As we move into the prime riding season for much of the country, here are some thoughts to keep in mind and help keep you safe this year. Please ride safe and live to ride another day.
Reprinted from the Florida-MSTA Gator Tales Newsletter, April, 2024
By Doug Westly
Another Daytona Bike Week is over and several more riders were killed or injured in crashes in Florida. Happens every year. We see an average of more than one motorcycle crash fatality every day in our state. Actually, closer to two, as in 2023 there were a total of 602 motorcycle riders and passengers killed in Florida (source: FL DMV 2023 statistics).
Risk and threat are things we accept and need to deal with in motorcycling. The very nature of our sport means we open ourselves to higher levels of risk, and the threat potential that goes along with it. But how does the concept of risk and threat really apply in motorcycling?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), in its Basic Rider Course (BRC), boils it down to one simple approach: “SEE”. The acronym stands for Search, Evaluate, Execute. As a teachable counter application, the acronym works well. However, when deconstructed, risk and threat are two distinctly different components and should really be viewed as such. There are lots of academic, industry and conceptual definitions, but in terms of motorcycling, it is actually easy to understand.
Risk is a factor or series of factors that COULD present danger to a rider. They can be environmental, personal or mechanical. Environmental examples might include poor road conditions, heavy traffic, a foggy morning with limited visibility, etc. Personal risk factors are things like a lack of experience or training, or not being mentally prepared or focused for a ride. Mechanical risks might be something as simple as overdue servicing (when was the last time you checked your tire wear?).
Threat is completely different. Threat is a condition that presents an IMMEDIATE danger to the motorcyclist. While a blind curve might be a risk, finding an oncoming car in your lane while rounding that curve is now a threat.
Risk does not always equate to threat. Threat can materialize without an underlying (perceivable) risk. However, higher risk factors do make the potential for threat more likely. Riding in heavy traffic is a risk that raises higher potential for threats. On the other hand, an unexpected mechanical failure at speed can become a threat without an underlying perceived risk (provided the rider mitigated the risk in the first place and kept her/his bike in good condition).
The real challenge is not simply risk and threat. Understand these WILL occur if you ride a motorcycle. Your problem is how to respond to and either eliminate or mitigate the risk, and hopefully lower the potential for threat as you ride. Not all risks can be eliminated, but many can be mitigated. Threats can only be responded to as they occur. It boils down to a few simple rules:
1. Training and education. Learn how to improve your riding skills (that means continuing education). Understand the risk factors. Practice what you learn.
2. Mental Focus. Always ride smart. Never ride when you’re not focused on the ride. Never, EVER ride impaired. ALWAYS play the “what if” game when you’re on your motorcycle. Focus on your riding environment.
3. Learn to recognize elevating risk factors. Recognize the blind curve COULD present a threat. Decide in advance what you’re going to do when the car suddenly materializes in your lane.
Here is one final thought…Never let your ego overcome your ability. Your worst threat when you’re out riding might just be yourself.
Ride Safe! – Doug Westly