Two ESSENTIAL rider fundamentals to prevent THIS CRASH!

[@MCrider]

🛻 or 🏍 Who was at fault in this crash? Legally, the driver of the truck. But, there is a more important question. Who paid the price for the crash? The rider. We will always lose when it comes to collisions with cars and trucks. That is why we need to worry less about who is at fault and ride knowing that we will pay the price in a crash. We must take our safety in our own hands and use sound Road Skills and Road Strategy to avoid bad situations just like this. For 7 years I have been preaching that message here on MCrider and every day someone loses their life in a crash that could have been avoided. Ride smart, work on your skills, and live to ride another day. Motorcycles are one of THE BEST forms of transportation and enjoyment...but they are not for the unskilled, or inattentive. They require our full focus and discipline. If you found this video helpful and you want to support the effort here at MCrider consider becoming a Member. www.MCrider.com/Member Everything you see on MCrider is the work of my own hands...Kevin. I am the writer, designer, editor, on screen host, lighting, sound technician, etc, etc, etc. Every video represents a lot of time creating it and this was my 355th MCrider video by my my informal count. Your Membership supports me and my family directly, it is the best means for you to support MCrider. Your support as a Member allows me to continue creating videos like this and gives you instant access to the forums, the field guide, you can also get free MCrider decals, and more. So, if you have found the free weekly videos helpful, please consider supporting me at MCrider. Kevin www.MCrider.com/Member

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

There used to be a saying for Traffic that you could be right, but don’t be dead right that would apply to Motorcycles

[@beepbop6697]

Rider at fault for riding too fast for conditions (even going the speed limit next to stopped traffic is too fast for those specific conditions).

[@beepbop6697]

3:05 "Johnny Law" saw the entire thing happen.

[@meritholdingllc123]

While the truck driver was at fault, the rider is still responsible for his own safety. The laws of physics always trump the laws of man.

[@Juror63]

I'd like to hear a traffic lawyer speak on this. 🤔

[@ericdoswell8115]

One of my biggest concerns in those situations is one of the cars in the middle lane moving over to my lane without seeing me.

[@richardwheeler3768]

Exactly. At first, as he set up the scenario, I thought that he was going to talk about the "open lane pattern".

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Where a situation is _questionable,_ proceed with an abundance of caution. Learning what is _questionable_ can be the sketchy part!

[@michaelabernathy7013]

Glad to hear the Rider survived with minimal injuries. But he exercised extremely poor judgment in many ways. Have a good week and a Happy Holiday season Kevin.

[@clemc5457]

Hi Kevin. Great job of stopping the video just prior to the crash. The lesson is what led up to the crash. Too many videos show us getting hurt or dead. Thanks for your continued guidance.

[@bigred8752]

Agree. I feel the impact without seeing the rest of the video.

[@Big_DT]

The clicking of the ABS sounded eerie, especially when you could tell that he wasn't going to stop in time. Road strategy is about pattern recognition and applying best option safety measures. Beyond recognizing the pattern, slowing down in these types of situations really helps in accident avoidance. Staying safe during the holidays is even more of a challenge with the cagers being in a hurry and not paying attention. Stay safe brothers and sisters.

[@jhask64]

Great reminder on speed differential which you’ve covered before. I appreciate these occasional reminders because it’s so easy to get complacent as we gain experience and seat time. I’m always thankful for the 8:00am Friday class time. Have a Merry CHRISTmas celebrating His birth!!

[@scottnevol449]

When I was young I never considered things going wrong. I was invincible. Later on, training and gaining my CDL and now having 7 years of driving school bus, I'm better prepared to be out on the road on my bike. I enjoy it more than I ever did as a spry teenager on a fast bike. Thanks to your videos, I learn more everyday. I have also used your videos to assist me in training future CDL drivers!

[@donmoore481]

A few years ago a buddy mine was almost killed in the exact same way. He spent months in the hospital and rehab and still has issues. He came up behind stopped traffic in his lane and jumped into the empty lane on his side at speed. He was hit by a car that was waved through the stopped line by a car in that line. A Law Enforcement Officer was in the lane that he passed and witnessed the entire thing. He issued my buddy a citation while he was still in the hospital. Riding too fast for traffic conditions.

[@JB-np5xi]

Have over 50yrs and countless miles. While I love being out, in ways it really sucks. Can not let guard down, always what is in front, sides, behind, sound of motor, feel of bike, road (sand and small rocks) the 'what if's'. When you see a vehicle, never assume it sees you. Always look at the front tires. That will tell you all you need to know for a 'what if'..

[@brushcreek]

Love this channel. Always bringing the value to viewers without all the clickbait and drama of so many other MC Channels.

[@bob2u]

Awesome example and reminder. I've seen that exact scenario with someone turning from the other direction when you can't see them. Thankfully I saw it happen only and wasn't involved other than witnessing it. Scary stuff and all too common, especially when you factor in self-inflicted distractions.

[@brettgodfrey9536]

Wow. Speed kills. Speed and arrogance on a bike is for the soon-dead. Fabulous video, Kevin, as always!

[@thenashvillenightshow5119]

Good one! I’ve seen this scenario come up a lot. I say “slow way down. Be super cautious and be looking to your left for a car turning in front of you AND be ready to stop very quickly if there is.”

[@jdhsingi]

Speed differential is something that I instructively knew, but never thought about. To have it well articulated as you have is very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@jamesp739]

I've been in similar situations many times over the years both while riding and driving. I always aproach such gaps with caution. In this particular situation, I would have been in the right third of the lane to get a better view and also a better chance to be seen by the truck driver. That would have put you a little closer to the car on the right, but it appears the driver of the car saw the motorcycle. Bottom line though is the rider was going much too fast for the conditions.

[@viennapalace]

When sneaking down the kurb side lane on any road, I've found it to be a good idea to travel slower than I normally would simply because car drivers are well known for their impatience & will change lanes without looking more often than not.

[@marathon8649]

Excellent mini lesson that I will take to the road.

[@patrickconnor7658]

Great video. I've been riding for a long time, and it always amazes me how some riders have to go as fast as possible, regardless of the conditions. Areas like the one in this video where cars could be turning into or pulling out of a parking lot require caution.

[@deanfehr9445]

Great reminder. As I get older I feel like we need all the tools we can get

[@BWGPEI]

This sort of thing is all too often overlooked in training classes. I thank you for the clear illustration.

[@WilliamWBG]

You should not have to be taught this. This is common sense. This rider should never ride motorcycles again. He wasn’t just going slightly faster than the situation call for, he was 100% reckless driving. That truck did nothing wrong

[@MCrider]

@WilliamWBG “You should not have taught this.” 🤔 Because it is a common crash is EXACTLY WHY I need to teach it.

[@BWGPEI]

Exactly! And one wonders why such defensive techniques are not part of the basic training package to ride any two-wheeled vehicle on the roads / highways?@@MCrider

[@WilliamWBG]

@@MCrider re read my comment……. You should not HAVE TO BE taught this….. totally different than ….”you should not have taught this”. And I continue to believe, anyone that doesn’t have the common sense to speed past slow moving or stopped traffic….esp in city streets with intersections…. Should not be riding a motorcycle. Ever.

[@lewishunt454]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

An important fact I have learned from watching countless dash cam videos is that cutting through multiple lines of traffic is fought with risk; having to stick the front of your vehicle into that second or third lane before you can see what's coming. I just won't do it anymore, I'd rather continue on and find a place to turn around without cutting through traffic.

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@blandrooker6541]

About the "leaving a gap for someone to turn left" thing, I don't do it in a car. I've seen too many times where the right lane is left clear and the left turning driver crosses 3 lanes and someone in the right lane crashes into them because they can't see across the other 2 lanes of traffic. Usually it's at a point where instead of trying to turn left into the entrance they could have gone a block down the road made a u turn and be in the proper position to make a RIGHT turn into the entrance without endangering anyone, but people don't have the driving intelligence to do that.

[@richardmoerke9329]

I am glad you put the video on the end to tell what you are talking about. Thank you for the information and heads up.

[@Motowinkle58]

I watch these videos because sometimes they bring up scenarios I might not have thought about, but it seems like 99% of them are from people who shouldn't be riding on the street. I'll also add, very smart people can still make very dumb decisions. To some people, understanding road strategy is the equivalent of someone like me understanding calculus. Another situation is "spacing out" while you're riding. That happens to everybody. Some people can focus longer than others, but I think the fail proofing or safety mechanism in that is good habits and bike control built into your muscle memory, so you do the right thing when you're surprised.

[@RollWithSoul317]

Situational awareness, alertness works for me whether I am riding, driving or walking for that matter! Predicting the dangers when I change lanes or increase speed in traffic and knowing that people on the road regardless of what type of vehicle they’re using, might not be demonstrating the best skills or could be impaired! My head is on a swivel at all times! Be extra careful on the roads during the holiday season!!! Some people find reasons to drive or ride impaired on National Coffee Day, so be safe out there! 👍

[@neptune3doz]

You GOTTA ride defensively! Like Kevin has said before: “We are the gazelle living in the lion’s world!” We have our speed and maneuverability to our advantage, but we WILL lose every time on a one on one fight!!

[@nilomis]

A friend of mine got on a similar situation. He broke his leg, but survived. I wish you had posted this video one week early.

[@pabloclark3332]

I really like the way you use the accident as an example of how to learn about speed differential and you didn’t do it like Dan the fireman doesn’t talk bad about the person I really respect you for not doing that

[@scottgorman7166]

Great information again......experience, experience, experience! Years of riding in all conditions conditions ones skills.

[@donfousek379]

I have a recent crash I was involved in. I was headed to work on a sunny afternoon . Great weather outside on my Honda rebel 1100. I was in very heavy traffic. We were doing a little bit less than the speed limit which was 40 when on this2 lane road. a small Mitsubishi truck made a right hand turn in the opposite lane. The car behind him was not paying attention and squealed the tires to avoid the accident. Also, it turned toward me and I proceeded to move over to the white line. Unfortunately, this was my mistake. I took my eyes off of the road in front of me. As I have noted in heavy traffic. The car in front of me moved to the right to avoid hitting the car in front of them, which took it off of the shoulder of the road. I looked up and there was a car that was in front of that car making a left-hand turn down that same road. Unfortunately, with nowhere to go having pulled in my clutch grab my front brake and rear brake. I still end up, hitting the car in front of me in the bumper. If I would’ve went to the right of her car, the small SUV behind me was about a foot off of her bumper when it got stopped. Not a good spot to be in. Under Florida law it was my fault because I hit her in the rear. The lesson was never take your eyes off of the objective and I always wear my gear. Skull rider shirt, I wear, leather, chaps, leather, gloves, and a Shoei RF 1400. I was fine but, my bike has an estimate for $7500 in damages. Wow

[@DanielTorres-gy4qx]

Great graphics makes it easy to see what you are talking about and makes it easy to understand. Thank you

[@kristenacosta2911]

I wrecked making this maneuver. I clipped the rear passenger side of a pickup. Being too nervous to change lanes cause I wasn't sure if I was seeing the whole next lane safely.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin!

[@RevJay_Rides]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@rosewood1]

Good video as always. Riding at any significant differential changes the risks. And stopped or slow traffic increases the risks even more. You have to ride with care and consideration in or around traffic. Other users of the road are your biggest risk. I simply never ride fast when there are any other road users. If your out on your own road with unrestricted vision then exercise can build skills! And lastly what is legal is irrelevant on a bike. My life my ride and my rules.

[@ronpennington6664]

A graphic illustration of the importance of strategy, no amount of skill was going to override the poor strategy of passing slow/stopped traffic at that speed.

[@ThatThrottle]

Great video and lesson. Thanks!!

[@OrionCorsari]

Well done and said.

[@stacyodom1746]

Great video Kevin. Thanks!

[@johnhinds6540]

Great lesson. Have seen this play out several times, & it's predictable. Don't pass on the blind-side right at excessive speed - period!!! Queued cars will often jut out to get in that lane, and they're not looking for a bike moving at 5x their speed.

[@josephdavis1797]

Thanks for sharing really great information to keep learning

[@johnnylightning1491]

Hopefully the driver of the pickup got a ticket. That said, the rider should never had been riding that fast past a bunch of basically parked cars. This is exactly why I don't give room for folks to make that turn. I know lots of folks probably think it's rude. Let them think that, it's also foreclosing a dangerous situation. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.

[@STho205]

Hopefully the driver did not. He was cautiously and slowly turning through stopped traffic that was purposefully not blocking the intersection. The rider was passing on the right, technically a violation, but more importantly passing on the right with excessive speed after enacting an unsafe lane change. There is no physical way the driver could see the rider before he began the turn....because the camera on the motostar dork's helmet can't see the long pickup at all. Not even the grill as the rider rode up on the stopped string left of center, then hard flicked over. Take the lesson...learn from the mistake. Entering an open lane wisely requires some recon as in lane placement to see past the bumpers.

[@johnnylightning1491]

@@STho205 The fact of the matter is that the pickup driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic which is solely his responsibility regardless of what the oncoming traffic was doing. I don't believe that so called passing on the right in that situation is illegal, but I don't know the laws for all 50 states. Not that the motorcycle rider is blameless, he shouldn't have been going that fast but legally I don't believe he was at fault.

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

@@johnnylightning1491 if the rider was found riding over the speed limit, the rider is partially at fault and will bare a portion of the cost and be cited.

[@pilotdane1]

Kevin, I would never, ever put myself in that situation - Thanks to your videos - Which I have been watching for years. My brain says "something is wrong".... If you wanna change lanes - fine, however, you have to be able to stop... But I see it all the time where I live - people are "trying" to be kind - and let the truck squeeze through stopped traffic... bad idea...

[@kencurtis228]

TY

[@davemiller1007]

Really good subject, great visual!!

[@burtonparsons7717]

Thanks Kevin, very important information. 👍

[@judeschexnyder8008]

Great information Kevin.

[@williamjones6652]

You are doing the work of the Lord my friend

[@DBZ1988]

Great video Sir.. lots of respect from India 🇮🇳

[@neptune3doz]

Love you Brother!!!

[@TennRides]

It isn't just cross traffic in that situation. I have people in the slowed/stopped lane decide to jump into the open lane I was in, without giving so much as a passing glance to see if I was there. Had I been going too fast, it would have ended in a crash. Some with people pulling into that lane from parking areas onto the roadway. There brain sees two rows of cars not going anywhere, and don't seem to see a motorcycle. We always have to be vigilant, especially in heavy traffic, where our "escape plans" are limited.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Happy Friday Kevin thank you for sharing. Hope you and your family. Have a blessed weekend and holiday. Take care my friend.

[@elrumcajs777]

That exact same thing happened to me once in a car. Slow (almost stationary) left lane, I take the empty left lane and all of a sudden I see the nose of an SUV popping up in front of me and it was raining. I have no idea how I dodged that. Honestly, I think it was my guardian angel and the car’s stability control… not me.

[@vchris348]

Kim, roger that, thx! A safe and merry X-mas to you and family!

[@worldofzap]

FYI you don’t need a motorcycle to practice “Road Strategy” these same principles of paying attention to your surroundings, noting road hazards, obstacles and traps, can very much be practiced in any vehicle. This accident can be quite common as it usually is precipitated by someone trying to be a courteous driver. I am sure there was a person in the left lane waving on the person who wants to turn left in front of them. We are all stopped after all. There is not just one thought you need to take away from this. You also need to put yourself in the trucks position. Imagine being on a motorcycle wanting to turn left into a parking lot and the vehicle in front of you is waving for you to go ahead.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video, high speed is alway a lose lose.

[@rlogue06]

Thanks for the video. Our hobby can certainly be dangerous, every bit of information helps.

[@davidlcolburn7745]

Should they redesign the throttle to turn the other direction???

[@beepbop6697]

I ride with around a +5 mph delta speed to surrounding traffic. This means I must *slow down* to pass when my delta speed is more than 5mph of the vehicle I'm overtaking.

[@MCrider]

That is a good Road Strategy!

[@beepbop6697]

@@MCrider thanks, I probably learned this from you or Dan the Fireman, and it is smart road strategy. For the motorcyclist in your video: I'd be doing about 5mph in that open lane next to the traffic in the stopped lane -- and would've easily avoided the collision. Stay safe and see you on the road! 🏍️

[@s3c0ndkz]

@@beepbop6697 sorry but the slower the traffic is, the higher your delta mph should be, capped at 10 to 15 mph for stopped traffic. Sleeping at 5 mph around stopped vehicles is not always safer than proactively riding at 10.

[@beepbop6697]

​@@s3c0ndkzmaybe you can do 10-15 next to stopped traffic, risks go up as delta goes up... Best be covering the brakes.

[@WilliamWBG]

@@s3c0ndkz….. you are confusing stopped traffic and speed differential when in motion. There is no reason to always be going 10-15 mph faster than traffic. The most important thing is to stay out of drivers blind spots. If you’re out of the blind spot, and no cars around, there’s no reason to be traveling faster and especially on city streets. Interstates and highways a 10mph differential is significantly different than when speed limits are 25-45mph

[@charleshunt3806]

As soon as I started watching that video, I was like yup he’s definitely going way too fast for the situation now in my particular situation my motorcycle is completely incapable of accelerating like that. In fact, he probably reached speeds at my motorcycle can’t even get to and if it could, it would take a lot longer for me to get there, but yeah, hopefully he learned something. Have a sad part is he did not have to learn that lesson by paying for it with his motorcycle and a concussion.

[@beepbop6697]

Guessing he was doing around 35-40 next to that stopped traffic.

[@charleshunt3806]

@@beepbop6697 my motorcycle can do 40 but it definitely wouldn’t be able to do it that quickly. It’s top speed the way I have a configured is pretty much 50 maybe 55 slower, uphill, and faster downhill. It gets up to around 30 35 OK but after that, it accelerates slowly.

[@beepbop6697]

@@charleshunt3806 as long as it has two wheels it is good 👍

[@charleshunt3806]

@@beepbop6697 , it sure does two wheels and runs on just gas 125 cc four stroke with fuel injection. Only one cylinder though, but I’m cool with that air cooled. But it has gears 4 of them, but that’s it.

[@stevemoore9951]

Greetings from the PPRC GREAT VIDEO. How old is this guy? Not very old l suspect.🇺🇸🏍️

[@Fieltrom]

This scenario gets everyone, always car crashes when they're created. Never full speed down a line of traffic stopped car or bike. More common during peak hour traffic.

[@garymaclean6903]

Excessive speed is our worst enemy. Excessive speed in traffic is insanity... Take your 'spirited' riding out of town, or to a track.

[@BadBlue32]

Seems like everyone who rides a crotch rocket rides the same way, with reckless abandon! I see it every day. These kids just wanna go fast and have little regard for their own safety or the safety of others. It’s sad because I bet they make up a large part of the deaths on motorcycles in this country. Doesn’t have to be that way.

[@dawbInc]

Knowing that the motorcylcist is okay, I'm wondering what did the police did in this case, @MCrider? Police are literally one car behind the collision. Were there fines levied? Was the driver of the GM doing a legal move? I like to apply all the rules I learn at MCrider to my daily cage driving too, which is normally about 8 months out of 12 :(. I wouldn't have done what the GM driver did. I would have found an alternative route, if it exists. Have you ever considered expressing that your followers consider their cage driving too? I know that's not your focus... just thinking on youboob, I guess. Cheers and thanks for this channel.

[@johngrutschnig4278]

Be alert and slow down. Main reason for crashes is speed for the conditions.

[@KodiakCO]

Being conscious of your surroundings and speed helps prevent you from becoming unconscious from a collision!

[@rob6255-j4t]

The lesson is , he was too fast and was in hope everyone would stay in place. Hope is not good. It also does not matter who is in the right when your in a hospital bed. R

[@richardvalitalo3670]

That's carelessly assuming others know you're coming blindly.

[@Visionery1]

One never really 'survives' a serious concussion, there will be dire consequences, if not now than months or years down the road.

[@markanderson5077]

Yup, the best strategy to avoid a crash is not show up and that guy showed up at the wrong place, wrong time.

[@conard5381]

Me I have an advantage I ride purely for pleasure I would have just waited for the traffic to move

[@johnburgess2084]

When everyone around you is slowing down, you better start wondering why! And you slow down as well.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Speed kills. Probably the biggest issue from my own observations.

[@jamesp739]

It's the sudden stop that gets ya....

[@chrismoody1342]

To be honest I would’ve never put myself in that situation. Way to fast for the number of cars.

[@peglegjim57]

Riding like the guy in that last clip, is the same as playing Russian roulette with five rounds in the cylinder.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Would it be possible to touch on the “new” trend of putting people on “big” bikes? Seems irresponsible to me that someone’s safety is less important than the sale of the “big” bike.

[@30pvfd]

Hope he bought a lottery ticket, if it’s predictable it’s preventable thanks Kevin

[@greybeard5774]

1:21 - dunno about the US, but up here such maneuvers where the car makes a left turn across the continuous line and 3 opposite lanes are strictly prohibited. No one would even think of doing so. But the point is clear, of course - be smart, keep your eyes open and don't act like this speeding dumbass. Hope this dude learned his lesson. In our maritime law there is such a concept as shared responsibility .. when two ships collide, the fault is always on both sides. One is to blame for causing the accident, but the other for not doing enough to prevent it .. if something similar were to be implemented in land traffic, it would be interesting to know if it would make our behavior more careful in traffic? ... 🤔

[@zachz699]

Your pupils are different sizes my man, doctor time if you dont already know

[@MCrider]

www.MCrider.com/eye

[@zeerozeero243]

You need to use your brain in that situation.

[@JB-np5xi]

Also...had a guy pulling a trailer suddenly cut over. Because I was in a what if moment, what would I do. He cut, I was able to swing around kicking his door, flipping him off and yelling...can you F'en see me now...then sped off.

[@davidfellows6250]

i haven't seen one of your videos in a long time. you lost a lot of credibility when you didnt take responsibility for your one vehicle accident comming off an exit, instead blaiming the bikes one-time break failure. hopefully at this point you have taken said responsibility. I like you but when i f$%k up I say I f$%ked up and don't look to blaim someone eles. I think I unsubscribed at that point. well this video poped up so lets see what words of wisdom you have for us now.

[@willmcgregor7184]

The Most dangerous place for a motorcycle is the public roads. Those who don’t respect that reality will have a very short injury free time as a rider.