Keeping a safe distance

Riders face more dangers on the road than drivers. They are smaller, require more balance to operate and can be affected by changes in the road surface. Riders are also less protected in the event of a crash. Riding at a safe speed and at a safe distance is vital at all times.

The three-second rule

Make sure you maintain a three-second crash avoidance space to react and respond to situations in front of you. Remember, motorcycles can take longer to stop than other vehicles, so ride at a speed that gives you time to react to unexpected hazards.

The three-second rule also applies to situations where there is potential for something to accelerate or steer into the space, such as at intersections. For example, a vehicle in a side street to your left or right could fail to give way and accelerate out. Or an oncoming vehicle could turn suddenly in front of you and steer across your path.

If there is potential for a hazard to enter the three-second crash avoidance space in front of you, your response should be to protect it by setting up and buffering.

Scanning

Scanning involves constantly moving your eyes to collect as much information as possible about your riding environment – so you can assess and deal with unexpected hazards. When scanning, look in the distance, to the sides, at the condition of the road and regularly check your mirrors and instruments.

Setting up

Setting up means applying your brakes lightly as you approach potential hazards, and has three key benefits:

1. It prepares the rider– you can recognise the hazard and respond quickly and with more control.
2. It prepares the motorcycle – free play in the brakes is taken up, the suspension is compressed, the contact patch of the tyres is flattening – for hard braking, if needed.
3. It prepares the vehicle behind – when you set up, your brake light comes on, alerting traffic behind you that you may be about to brake hard.

Buffering

Buffering is positioning your bike to create maximum space around you, away from hazards. You can buffer from by changing your position within your lane or changing lanes, if it is safe to do so. Moving away from danger may also increase the likelihood that you’ll be seen by other vehicles.

What to remember when keeping a safe distance

1. Scan for hazards.
2. Slow down.
3. Move away from hazards.