I don't get it!

[SwamiMoto]

I keep seeing these posts, and keep hearing these stories of how somebody runs into the back of a car or truck. I just don't get it. Is it because they are just new riders that know how to accelerate, but not how to brake? Is it because they don't keep an eye out for the traffic ahead of them? Is it because they aren't paying attention? Is it because they panic and lock their rear brake? I've been blessed that I've never had anybody pull into my lane when I was going 160+, but I have had numerous vehicles pull out in front of me when I'm accelerating up to 120. I swerve around them sometimes... and sometimes I slow up, it all depends on the situation. The only time I've almost ran into the back of somebody, was when I just had 2 months under my belt and I ran up on a slowage on the causeway in Galveston. I locked the rear brake and slid to a stop about 1 inch from the bumper of the car in front of me.

If anybody has any theories please enlighten me.

[ArturoC]

You carry magic pixie dust with you.

[ratmzapa]

hmmm its alot of the mentality and physiological processes of the brain...how in the 10 seconds we have to react we induce a tunnel vision effect and therefore refuse to move and in a sense "freeze" up.

[RRCBR]

I think you listed all the possiblities already....

[yankee]

I'm pretty sure it has alot to do with not paying attn, people cutting you off when your going fast, lack of judgement...etc.

when you mentioned that you swerved...lets say you didnt have the opportunity to swerve, would you have hit the car infront of you then?

[SwamiMoto]

Probably not. It all depends on the lane I'm in. The amount of traffic. The number of cars in the other lanes. If I'm accelerating in the middle lane, with cars on each of the outer lanes... I'm always aware of them. If I know there won't be an opportunity to swerve, I adjust my speed accordingly.

[jrock]

I use common sense. I always scan the cars at least two vehicles in front of the car I am behind. I try to leave a large enough area 360* around me as possible to have room for a manuver if needed. I never get close to traffic if I can help it. I always stay about the same speed or faster to keep a "pocket of space" around me.

[whosthis]

just cause ur payin attention and shit dont meen tha people around u are, dont always asume people know ur there, blind spots! and lets say ur goin 1oomph and even 70phm and tha person n front on ur slams on thier brakes u only have so long to think, its not only bikes that go into tha back of a car cars do it all tha time, u dont react fast enough and shit happins just hope and pray it never happins to u, wear ur gear maybe it will help,

[BigComfy]

hint reason why i don't ride any more. I'm pretty sure the only way I will ride again is on a track. Caught myself more than once going wow that was stupid. my .02:eh:

[Jester]

Two words (New Riders), Most of the new riders jump on a street bike with no experience off rode riding. I road dirt bikes and quads for 15 years before even thinking about buying my 1000. The switch felt natural just 120 more horse power! It takes a lot of percise movements to ride a street bike, if you are scared of it (don't ride it!)

JZ:nod:

[fuknrobert]

target fixation

[Red]

I use common sense. I always scan the cars at least two vehicles in front of the car I am behind. I try to leave a large enough area 360* around me as possible to have room for a manuver if needed. I never get close to traffic if I can help it. I always stay about the same speed or faster to keep a "pocket of space" around me.
common sense is something I feel not every one is born with and unfortunatly some never aquire either. It is vital to staying alive on a motorcycle in any condition I think. Use it if you got it.

[mightymouse1]

first of all,i'm a noob.no disrespect to my sportbike peeps,but if you're going over 100mph just for the hell of it(he said 120 and he did 160+ once)you get what you deserve.period. i just like riding my bike at a nice clip between 70-80 on the highway. when i 'm in my car or truck i don't drive above 90(back in the day sometimes i would lol). just because it says 180 don't mean you have to do it and if you do it...just remember it was your own damn fault.

[Tumper]

News flash, locking up the rear brake will not stop you effectivley. That is all.