1. IQ and comprehension matter
In any field, a person is called an 'expert' only when he or she can demonstrate a certain level of competence that is not so common. Not everyone can become an expert. Only people with a reasonably above-average IQ, perseverance, the ability to focus and comprehend complex ideas can master a subject or skill. No two persons will read an instruction or absorb a concept at the same level.
Even this article will be read, understood and perceived differently by different people. Some will read, contemplate and analyze the points. They will make an effort to understand a specific motorcycling concept with reasoning, and then apply it to their actual riding style. Whereas, most will just give it a quick read casually and go back to watching MotoGP. :-)
The lesson to learn here: If you really want to become a better rider and you are serious about avoiding accidents then get to the depth of motorcycling safety aspects. You will have to go beyond your comfort zone, apply critical thinking and keep practicing till you get better naturally.
A great deal of mental effort is required to put theories into practice. No significant achievement comes easily or quickly. Just reading or hearing about safe riding practices isn't going to be of any use unless applied consciously and repeatedly. After all, you become what you do repeatedly.
Motorcycling accident can become a deciding factor between life and death in a matter of seconds. Biker safety certainly requires all your attention, IQ and the ability to completely comprehend all the nuances of motorcycling—not to be taken lightly.
2. Motor skills matter to be safe on roads
You may not realize this but some possess superior motor skills and reflexes naturally than the rest. No matter how much one trains and practices, a biker with excellent motor coordination and fast reflexes will always be able to pull off difficult and tricky maneuvers with ease. Add good experience and judgement to that, you have a formidable rider. Practice, experience and natural skill are three separate attributes.
The lesson to learn here: Do not try to compare and compete with other riders. Push your bike and speed according to your own riding level, experience, skill and abilities.
3. Road (traffic) sense
In the pursuit of motorcycling, having good road/traffic sense is a must to prevent accidents. Riders who possess a strong sense of how traffic flows and vehicles behave will also have luck on their side too. But, those who rely on luck alone will eventually run out of it.
When we ride, our brain either works in the subconscious (autopilot) mode or the (active) conscious mode. The subconscious autopilot mode refers to those times when we are not actively thinking while riding but we reach our destination automatically because we are so used to riding on that one regular route. Our senses and muscle memory remembers where to go even if we are not thinking consciously.
An active conscious mode is one where our brain is constantly thinking of the next move and reacting to the next turn as the brain is constantly processing movement and intended destination. When we ride to familiar roads, places and routes, most of us tend to be in the subconscious autopilot mode, not active.
To prevent possible accident scenarios, it is advisable to always stay in the active conscious mode, not in the autopilot mode, even if we are riding in or to a known area. Being in the autopilot mode could make a rider too comfortable, complacent and careless. This can greatly increase a rider's reaction time to sudden and unexpected changes in traffic situation. The mind needs to stay alert at all times, especially on Indian roads where anything and everything moves erratically and unpredictably.
Besides having an active mind while riding, a rider should always improve his or her road and traffic sense. And, a good road or traffic sense comes only with experience. There are no two ways about it. One must spend enough time observing the patterns of traffic and different behaviors of people on the road.
There is just so much to observe: How vehicles move, make sudden turns, brake and change lanes. The different driving styles of small vehicles versus large ones like trucks and buses. How other riders behave around you and how do you respond to them. How people cross and jump into your way unannounced. The possibilities are endless. Likewise, the scope for learning is endless. Moreover, the learning is limited only to a specific area or a city. When you ride in a new place, the dynamics could change marginally or entirely and you might have to process new information.
Situation sense
A situation sense or situational awareness is not same as road sense or superior motor skills. You might have good road sense but if your mind is not present and hyperactive when it is needed the most then you could make both silly and terrible mistakes.
Situational awareness will help you prevent accidents or at least mitigate the damages from one. Your mind should be active at all times when you are on the road. In fact, I would say it should be hyperactive when you are on two wheels. Otherwise, you blink or flinch once, the next moment will decide where you will sleep that night, on a hospital bed or the one in your room.
The lesson to learn here: You might have great riding abilities but your motor skills cannot replace good road sense that comes only with experience and observation. In addition to having a good road sense, your senses should be hyperactive. Luck might keep you safe for sometime, but do not blame the gods if you run out of it.
The Part 2 blog will be available here shortly.
To go back and read the Introduction blog on biker safety tips, click here.
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