Page 27 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 5

STREET Risk Acceptance
STRATEGIES Once you become aware of the risks asso-
ciated with motorcycling, it is time to accept
those risks. Choosing to accept the challenges of
This Section Covers being a responsible motorcyclist means to think
about the consequences of your riding behav-
Risk Awareness/ ior in traffic. It also means accepting personal
responsibility for the results of your decisions
Acceptance ................5.1 and actions, as well as developing good skills
and judgment.
Risk Management ......5.2
5.2 – Risk Management
Intersections ..............5.3
To manage risk, you must be aware of the
Space Management ...5.4 potential risks and then have a plan to reduce
the risks.
Escape Routes ...........5.5
SEE SM
Increasing SM – SEE is a Service Mark of MSF. Used with permission.
Conspicuity ................5.6 SEE is a powerful, but simple, strategy -
Search, Evaluate, Execute. It is the strategy to
Speed Management...5.7 help you understand what is going on in traffic
and to be constantly planning and implement-
ing a course of action. Let’s examine each of
these steps. about how to handle trouble ahead. To search
Safe riding is more of a skill of the eyes and behind:
mind than of the hands and feet. You need to Search • Check your mirrors – frequent mirror
develop a set of street riding strategies that checks should be part of your normal search-
allows you to gather critical information to Searching aggressively as far ahead as ing routine. Make a special point of using
make good decisions and avoid problems. possible, to the sides and behind to identify your mirrors when you are stopped at an
potential hazards and escape routes, may help intersection, before you change lanes, and
to avoid a crash. When searching ahead, you before you slow down.
should search for:
• Use head checks – checking your mirrors is
5.1 – Risk Awareness/ • Road and surface characteristics – pot- not enough. Motorcycles have “blind spots”
Acceptance holes, bridge gratings, railroad tracks, debris, like cars. Before you change lanes, turn your
curves, slippery surfaces, etc. may influence
your riding strategy, head, and look to the side for other vehicles.
Almost all activities people engage in have Only by knowing what is happening all
some level of risk. Operating a motorcycle • Traffic control markings and devices – around you, are you fully prepared to deal
requires your constant and full attention to look for traffic signals and signs to help you with it.
reduce risk. Consider the following steps to know what to expect ahead. Don’t forget to check the instruments and
manage risk and be a responsible rider:
• Other roadway users – vehicles in front gauges regularly, too.
of you traveling in the same direction, those
Rider Responsibilities
behind you, vehicles traveling in the oppo- Evaluate
Accept the responsibilities associated with site direction, those entering and leaving
operating a motorcycle: the roadway and turning. Pedestrians also Once you have identified the hazard(s), the
can cross your path of travel or reduce your next step is to quickly determine if they could
• You must have a motorcycle license or permit. affect you. Ask yourself, “what if?”
escape route options.
• You will be expected to follow the laws and Think about how hazards can interact to cre-
rules of the road. While it’s most important to keep track of ate risk for you. Anticipate potential problems
what’s happening ahead, you can’t afford to and have a plan to reduce or eliminate the risk.
• You must share the road with other users (i.e. ignore situations behind. Knowing what’s going Think about your time and space requirements
pedestrians, bicyclists, large vehicles, etc.) on behind will help you make a safe decision in order to maintain a margin of safety. You
• Ride alcohol and drug-free.
• Always wear protective gear.
Search Evaluate Execute
Risk Awareness
Riding a motorcycle involves some risks
not encountered when driving other types of
vehicles. Some of these risks include:
• Vulnerability – motorcycles provide less
protection in a crash and do not have the sta-
bility of cars. This is why you should always
wear protective gear.
• Visibility – motorcycles are not as visible
as other types of vehicles because of their
size. Other motorists may not be looking for
motorcycles in traffic. This places you at risk.

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