Safe Speed Forums

I’m not sure if you are confusing defective vision with plain old inattention.
Unfortunately, it is easier to force riders to ride with their lights on than to administer regular eye tests onto drivers; it doesn't make it right of course.


I have to say it: how do you know you’ve never failed to recognise a hazard?

_________________
Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

I didn't say I've never failed to recognise a hazard; I think it would be very arrogant if I did say that. In terms of pulling out in front of a driver or biker, I have never to my knowledge made someone change their speed or direction, least of all caused a crash, and had to utter those immortal words "sorry I didn't see you".

I agree with your first part but what I am very aware of, something of an obsession of mine perhaps, is that I often ask people from work, (people who drive), what they can see. I'll ask if they can read a sign or number plate while we're driving or where ever; something I can read with ease.

I am often appauled/shocked/amazed at just how many have poor vision. Even my own sister says that she cannot see well at night and resfuses to drive when dark, to her credit, although her sight is good in daylight. Not everyone is like her though of course.

I completely agree with you that it isn't just about the vision but I know for a fact there are people out there who are literally flying blind and I think there should be a compulsory anual check, maybe a sort of MOT for people based on the physical attributes necessary to drive safely.

As drivers become older and the vision gets worse people don't just decide not to drive any more, it's too important to us all; they carry on driving.

In accidents, most often, the person at fault does not have to have an eye test. So how can we possibly know how big the problem is? From my own relatively small survey, I think it's bigger than people imagine.

I'd like to expand on this more but I've only got a few minutes left at the library internet so I'll have to check in another day.

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

I (sort-of) promised Sixy I wouldn’t get involved in this, but what-the-heck….

I believe there’s more to being seen on a bike than the poor eyesight or the inattention of the offending motorist. These are important, but one fundamental problem is that people don’t look for bikes and therefore their presence doesn’t register. Also, bikes can be hidden behind door pillars, mirrors etc.

Based on my own observations, I believe that lights can offer a small advantage in many doubtful situations – as can hi-viz clothing. I’m not a great fan of the latter although I’d never wear a black helmet.

It’s plain stupid to rely on people seeing us, so we must ride defensively. And safe riding/driving is about taking every advantage we can get.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

Ah yes, defensive riding. Very good idea, but what a shame that so few appear to be doing it. Pushing and shoving to get there first seems more often the order of the day, I'm sorry to say.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

Defensive riding and making good progress are not mutually exclusive. The trick is being able to do both at the same time.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

What is 'making good progress'?

That’s a good question, but I suspect it’s an expression you are familiar with.

You may be aware of this ‘loose’ definition, “maintaining a good level of speed and looking for overtaking opportunities when it is legal and safe to do so.”

However, the point I was making is that riding defensivly can be achieved at all levels, it doesn’t mean that one rides timidly.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

True, but it does not mean you have to measure riders ability by judging how or if they take every 'overtaking opportunity' either.

In a sense, that is absolutely true, but it rather depends on what ability is being judged. A rider who neither looks for nor takes any overtakes can be perfectly safe – but he would probably be even safer if he just stayed in bed!

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

Why would you want to 'judge' anyone's ability?

Eh? Why would I, personally want to judge someone's ability do you mean? Or are you asking rhetorical questions?

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

Yes. What business is it of yours to judge if someone is 'making good progress'?

(BTW I was agreeing with you right up to the point where you told us the 'trick' was to 'ride defensively' and 'make good progress'.)

Well, in my capacity as a Senior Observer with the IAM and as a licensed DSA Instructor, I’m afraid that’s part of what I have to do.



Do you disagree with my flippant use of the word ‘trick’ or that we can make ‘good progress’ whilst riding defensively?

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

Where do the DSA say that a rider must 'make good progress'?


Neither. But that you think that riders have to be seen to 'make good progress' and not be seen to be 'timid' in order for you to be able to 'judge' their riding does.

This feels like “20 questions”. I know you know what you’re talking about, so why play the game of trying to catch me out?

You know full well that the DSA do not specify anything about ‘making good progress’ However, if I’m judging whether someone is safe enough to have their licence validated, I will consider their ability to make and maintain safe progress. It is entirely different to the ‘progress’ to be expected at ‘advanced’ level.

Your question was:



And I’ve told you why.

Perhaps you would now like to tell us all what you think.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

I think that using headlights in daylight is dangerous just as much as is judging people by their 'ability' to 'make progress'.

Why?

_________________
Pecunia Prius Equitas et Salus

I've just started my IAM stuff and have been out for 2 observed rides now. I'm loving every minute of it!

_________________
Pecunia Prius Equitas et Salus

Maybe there’s confusion between ‘desire’ and ‘ability’. Having the skill to plan and execute safe overtakes does not mean we will always have the desire to do so.

It is widely accepted that someone who failed to demonstrate their ability to observe and plan for the majority of potential overtakes, would probably not fair too well on an advanced motorcycle test. Whether or not that is a fair judgement on their safety skills is possibly debateable.

Either way, I can’t see how it could be considered dangerous to make informed judgements on someone’s ability to make progress.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

That's great. Let us know how you get on.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished