NBXs.org

Archive for May, 2009

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Play your part

Despite everyone’s best efforts, there is no guarantee that roads will always be completely free of snow and ice. Although forecasting systems have improved, unexpected weather changes still occur. In adverse weather, difficult and dangerous driving conditions should be anticipated. The following advice is given for those driving during the winter months and especially during periods of severe weather:

Make sure you can see

Ensure your windscreen and all windows are clear and unobstructed.
Windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively.
Washer bottle is topped up with screen wash suitable for the time of year.
All lights and indicators are clean and working properly.
You have a screen scraper and de-icer.

Make sure you can be seen

If visibility is poor during the day due to heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, turn on your headlights so that your vehicle can be seen.

If visibility is seriously reduced, turn on your rear foglights. But remember to turn them off when the visibility improves so as not to dazzle other road users.

Get a grip on the road surface.

In wet and freezing conditions the grip between your tyres and the road is severely reduced.

Make sure your tyres (including the spare) have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and are inflated to the correct pressure.

Avoid Breakdowns

Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and serviced for winter conditions.
The cooling system contains sufficient anti-freeze.
The battery is in good condition, topped up and fully charged.

Before commencing your journey

Check the weather forecasts:
Consider if the journey is necessary:
Consider alternative routes:
Allow sufficient time for the journey taking account of the weather conditions.

During your journey

Watch your speed. Drive with regard to the road conditions and the speed limit.
Watch for cold shaded spots and road bridges.
Be aware that in poor weather conditions it may be difficult to read information on road traffic signs
Avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
Travel In the highest gear possible in icy conditions.
Maintain a safe stopping distance at all times, remembering to increase this in wet or icy conditions.
Salting vehicles spread salt across the full width of roads. Give space to salt spreaders and to snow ploughs. Do not overtake.
Watch out for other road users – motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
Take breaks every 2/3 hours. In adverse conditions driver fatique can be increased and frequent breaks are required.

Equipment to carry on long journeys

Mobile phone
Additional warm clothing
Torch
Rug or blanket
Shovel
Flask or hot drink or food
Radio

If stranded

If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing vehicles.
Try to ensure that your vehicle will not block access for emergency vehicles. (Abandoned and stationary vehicles are the main causes of salt spreaders being obstructed).
Remain with your vehicle unless shelter is nearby.
Maintain your circulation by moving your body.
Use the engine to keep warm, unless the exhaust cannot vent in which case switch off the engine.
Ensure that airway is maintained if snowed over.

You can imagine that I think about cars a lot. I have always been and always will be fascinated by things mechanical. I see the changes that are ongoing in the automotive world and it never ceases to amaze me the new technologies applied to cars and trucks. Most new vehicles have an EDR: Electronic Data Recorder. You know, THE BLACK BOX! Most are rudimentary but some record the speed, brake usage, RPM and seat belt usage. Some manufacturers are field testing EDR’s with GPS and even sound and video recorders. This could be scary stuff, ala George Orwell’s 1984. In just the last ten years we have gone from a small processor that did little more than adjust the amount of fuel going into an engine, to most new cars having at least four powerful processors. These processors control everything from which passenger gets what temperature air, to which wheel should have brake pressure applied to control traction, to shutting down several cylinders when more engine power is not needed while driving. The technology is astounding and this is just the beginning of the computer age in the automotive world. We now have drive by wire systems like fighter jets. Look under the hood of a new Chevy truck and you won’t see a throttle cable. Steering systems are going electric, power steering pumps no longer run off of a belt. Electrical systems have increased to 36 and 42 volts. Now technicians must be computer savvy as well as knowledgeable in mechanical repair in this increasingly challenging field.