so horribly wrong in a split second if I had not experienced it first hand. I learn the hard way, hope others can learn from great videos like this.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

Some of the most valuable motorcycle content can be found on this channel. That was a great break down of an accident. Where you Illustrated things under your control and not under your control. I intend to be the wiser man and learn from this channel. A heartfelt thank you.

[@brettmcmahan1353]

Hi Kevin. I'm 54 & getting back into riding after a long lay off & I have found your vids very helpful & informative. Thanks for your efforts & please keep up the good work, take care & best wishes from Australia. Have a good one.

[@geraldn.d.y.5724]

Great video! My accident, her dented door and broken driver side rear door glass. Me, concussion, compound fracture of the wrist, bruises, lacerations and unconscious for 2 days. Her fault. I do not care whose fault. I care to avoid the situation. You have great wisdom and knowledge and experience and sharing it with others is great. Just found these videos so that is why my comments are so late.

[@TheDervMan]

I always admire people who share stuff like this on the internet, other people can learn so much from this. Thanks for sharing. Oh and what are the top three bikes you've owned?

[@MCrider]

+DervMan Got to be the Ninja 650r, 1999 Honda Valkyrie and my current Super Tenere. 😀

[@sail4life]

You need to try a Honda ST1100 ;-)

[@KLP99]

I love my Honda vt1100c, a Shadow Spirit. I have a 2004 and bought it used and sold a 1985 vt1100cf Shadow. That was a very fast bike. But I got to the point that my knees argued with me every time I rode it because the foot pegs bent my knees a bit more than 90° when putting my feet in the right place (not in the middle or heels). With the forward pegs on the 2004 my knees aren't whining anymore. The seat on the 1985 was a little more comfortable though.

[@barryweaver8833]

Awesome! very well put together - never stop learning. As a motorcyclist myself I like to research accident reconstruction and view videos of wrecks involving bikes. I'm with you I think the rider has so much to do with his/her own safety. There is so much in our control. THANK YOU...

[@joelfontana7028]

I don’t ride but I still watch your videos… great content even for a non rider…another point worth mentioning,I think you are the most peaceful person I have ever met. Godspeed!

[@huyked]

Did that fool that cut in front of you suffer any consequences, or did s/he drive off?

[@Patrick_B687-3]

I'm going to try hard to be the wiser man, thanks for sharing. New viewer here, checking you out and liking it a lot so far.

[@christiegee6360]

Thank you so very much for these videos. It gives me great comfort that my husband watches, appreciates and finds them useful. I support his pursuit of happiness in riding AND would like to keep him around ;)

[@DCX1]

right now im teaching a couple younger women how to ride. they both have taken MSF course, but as far as being on the road they have no experience at all. i will use this video to help explain safety on the road. thank you for sharing your experience. keep up the good work

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Make sure they're learning to scan for risk factors and make adjustments before something happens. Also, if they haven't already made the decision, sign up for the ARC after they have a couple thousand miles under their belts. I signed up after just 10 months of riding and about 2500 miles and it was great. Just today my awareness and habit of maintaining a bubble probably saved my life when a car tried to merge on top of me. But, because I had space on 3 of my sides I had space to abort my attempt to get ahead of the car before it merged and It wasn't even particularly scary. But, it was only not scary because I saw it coming and was reading to act before anything happened.

[@thelatenightbar]

Bummer dude, sorry to hear that story. Thanks for sharing. As you say, maybe we can learn from other's mistakes. I just have to say, youtube channels like yours, and there are a few other youtube channels regarding motorcycle safety out there, I feel are a real benefit to those of us who ride motorcycles. I recently reentered the world of motorcycles with my recent purchase of a Harley Heritage. Some 30 years past the time of my previous motorcycle experience. Watching all these safety videos I believe have saved me from more than a few accidents or near accidents. Thanks again for all the great content !

[@mtmarcy4495]

Outstanding video and series . At 47 years old, I've been riding on the street now for ten or so years. In that time, I've had a few close calls, including an incident destroyed a young doe whitetail along with my DL1000 V-Strom. My takeaway from you sir, is that as riders, we need to be learning constantly, and putting into practice that which we've learned. I appreciate this story and yes, I'm a little wiser for having listened to it.

[@OldSchoolHacker]

Your delivery is perfectly paced and the approach you take analyzing and categorizing the factors contributing to your crash is organized and thorough. Because of your earlier videos and similar ones by FastEddie, I practice my riding skills (swerving, emergency stopping and low speed maneuvers) in a local parking lot every week. I got my M endorsement last month at the age of 59 and I took the MSF BRC. I know that i have so much to learn and apply to stay safe so I rely on resources like your channel to serve as the curriculum going forward. Thank you for sharing your experience with this old noob.

[@KevinBrown1966]

Great content, bc good points and it's always great to refresh your skills. Being a trucker and a motorcyclist I see alot of things happen on the roads everything I've learned in being a safe trucker have really helped me become a better rider and being more aware of my surroundings. Thanks for a great channel.

[@vicdonaldson8422]

Hey Kevin, I’ve been studying your video lessons for the past two weeks and have found them to be valuable reminders and educational lessons we can all learn from. Watching yours and others has been in preparation for a ride with my buddy to Sturgis this year. He is a long time rider but I am fairly new, only five years on two wheels. I have taken your advice and we (my wife and I) have just taken an advanced lesson to improve my riding skills. This is my third riding course, as I took one before getting my first bike, a HD Heritage Softtail Classic. I’m on my third Harley now, a 2014 Ultra Limited and just loving it. I’ll become a Patrion as I believe we can all benefit from videos like yours. Cheers from Canada Vic D

[@MCrider]

Awesome Vic, glad MCrider has helped. 👍👍🏍️

[@helderlucas6604]

Thank you MC Rider, I appreciate your videos a lot! Wish the driving instructors could be more like you. Big thumbs up mate, thank you!

[@jesusirazabal4034]

Excellent lesson, really good presentation of the situation without the help of an actual video of it. The honest analysis and sincere approach makes me definitely reflect on my own ridding abilities and the need to learn more everyday. Very well done, congratulations....keep them coming...

[@MCrider]

+Jesus Irazabal Thanks Jesus.

[@Iowaclass65]

Thanks for sharing Kevin. Your story is very much like my accident several years ago. The car in front of me went into a left turn lane and changed his mind just as I got even to his back bumper. Too much front brake and a tap on the front fender put me down. Safety gear and luck kept me alive that day. Many lessons learned, much the ones that you mentioned. Even though I have been riding 35 years, I am going to sign up for an intermediate course immediately. Thanks again!

[@jimmorrison306]

This is excellent. We need to hear this. I also like ride-a-long videos where you narrate as you go - tell us where you look - what you look for - etc. Diagrams help, too.

[@baysidephotography]

Awesome Kevin! Very analytical and well thought out. Love it.

[@netguru1234]

Another great video Kevin! Thanks for sharing. It takes a real wise man to share his mistakes with others, so others can learn. I very much like your “What’s in my control analysis.”

[@matthewbrinton228]

Kevin, great content!! I felt your pain in this episode as I ride a 2005 Ninja ZX10R. I am seeing that my 37 years of experience could actually be a determent as I realize many 'sloppy habits' have developed...Looks like a tune up was just in time! Thanks for running MCrider I have shared with my riding buddies.

[@NCHAAK]

Hey Ron....I hear ya.....it's been 25 years since I have ridden...Kids are grown and gone now...just bought a bike to get back into it and came across these videos ....thank you Kevin.....subscribed and looking forward to the next video....was bringing my new bike home and an IDIOT changed lanes in front of me without looking .....after telling them they were no.1 driver I realized how they really don't care....so be careful out there people and thank you Kevin for your video's

[@exanimisrex3808]

Thank you for this, I've seen so many videos of bikers doing really stupid and dangerous things and blaming their problems on other drivers. It's great to see someone who not only admits to and learns from their mistakes but who also shares their knowledge with others. That whole experience could have been avoided had the driver not cut you off but then you would not be sharing this important lesson with us.

[@scottkessler186]

An honest and thoughtful breakdown of the accident sir. In my 25 years on motorcycles I've had 2 accidents. 1 at fault when very young and one 6 months ago not at fault and even though I reacted in a text book fashion to a car cutting me off failing to yield the right of way I still ended up with a totalled bike and injuries to my leg. Even when you do everything correct in a given situation I still quote the mantra that when riding you are at fault even though it wasn't your fault.

[@Error-eb9gv]

I love these videos, they are very valuable for changing a mindset to one of safety preparedness. In your defense in this example one thing to remember is we're all human and make mistakes, it's easy to look back and pick out whare you went wrong but nobody can be 100% focused alert and calculating all the time. All it takes is one laps of judgment and and pay dearly for it.

[@craigjenson2878]

I'm always glad to be reminded of the importance of being aware of my state of mind before riding. Retirement in Pattaya Thailand with a Ninja 650 and Ducati 848 StreetFighter is considered a silly deathwish by the uninitiated. There is no such thing as a moving violation here and blind intersections, wrong way traffic on the shoulder, fatalistic speeds, etc. make every ride running the gauntlet. Being aware of how I feel and especially how much mental focus I have has allowed me to get to 10,000 km on my bikes so far here in Thailand. Thanks again for the reminder!

[@melsanjuan7238]

In my personal opinion, i think the most important thing that you mentioned to keep us safe on the road was "(total) mental awareness". And possibly the main reason why drivers/riders get themselves in an unfortunate road events. Probably if you were more focused at that time while you where riding you could possibly execute the right actions and reactions to to the unforeseen and foreseen road scenarios (car cutting, bad road conditions etc.) at that time. Well, this is easier said by an observer. But like what you said, " be wiser to learn from other's mistakes!". Your a great teacher Kevin and i love your program. MABUHAY KA!

[@gloves1212]

I just crashed today - cars stopping suddenly ahead (construction on a freeway, speed went from 70 to 0 abruptly). I had just recently watched this video, and other MCRider videos on emergency breaking, following distance, etc. I ended up hitting the car ahead of me at ~5 mph upright, on two wheels; tipped after I hit them. Only damage was a bumper dent and a tail light, I wasn't hurt. I'm sure if I hadn't watched these videos and taken the MSF class I would have yanked my front brake, locked it up and probably gotten hurt. Lesson learned, more following distance even than what I had, but thank you for helping me stay safe!

[@MCrider]

Thanks for sharing Ryan! More following distance may have saved the day completely. Glad you are ok. 👍🏻

[@gloves1212]

@@MCrider Absolutely. I was a bit less than 2 seconds behind, maybe one and a half. Thanks for the reply!! The car I hit was my sister, we were road-tripping and had coms, I was closer to her than I should have been because we had just changed lanes and I was staying behind her. She was not hurt either, I mostly felt bad for scaring her - she threw the car door open and ran to me so fast, that image is what scares me most. That makes me want to be more careful, thinking about how getting hurt would affect people who care about me. She's very ready to road trip with me again, but next time I'll definitely "ride my own ride" and not worry too much about a car or two between us; we can meet up when we get home, at a restaurant, etc.

[@jagundala1]

So happy that thru your injury and the intense disappoint that you have been able to find another passion in your life(teaching others). As you stated you faith has stayed with you and has proven in so many ways you care deeply for all you do. My husband has rode a bike sinde he was 16 and this year he'll be 71 and biking is one of his joys-mine also even though due to illness haven't been able to ride with him for atleast 10 years and I miss the joy of riding. We subscribed today and will keep up with you. Thank you (sorry about writing a book)

[@MCrider]

Thanks Gail, that is awesome that he has ridden so long. Thanks so much for commenting and subscribing. God bless, Kevin

[@worawatli8952]

My bike has ABS and linked brake, front and back always on, it saved me a few times , crash from braking is very common so ABS is now great option to look for in buying new bike. It is not all to avoid accident, but it is better than no ABS, it put the bike to stop with very low ro no chance of wheel lock-up.

[@philtripe]

my bike stops way faster though with no abs...thats the compromise 2011 ducati 796

[@cembanditx1]

ABS allowed me to live long enough to view this Chan. I slammed on brakes 1 week after endorsement on a country road coming to a stop sign. I felt the pulsing as the abs did its job on my indian. The rear slid a bit but the bike stayed up. ABS is a great advancement for new riders, but I try to act act like it isn’t there for routine stops. Never know if it will fail, and someday I might be on a bike without it.

[@GadgetMart]

2big 2fail Are you still alive Ducati man 2 years later?

[@CarleAldrete]

Thank you for doing so much more than telling your story. As a father I certainly wondered how the family responded and as a manager I wondered how the team at American Airlines handled your absence but you told the story that is most helpful for new riders. That’s very impressive. Thanks. I’d love to hear the rest someday

[@garya3056]

Good lesson you’ve taught us here, Kevin. I hope the drive that cut you off came to your aid. Thanks again...

[@felero]

Thank you Kevin for all the things you shared. You make us a better rider. God bless you my friend.

[@grebelk]

Duped my FJR under basically the same circumstances. Very good message, now shared with my riding buddies..

[@johncoe6304]

Thank you for sharing that MC . and I'm so glad you are here for us. Hey Kevin. You know you're talking to a vast audience of riders. Like you, the guys who ride their bikes every day 50 miles round trip. To the weekend warriors, and maybe they may jump on their bikes a couple of nights a week, before dark..here is what I'll say. I'm always concerned about the roads I travel. Never in a hurry, cuz like I said, I'm riding for the journey, not the destination, usually. The only time I even get on the freeway, would be to go a few exits, maybe to save 10 miles. The traffic thing is HUGE. a lot of times, I'll ride the same 10 or 12 roads, maybe varying the route. My gf loves when we cruise on back roads at 40 mph. I do too. A lot less stress and pressure. I'm planning a 125 mile trip, and believe me my bike is an over the road cruiser. But I will map out backroads. Only use the freeway if absolutely necessary. It's like my hot rod Camaro. It'll do 140, but it's never been over 80. Ever. I baby my equipment. Ride slow and carefully. I know anything can happen. No control over another motorist. But slow down, enjoy the journey. Lower the odds of an incident. But have a blast. That's just me. Anyway, thanks for all u do.

[@miguelsosan]

Thanks for sharing such a great life lesson with the world. As a novice rider in the DFW area I greatly appreciate it.

[@norwegianinja]

I just started following you. I am also back riding after taking a hiatus. I’m approaching 50 and just purchased a Road King. I loved what you are said about in your control ba not in your control. For me, it’s why I’d don’t use Bluetooth head set and have a motorcycle with no radio. I love music and grew up in one of the eras where you’d an get lost in it. I also just don’t care about being on the phone while reading or seeing/hearing texts etc. but I’m like that driving a car too, sure I listed to music but rarely ever use my phone.

[@RobertBardos]

getting new tires on the gladius this week! exciting to getting back to practice!! thanks MC Rider Kevin!

[@MikeWanDoe1]

My helmet saved my life during an encounter with a deer.

[@karabesklow]

Did you save the deer too ? :)

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

@@karabesklow Deers don't wear helmets, silly

[@ImNotStalkingYou]

@ Is that a GTA reference?

[@ImNotStalkingYou]

@ Ok, what is an MC pres?

[@ImNotStalkingYou]

@ Motorcycle Club President?

[@Geeios1]

Continually scan for exit points and the cars around you for exit points. I tend to steer around accidents more than brake in them. I use a lot of peripheral vision in a lot of those situations, trying to have space on all sides for this purpose. I have ridden around construction zones as a habit for so long, I forget to check to see if the zone is gone for months. I will practice my emergency braking. Thanks for the reminder and the videos.

[@equaliser2265]

Spot on advice, your saving lives with your words, experience driving cars before biking is also a must. Thanks again.

[@GettingtheTruthOut]

Good points. I'm a new rider and what I've read is that in a circumstance like this one, one of the options is to swerve rather than brake. I'm curious what more experienced riders think of swerving if possible rather than braking.

[@errolm8313]

Thank you for sharing this. I too laid my bike down back in 2015 when a driver made a left turn in my path.

[@WaterFunFL]

Just got my first bike. Glad I found your channel! I’d like to consider myself the wiser woman 🙂

[@MCrider]

Love it! We need more female riders. 👍👍

[@thomasche]

Road surface under your control yes. Good that you clarified it. Regards

[@davidmegeath1353]

Very good information and insight into what you can do and control to help yourself to ride safely... thanks, Kevin!

[@rickymwaura3803]

All the way from Kenya and i love your channel. I'm planning to buy my first bike and I'm learning a lot from your video. Thanks Kevin.

[@dfawkes55]

Kevin I have become a wider rider listening and heeding this video.

[@agnessmith6487]

I too broke my collarbone in one accident...and my wrist in 2 places in another...all involving just me! That was 7 years ago and I learned from those accidents. Even now, I learn as much as I can about bike accidents i see in the paper. One thing I've learned to do is scan with my eyes more...not always using my head to do so.

[@keithstivers1994]

God bless you Kevin. I had a very similar experience last Thursday and went down for the first time. Wish I had seen this before the accident.

[@jezwatson8211]

I once rode through a red light because my mental awareness was not there, I was completely distracted by what was the situation going to be where I was going, I got pulled over by the police just up the road, I realise now that I should never have been driving because of my anxiety

[@CarlosPerdomo]

Very similar to how my accident happened. With a few variations.

[@chrisb222]

I was congratulating myself on a perfectly taken sweeping corner in the country when the deer jumped out in front and I hit him square on at 50mph - Never again will my attention slip - I am still barely walking 4 weeks later

[@johncoe6304]

Dang dude. Glad ur ok

[@JeffStroup]

Love you videos. I recently got a bike and am going to take it much slower. You've scared the hell out of me. Thank you.

[@gwerkin]

I know this video has been up a while, and I appreciate that and that you made it. One of the things that gives me trouble and pisses me off is when you give reasonable distance for your safety like this there's always some asshole squeezing in it. So, I end up giving more and more space as assholes cause me to lengthen my safe cushion area. I also find that closing the gap between myself and the car in front of me gives me more time so the person who turns without looking doesn't react fast enough to hit me, because i'm hugging the car in front of me. Every day I just hope I'm using the right method. Your videos are great. Thanks.

[@atheist535]

I cannot count how many accidents I've avoided by simply being aware of my surroundings and anticipating the actions of cagers.

[@CharlesGauthier]

Hi Kevin, Thanks for sharing your story. Great reminder about our responsibility as riders, the needed focus on defensive riding (especially as our magic UFO's/motorcycles are totally invisible when seen through a cage's windshield)

[@mollygrubber]

Good video, I had almost the exact situation (except rain, not construction) and broke my collarbone just like you. I've had a bunch of training, but my accident happened the day before we were moving house and I was seriously distracted also. Very good food for thought here.

[@wanderingdingleberry6447]

Excellent lesson as usual. It amazes me how much we are in control of our own destiny in all things. Thank you for sharing the critical thinking. Above all else, adopting this mentality may save my own life some day, and for that I am truly grateful.

[@ellwood59]

Thanks Kevin. Once again, great video. I agree 2 through 5 are in the correct column but, the road surface, in my opinion is part of the emergency braking issue.

[@najaziz08]

Thank you Kevin. This was excellent and beautifully explained advice. I learnt a lot from it. Keep up the good work, you are saving lives.

[@KutWrite]

Great content, great delivery and fine graphics. Well done!

[@HJC1950]

My prime goal for riding safely is to learn from others' mistakes, so I agree wholeheartedly there. Also, "Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you."

[@ianmackenzie686]

Sobering. Thank you for sharing.

[@Dane_AP]

Thanks for doing this video. I'm new to the motorcycle world and will be looking at getting BRC and M Endorsement soon (within two weeks). Passing on knowledge like this is extremely helpful.

[@MCrider]

Great Dane! Good luck with the MSF class, it's a lot of fun.

[@rborim]

Great content! Thank you a lot for sharing! I've been following your channel here from Brazil and sharing with some friends. You are helping people hear too. Thank you!

[@LeopoldMidas]

Great Video, I like how you put even the road surface as under your control, most people would not.

[@Burt1038]

Man, i can imagine your scenario based on that description. What makes it even worse is usually in a construction area they will have narrower lanes so you can't even lane split in an emergency such as you described, and often they'll put up concrete barriers to boot. You are literally trapped most of the time.

[@soulsilver8540]

These videos are going to save my life, thank you sir.

[@adammacfie8591]

You are a wise man and I am wiser for hearing you - thanks

[@brickson98m]

Speaking of cars cutting into your lane, I just got a ninja 300 last saturday (it's now tuesday) and on that same day I got it, later in the day I was following a friend in his car to a buddy's house to show them my new bike, and I got cut off. I went to confront the driver at a red light (I know not the best idea) but she ended up being private police for my city. Now I'm not sure exactly what private police do (she obviously had no jurisdiction on the road because she didn't ticket me for lane splitting up to her) but looking back on it I should have got her badge number (assuming she has one) or at least her name. She had the worst attitude and threatened to arrest me multiple times. People like her should not be on the force abusing their power. Mind you this is all on my first day back to riding on the street after about a year of not having a bike to ride.

[@hillie47]

Private police? Like a mall cop?

[@dasutr]

The one thing I remember from my MSF course was that he said "you should drive like your are invisible". That is always on my mind when I ride.

[@andressandoval9006]

Thanks for sharing, new, learning Rider here, awesome lesson, thanks again

[@froggymicb]

I was introduced to your channel a few days ago and I really am enjoying them! lots of common sense! I will definitely take on what you say! keep it up!

[@MCrider]

+Michael Backhaus Thanks Michael, glad you found it? Did someone tell you about MCrider or did you just stumble on it?

[@froggymicb]

Facebook friend shared the video you did on "it wasn't my fault". So very true!

[@tonypybus8003]

Great content - I have gained a lot from your videos. Like you I rode extensively as a youngster and have been back on a bike for 18 months - after a layoff for 35 years. I am not sure what the rules of the road are in the US as I live in the UK. Over here it is perfectly legal for motorcycles to "filter" in slow or stationary traffic. "Filtering" is moving down the outside of the traffic (in the centre of the road) on a single carriage road or between vehicles on a multi lane road. The number of accidents involving motorcycles hitting cars turning right (don't forget we drive on the other side of the road) is phenomenal. Whilst I will "filter" on occasions I will not do it if there are junctions on the right for this reason. The amount of times I cringe at young drivers "filtering" at the limit, not to mention wearing shorts and a t shirt, in places where they have not got a hope in hell of stopping should a vehicle decide to turn right or give way to a vehicle from the left. Equally many car drivers are not aware of the laws and consider that they don't need to look out for motorcycles. Just for info. France has just introduced this rule as an experiment in four regions - The region around Paris, Marseilles, and two other regions. Looking forward to more education from - great site.

[@salmedrano9759]

Thanks for the great information brother! I enjoy watching your training videos and always learn something new from each and every one you have done. Fantastic job!

[@freddydee270]

Nice bike I have a 2009 model. I feel better now knowing you appreciate this bike.

[@michaelggriffiths]

Fantastic video. I'm definitely wiser after watching this. your videos could very well be saving/have saved lives!

[@henryadriano4459]

Thanks Kevin , so much good information for beginner and experience riders , Keep up the good work !

[@MyVetteDream]

Glad you were ok and thank you for sharing. Saw some of your others vids too and those were also well done and useful. SUB'ed!