Improve your total stopping distance on a motorcycle

[@MCrider]

Become a Member of MCrider! More Details: www.MCrider.com/Member

[@Rikenglebert7558]

This is the single best video I have seen regarding motorcycle safety. Although I am not a great rider this is something I STRONGLY believe in. These theories have kept me safe just this week!!! God bless you Kevin!

[@jimbarton4150]

Anticipation is key. The single most important piece of advice I gave my kids when teaching them to drive is “Always expect people to do exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time.” Two of my daughters have already told me that those words have already saved them from accidents and they’ve only been driving for a few years. That way you won’t be surprised. Even more important on a motorcycle.

[@williamwintemberg]

I got to 4. Great subject along with very real and helpful strategy. I would like to add my 2 cents. When a possible situation comes into view the first thing I like to do is slow down. This slow down gives me a little extra time to weigh everything out. If a real danger is there I already have the game plan down, at least most of the time. I almost never use my horn and never rev bomb. I see this as wasting valuable time. Under all circumstances, danger or no danger, I always make great effort to stay clear of tailgaters, both behind and in front of me. This practice also buys me time. IMO.

[@joeglenn7323]

Same here, 4.

[@alexeykulikov2739]

1. Rout planned and changes of situation always anticipated. 2. Sober and rested mind. Trained to react asap. 3. Well developed breaking skills. Thanks, Kev. This was a really good one.

[@mossyhollow3732]

11. The GoPro style videos really improved my anticipation. Watching cars cut people off and bikers react as if they are actually visible helps me. The other day a guy who was at least 60 yards ahead of me went from the far left ditch (May have been working on a fence) to about 10 ft. in front of me in a a few seconds. I had a strong feeling that it was going to happen from watching numerous videos. Crash avoided, jackass still roaming in their truck. I didn't yell at them or try to break their mirror. I calmly slowed down, flashed my high beam, honked and they pulled off on the far right shoulder. I just rolled on by. Anticipation saved me because I was way out down a low traffic road and people in those areas would most likely leave me there in the ditch instead of help.

[@stratsurvivor]

Turned a blind corner, going uphill on a city brick street, in the rain. Met a wrong way driver, that was in my blind spot and vice versa....rushing because they realized they were going the wrong way. Thanks to you, and Be Prepared. Simple swerve, upright, and stop. If I wasn't thinking ahead...would have been a 30mph head on. (Yes i slowed down for the turn). Anticipation. MC Rider, thou rock!!

[@Juror63]

11, and I still ride like everyone is aiming for me. The number of folks messing with their phone is CrAzY!

[@gorillaau]

Everyone has a batphone these days, just be picked and responded to the second it rings or beeps. If addicted to you phone, put it in the car boot so you are not tempted to touch it. Oh, and if you can't help picking up the phone when driving, that's addiction to me.

[@geepers100]

Police are red hot on phones where I live. Just touching your phone - even when stopped at lights - is a $400 fine. And they cruise between cars on unmarked bikes to get you! But it's working. The culture is definitely changing. You see people pull off the road all the time now to deal with their phone.

[@stephenyanacek1763]

I only got up to 5 kev....that was a great demonstration of distraction. Your awesome at what you do. Love your channel!

[@jonoliousbrigerton370]

hahaah yeah i got 4

[@moviedog1]

I also got 5, I could not find the 6, I could see the rest, but 6 maybe would have gotten me killed. The was a good exercise. I took it again for fun, I got 11.

[@davidodell2401]

Honestly I only got the five. I was really distracted by you telling me not to be distracted. Lol

[@samehsouissi6986]

I didn't get distracted but only got 5, could find 4 easily

[@ryongchoi1971]

I counted to 10 and then had trouble finding 11...

[@gregoriousgilbert519]

First time got to 2 searching for 3; 2nd time 5 searching for 6; 3rd time 9 searching for 10 an 4th searching for 12. So practice increases success.. cheers man.

[@jakubkrason]

Got 9. This is one of the best videos any rider can watch. Very well put. Predicting what may happen and being ready for it is what saves your life.

[@phatboiunderwood9182]

Hey Man you speak what I need to hear, your videos are not jazzy but what i need.....thank you for " Saving life ministry".

[@darylcopp9013]

15 for me. Been married for a while so tuning out that kind of verbal distraction was not too hard.

[@upstatguy518]

😂😂😂

[@MrTomOff]

Sorry Daryl but I will now have to send this comment to your significant other! :)

[@MrTomOff]

I got 10. Let me commend you for an excellent tool regarding safety. My eyes can scan MUCH faster than my brain can analyze the information it receives. Reaction time on a motorcycle (or car) is critical and this is a very productive demonstration that allows us all to understand the process.

[@all-yw2yr]

I got 9, great video, I try to ride thinking that most people are distracted and that I'm not visible to them, that way I can stay away from those predicaments, thank you Kevin.

[@TheConSept]

I hit 9 and was about to find 10. I usually drive as if I am invisible now. I have been rear ended, I have been side swiped, and cut off several times. Now that I have the mindset that I am completely invisible my clothes, riding style, and gear color has shifted away from being "stealthy" to BRIGHT and in sight.

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

I reached 11 and my wife got 8... Excellent exercise, especially after divulging the patterns, and how it shows the relevance of anticipation and information... Thanks

[@michaelc2644]

My anticipatory skills have increased significantly since I began to ride regularly in South America, where there are many, many more riders but where driving in general is chaotic and for the most part lawless.

[@mrpalaces]

I live in Bogotá. The city alone has as many bikes as all of Texas. And Colombia has as many registered bikes as the US. I'm sure that by now you've noticed the average rider is a rolling counterexample of all of Kevin's advice :/

[@thomasfinken]

I’ve got the same experience!

[@carlosmotta1635]

MC Rider; I took the CHP motorcycle safety course about two decades ago and they drilled into us the term SIPDE which stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute. This tactic has made me a safer driver and I apply it on every ride. You find yourself running scenarios everywhere you go and it has given me what some have told me is a sixth sense, its not, its anticipating as many possible emergency situations so that I am better prepared to react. Thanks for the vid. loved the number game you played.

[@westhompson2118]

I got to 9. Like some others, I had trouble finding 4.

[@mikemiles3068]

Super video! I just retired this year as a Special Needs bus driver and I can not count the number of times that I have had other driver pull out in front of me. Obviously they were distracted, no one in there right mind would pull out in front of a bus! 🚌🛵🚗🚚

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

i got to 8 then slammed on the front brake

[@peterstokes54]

An anticipation habit I was taught was to give yourself an out-loud running commentary of what’s ahead - “turning coming up Willa car come out - petrol station, car could come out of it - speed limit sign coming up, check speed - queue of cars ahead, watch out for overtakers” and so on; helps the anticipation become part of the driving/riding. By the way, knowing stopping distances has long been a feature of the UK driving test, cars and bikes alike.

[@Delzona]

I managed to get to 11. I had anticipated getting more! Great video!

[@michael-ct5cw]

Thanks for another great video. I have been riding for over 50 years but always find something to consider or technique to reevaluate after watching your videos. After watching this one today, I headed out on my afternoon ride. On my way back home I decided to cut some time off by returning to the interstate. Following at a safe distance I suddenly saw the car in front of me swerve, leaving me staring at a six foot later in the middle of the road. Fortunately enough awareness gave me time to find my lane around it. Keep up the good work.

[@VideoInformation]

8, the number 4 was a bit hard.

[@texastanker]

Got to 7, had the same test during the Harley rider class. I always anticipate that other drivers are going to do something stupid. It's one of the key points I taught my son while he was learning to drive.

[@stevewaterfield4862]

A video on how to properly use the horn might be a good topic.

[@richardfarnam6124]

S W flashing lights and or daytime high beams help too.

[@Grim_Beard]

One tip is to double-tap the horn, rather than long-press it. It seems less aggressive that way, so draws attention without provoking road rage. As for flashing your headlights as a warning, there are going to be local variations but *never* do that in the UK. The official _Highway Code_ says flashing your headlights is a warning, but in practice everyone uses it to signal 'I've seen you and I'm letting you go' (a return flash is often used as thanks - oh, and truckers use it when being overtaken by another trucker, to signal they're past and can pull back in). If you do what the _Highway Code_ says and flash your headlights as a warning, it *will* be interpreted as 'OK to pull out' and you *will* be turning a potential hazard into an actual danger.

[@pcvobrien]

Instead of flashing your headlight high and low, just turn them on high at the very start of approaching a busy intersection and leave them on high until you are past that possible danger situation.

[@waynelarnold]

I heard a saying recently, not sure where (maybe from MC Rider). But it’s about staying focused and only looking where you need to look , “unattended eyes acquire the wrong data” , that saying has been stuck in my head. It helps me stay focused on what’s important.

[@frankypappa]

This advice and test is gold! 👌🏾👍🏾

[@richardmourdock2719]

great teaching tool, Kevin. Very instructive in a 15 minute vid. If my high school instruction had taught so much in 15 minutes.. can't imagine where I'd be today!

[@drdanielhowell]

14. I didn’t figure out the quadrants, but I did figure out the numbers were left, right, left, right...

[@nemlas85]

17 for me, but only because I also figured this pattern unconsciously, and gained speed by the end

[@TarquinJoseph]

Reached 11. This is very useful information. I'm currently getting a small bike road worthy with the aim of learning to ride it and this channel is becoming one of my favorites to help me understand how to prepare.

[@mattenglish1623]

I made it to #12. Just like the Boy Scouts, Be Prepared!

[@frankhernandez1995]

I got to one, I was riding during the test and had to slam on the brakes when a car pulled out in front of me. Seriously though, this is a great video, MC is the best.

[@nbt3663]

7 I had trouble finding the 4 was nearly under 14 I think.

[@63jafo]

15... you're talking wasn't a distraction but retired from the local electric utility where the diesels and loud voices never stopped lol... just found your channel today and will be a regular now

[@Hurdl]

Well... I also had trouble to locate the 4. I thought I had it already - but it was the 14. Oh crap :) - highest Number was 7

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I think that was the hardest point, it wasn't just locating the number, but finding the one that wasn't part of a larger number.

[@eamo106]

Excellent, just joined last week. Am an ex Car /truck DD instructor. Aim high (far) in steering, leave yourself an out, Watch the wheels, brake gently first then assess, focus on the quadrants. with a bike is also managing the two brakes 75/25 , shift weight forward. Not sure at my 60 years old I can ride a bike safely unless I know to be slower than when I was 20-30 - . Slow is good and relative. Also I assume they don't see me. Great video.

[@Sparrowash97]

Eamo' it can be much more enjoyable cruising along rather than trying to take every corner like your racing!

[@eamo106]

@@Sparrowash97 Agree , believe me car drivers are much more distracted and less skillful these days than 10-20 years ago

[@MCrider]

So far the highest score I see is 15 by Mike Carreca! Wow, that is high!

[@nakedanunnaki4432]

He's bullshitting... Utter nonsens

[@MrW454ci]

I did get 11

[@frankrigillo734]

13

[@billhenley6769]

5

[@nakedanunnaki4432]

@@frankrigillo734 bullshit

[@ZippoVarga]

When I see a vehicle contemplating pulling out in front of me, I always turn on my flashers, flash my high beam on and off and if that fails (as I'm slowing down) the horn. Last season I avoided a potentially bad situation where a kid simply didn't see me. We got stopped by a train shortly after and he commented...smart of you to flash your lights. I didn't see you prior. That's the anticipation and doing half a dozen things at the same time to both get my self and passenger prepared. Operate the brakes, hazards, high beam rocker, look for a path to safely escape should the driver still not see me and lay on the horn. I'm always 10 times more aware of my surroundings when I'm on two wheels, because no matter how good a rider you are, there's someone out there (actually MANY out there) that won't see you. Great job on this video! Cheers! Zip~

[@drumsnbass]

Always watch the wheels.

[@stevewaterfield4862]

Please help me understand that... Thanks.

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

absolutely!

[@drumsnbass]

S W - if you see a stopped car perpendicular to you at an intersection, don’t watch the car, watch the wheels. You can see a change in the wheels (rotating) easier than you can see a change in the car, mostly due to the background shifting behind that car as you approach.

[@damianrc5322]

A tool that I don't see people using as much is their horn. I can recall about 3 times it has helped me. A small hunk can help drivers pay attention. So the horn can be a super helpful addition to your strategy.

[@kennethreynolds8]

Only 9, great demonstration about awareness 👍

[@stone8597]

I only made it to 7...with you hint I probably could have doubled my score. Watching for people turning left coming at me is something I really watch for.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Whenever I find myself in a sketchy situation I cover the front brake with 2 fingers to shorten my reaction time. With practice, you can downshift while braking by letting your fingers slip over the brake lever while you're blipping the throttle. I had learned to drive using my left foot for braking and again will cover my brake pedal in uncertain situations.

[@roberthughes4859]

I got to 11, just started riding so these kind of videos are really a huge help. Thank you sir for providing a great video as usual.

[@rossdonaghy1748]

Hit 11. Struggled to find 1. Have to comment on your road strategy though. Some of the most epic fails i've seen come from guys on heavy bikes who slam on brakes and slide or just roll right into obstacles because the braking action robs the rider of control. Hitting your brakes is not the last thing you can do, having avoided a few potentially fatal crashes after going into a slide i'm very thankful that my brain doesn't go 'deer in the headlights' in the face of danger. As a rider you take up the least space on the road, FIND THE GAP and get through it because even if you do stop there is still traffic behind you and you are now the unexpected obstacle.

[@Becky-ll1vl]

4. Keep the challenges and good training coming, Kevin.

[@MICHAELZHANGCA]

I got 14. And it's been a while since I tuned in your channel. Congratulations on the new Wing.

[@marekstawicki8811]

I think it is always good to point out what to look at, instead of just naming the subject: like the "tire" - it's not the tire itself, it's the top of the tire - because it moves at twice the spead of the car it is much easier to spot the movement than just a tire spin... My highest number is 21, but! I've done similar exercise hundreds of times already... it's all about how fast you find the pattern... nope, you hevn't distract me at all - I know how to cut off if I need to, this is important to be able to do so when you drive, especially on a bike. I promise to rejoin the forum once my financial comes back to health! Yo will not lose me on Patrion!!!

[@RollModel724]

12. I wasn’t distracted by your voice . The sections made it much easier.

[@RollingThunder808]

Excellent advice. Be aware of your surroundings and all possible hazards. Like cars pulling out or making a left turn in front of you. Expect the unexpected and plan what to do if it happens.

[@projektdotnet]

13. I will say, you're totally right about anticipating movements of other vehicles. I was riding out to go visit family one weekend, was only a block from my apartment, saw a vehicle get into the left turn lane, wasn't sure he'd spotted me as I was riding solo and in opposition to the heavy traffic on the opposite side, my direction didn't have any vehicles for another 100 feet or so. I figured that he probably completely missed that I was there and so I covered my clutch and began rolling off ever so slightly. Not a moment after I did that, I was proven completely right and he started making his left. Of course, due to lack of emergency braking practice I managed to lock up the rear wheel but I did still keep the bike upright and mostly straight and was able to scrub enough speed to allow him to clear his left turn and not end up smashed into the side of his car. Needless to say I had to go pull over and calm down before I could continue my ride because the adrenaline rush was absolutely enormous. That reminds me, I'm overdue for practicing my emergency braking, maybe I'll go work on that later.

[@reddog907]

I saw a good tip, when approaching an intersection and there is a car that may turn into your path, wobble your bike side to side, it tends to increase your size and gets the drivers attention.

[@Todesjaeger00]

I would also say in the situation where the vehicle may pull out, move to the left. This will increase the distance and time between you and the vehicle. Also, I may see a driver look in my direction, but they don't see me in most cases. The wheel starting to roll would be the primary indicator they are pulling out. Another great video! (Fyi, only got to 13)

[@roththerobernator4955]

I made it to 15, too, and had to go back at 14 to make sure it was not 4 because I remembered it was about there. I saw higher numbers but not in order. Caught me by surprise, I did not know what to expect at the beginning.

[@jamesparsons5212]

Just found your videos. Very informative and I will take these videos to heart. I was able to find 1 through 15 but was half way through saying 15 when the timer stopped. So my number is 14. I have been riding for 14 years but I am always trying to improve. Thank you for making these videos.

[@BigMoeFo]

About a year back I tore my retina , the tear then separated into 2 tears. I'm lucky I had an incredible surgeon. The head of the dept. recommended going under the knife. This Doc new I was a biker and said he wanted to try using lasers first. I had three very painful procedures but thank God today I can ride.

[@Witty76]

Yet another great tutorial Kevin. Thank you for your time, effort, and knowledge. Knowledge IS power!

[@kingfisherphil]

Very good points Kevin. Dropping back is the same, it buys you time, time that could save your life.

[@scottlong5093]

I appreciate you mentioning alcohol affecting your reaction time. It is distressing to me when a motorcycle business here in San Antonio has a "Beer & Wine" night event for riders. This seems incredibly irresponsible. When I renewed my motorcycle license in NY state, over half of the written test was devoted to the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

[@DavidRamirez-co4hi]

Thanks so much for this. I realize how important these tests and techniques that you provide us could save lives on those roads. People these days are in such a hurry to get where they need to be. I am glad I subscribed with MCrider.

[@arthurd6495]

Interesting stuff. I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle. I've been cycling in a large city for 10+ years. A lot of this stuff applies to cycling. Anticipating as much as possible and leaving an out is so key.

[@roycspary8923]

the only thing I can add to your usual well thought out and thorough video is two fingers always around the front brake, as we instinctively tense up when stressed this begins a gradual application of the front brake both loading up the front tire for better traction and getting the pads in contact with the disc so any further pressure has an instant effect only got to 5 ouch, still after 7strokes and two lots of brain damage could be worse

[@gluewilldo2880]

This was so so helpful I always find myself having a hard time coming to a full stop at higher speeds

[@thejerseyj1636]

I didn't realize you were talking during the test. Honestly. There, I feel a little better now.

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Thanks Kevin, I only got to 4. I was expecting evenly spaced numbers and got hung up on 2. I must add that being cold or in restrictive clothing can have a detrimental effect. Years ago I rode from Houston to Jennings, Louisiana non-stop in December. It was cold, so I wore part of a scuba suit under my leathers. Still, parts of me got chilled, especially my hands. My reaction was slow and I was a bit stiff. It slowed my reaction time and ability more than I expected. Close to my exit ramp was a trooper who had a "cage" pulled over. Between the cold and distraction, I wound up on the grassy part of the exit. Not good , but I LEARNED PLENTY. Thanks Bro J K

[@cisium1184]

I found 9. It took me a LONG time to find the number 6. I didn't even realize you were talking through it.

[@seanlittle3006]

Only 6 but as you mentioned I was distracted by your intervention in the test ;interesting, so I will have to take it again.

[@TheYakkis]

Excellent video. This lesson is quickly learned after you hit somebody that pulled out in front of you . The remaining question is, do you have the tenacity to ride again?

[@djohnson3678]

7 highest , that is bad, but could not concentrate, but when on the road sounds are everywhere making a huge distraction anyway. i do not know if i could do the pattern look while riding. feels like i would have an accident. i still have much to learn from others experiences. the thinking, reaction, breaking is good determination of what to do next. it is like thinking before thinking. well , that is what it looked like to me. awesome video !! 3000 thumbs up !!

[@ashley0305]

I got to 10. I had some trouble finding the 4 and the 6. Slowing me down. I remembered from looking around where the 7 was located. Was a good strategy to keep my eyes alert. I will practice that.

[@TJRohyans]

I also had trouble initially finding the number 4 by itself, and I only got as far as the number 5. I'd like to see that numbers test super-imposed over video of a rider at 60MPH over 15 seconds in some kind of busy traffic area showing how much can happen, and can be missed by a distracted rider/driver.

[@billbanche4605]

excellent training video, thanks! what I do in addition to trying to maintain alertness is to swerve when I see that vehicle edging out to the road. This alerts them quickly to my presence along with vehicles beside and behind me, since our peripheral vision is superb in detecting movement. I do this in my car and especially when riding a motorcycle or bicycle. It works very well, countless times I have seen these vehicles STOP, immediately. But I'm still alert and slowing down and ready to stop or evade if they don't . And I must admit that it's difficult to maintain full alertness all the time. and that's when peripheral vision has helped Me catch unexpected motion that's a danger. One time too late but the peripheral vision of the driver that was shooting out from my right saved me.

[@hj1smith]

I got to 6 My favorite tip lately is keeping a short glance at the person tires. Thanks Ride safe

[@rosaliao1774]

Thank you. It was interesting facts. I took my first motorcycle class, this subject would be covered on my next training.

[@bobcombs2566]

I made it to 12. I always assume cars at side streets and intersections are going to pull out in front of me. I'm also wary of those vehicles next to me, knowing where their blind spots are helps me position my location better. I also keep my thumb on the horn button when traffic is heavy. I agree that anticipation of the possibilities is most important because it gets you into the mindset of planning your response beforehand.

[@wiktorpiechota2327]

Found taking the lane furtherst to a car merging at an intersection helpful. I also less and less hesitate to use the aucustic signal ( horn) when I am getting close to an intersection at which a car is waiting.

[@NickShelden]

22 and then got a little distracted by trying to find the pattern. at this point I have gotten used to Kevin putting tricks into these spotting puzzles. was half expecting a missing number

[@davidhayden6724]

I was able to get to seven but like many of the others, I had trouble locating the four. Great video and exercise Kevin!

[@truno7]

Thank you so much for this refresher! Imagine how many lives this video can save!

[@remb9614]

I saw all the numbers at once! Beat that!

[@lynkuhr8782]

Wow that was tough and making your voice go away was really hard.......I got to 9. Great test!

[@chasstiles7611]

I only got to 4 but I've been riding almost 40 years,I've never been involved in a crash involving another vehicle,my only real crash on a street bike was because I was dragging foot peg tight in the corner and clipped a rock asphalted on the edge. Other people riding with me have told me I've avoided crashes with other vehicles they thought were unavoidable,I've been told I have the reflexes of a cat. I don't panic I just react,then after it's over I realize what just happened,but am over it quickly

[@davidmegeath1353]

Excellent information, Kevin, thanks for your videos!

[@mtmarcy4495]

Wow. This is great stuff. You know Kevin, I recently installed a GPS unit on my Tenere. I've discovered that riding in an unfamiliar area while attempting to follow the directions, poses a potentially disastrous distraction. I thing that reviewing the route ahead of time is helpful, but I also plan to Bluetooth that device so that I can listen rather than look. Great video as always sir. I always learn something new. Thank you so much.

[@MemphisMike901]

Great tips. Very similar to our “5 Seeing Habits” at UPS. I apply all of them when on my bike!!!

[@violjohn]

Got to 9; great video; thanks for all your effort!

[@LeTessier916]

Good video this week Kevin. Thanks

[@mannysaur1]

I took a Harley rider course, and this exercise was on it, so I had a bit of an advantage.

[@PBrady-wv6br]

9 was all I got! There's a lot that can be learned there, thanks!!

[@SuperBoomer95]

Got to 14. Took a second to find #4. Also I would like to see an in-depth video about abs and myths about it. I know you have a video already but alot of people either view it as completely unnecessary, or as a crutch for their bad braking habits.

[@jetcarq6048]

learn looking around, suggest possible actions and prepare for action, it helps always

[@chrismealing2574]

I got to 10... looking forward to the rest of the video!

[@garterter9970]

This can be applied to all diving. Very good information.

[@patmurphy389]

10 is as far as i got.....of course i'm older, 62, & they say the older you get the faster your reaction time, at least that's is what i was told at the last state inservice? ty for the video/yes, i did have trouble finding the eight, it threw me for a loop!

[@whileistillcan9338]

Great detailed tutorial. Thanks. I'll pass this link to all my friends and family.

[@planeflyer21]

I got up to 10. Scanning is a good practice. I'd like to see more riders and drivers practice it regularly.

[@amirfmaster2515]

Thank you for your good material Kevin...i will forever owe you