Defensive Riding Skills

This is not a single Book , instead an extract of multiple articles on the above topic.

Basics of defensive Driving

Maximise your visibility

Bikers can be difficult for other motorists to see, which is why it’s so important that you take extra efforts to be visible. A brightly coloured bike and highly visible clothing are a good place to start, but it’s more about where you position yourself on the road.

The viewing angle from inside a car or lorry isn’t ideal for spotting bikers. Always make sure you leave enough space for the car in front to see you, and think about driver blind spots. With lorries, buses and coaches, remember that if you can’t see their side mirrors, they can’t see your bike.

Watch out for junctions

Almost 70% of motorcycle accidents that cause injury to the rider happen at junctions, which is why it’s so important to be extra careful at them. Plan ahead when approaching junctions, and be aware of drivers pulling out onto main roads from side streets and driveways. Always think one step ahead, and anticipate where there may be concealed drives or side roads ahead, especially around concealed bends.

Controlling your speed, and being ready to take evasive action will help to ensure you don’t become part of the scary accident statistics.

Careful overtaking

Around 1 in 5 motorbike accidents occur when overtaking, and avoiding overtaking accidents comes down to common sense. Don’t overtake on blind corners, and be aware of oncoming vehicles on the other side of the road.

When overtaking, bear in mind that the driver may not be aware that you are there. Many overtaking accidents occur when a driver turns right across the path of the rider, so be ready to apply brakes or take evasive action if necessary. Avoid overtaking near junctions or near side roads where cars could pull out across your path.

If you’re in a queue of traffic on multiple lane roads, be extra careful when passing stationary or slow moving vehicles. Often, these drivers may change lanes without warning, so try to maximise your visibility through careful lane choice and positioning.

Speed & braking

Excessive speed is a factor in around a quarter of motorbike accidents. Bikers have a somewhat justified reputation for speeding, with police forces in the UK regularly clocking bikers at 150mph!

It’s simple – the faster you ride, the less time you’ll have to react to hazards, dangers and the actions of other motorists, and the more likely you are to suffer a life-threatening accident.

Controlling speed, learning how to understand, apply and master the power of your bike, and leaving enough space between you and the driver in front to brake safely at all times is the best way to avoid accidents.

Be aware at bends

25% of motorcycle accidents happen at bends, with rider error due to excess speed, under cornering and failure to stop in time to avoid hazards the leading causes.

When negotiating bends, make sure you anticipate potential hazards, and ensure that you’re riding at an appropriate speed. It’s at bends that weather and road surface conditions will be felt most, so it’s important that you take those into account and ride accordingly.

Riding together safely

Riding together with your friends is one of the great joys of motorbike riding, but it’s important to do it safely.

If you’re in the lead, make sure you take into account the experience and ability of the other riders in your group. Don’t try to push it and ride within everyone’s abilities.

Avoid lane sharing, and take a staggered formation to maximise visibility and provide you with maximum room to manoeuvre. You should only ever be parallel with another rider when overtaking, or when coming to a stop at traffic lights or a junction.

Always remember how vulnerable you are!

There’s a fine line between being a confident rider and an arrogant one, and as bikers, we need to remember that we are the most vulnerable motorists on the road.

Aggressive riding is likely to get you killed – if there’s a collision between a biker and another vehicle, it’s the biker who will come off worst! Don’t tailgate other drivers, ride too fast, or attempt to push your limits beyond your abilities.

You should always be in complete control of your bike, and act in a considerate way to other road users.

Source: https://www.ridersmate.com/stay-safe-on-your-motorbike-our-top-7-defensive-riding-tips/ ↗ ↗

Guidelines on specific aspects of Driving

Turning

SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.

LOOK — Look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the motorcycle, press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. Press left handgrip — lean left — go left. Press the right handgrip — lean right — go right. The higher the speed in a turn, or the sharper the turn, the greater the lean angle needs to be.

ROLL — Roll on the throttle to maintain or slightly increase speed. This helps stabilize the motorcycle.In regular turns, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle.In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only and keeping your body upright.

Lane Positions

Many motorcyclists consider the left third of the lane – the left tire track of automobiles – to be their default lane. Your lane choice should help you:

Increase your ability to see and be seen.

Avoid others’ blind spots.

Avoid surface hazards.

Communicate your intentions.

Avoid windblast from other vehicles.

Provide an escape path.

Set up for turns.

Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on your right only. If vehicles are being operated on both sides of you, the center of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option.

Following Another Vehicle

“Following too closely” is a frequent factor in crashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars. Normally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained when following a vehicle.

To gauge your following distance

A two-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly. It also permits a better view of potholes and other hazards in the road.

When behind a car, ride where the driver can see you in the inside rearview mirror. Riding in the center portion of the lane should put you in view. Riding at the far side of a lane may permit a driver to see you in a side view mirror. But remember that most drivers don’t look at their sideview mirrors nearly as often as they check the inside mirror. If the traffic situation allows, the center portion of the lane is usually the best place for you to be seen by the drivers ahead and prevent others from encroaching into your space.

Tips to develop expert rider perception

Look ahead as far as you can see

Keep your eyes moving

Don’t look at one place for more than two seconds; trouble could be developing in one place while you’re staring at another.

Use your height advantage

Look over or through the car in front of you for cars stopping or turning ahead.

Check the roadside

Watch for cars that may leave the curb or enter from side streets or driveways.

Develop imagination

Sometimes you cannot see an area because your view is blocked by a bridge or a truck. Good riders have good imaginations. Ask yourself what might be there that you can’t see yet. What you can’t see can hurt you.

5 Step Formula for Safe Driving

Look far ahead of your vehicle:

13 to 16 seconds

Avoid situations that inhibit your vision

Maintain a wide view:

Move eyes continuously Scan area for hazards Avoid fixed stares – cone vision

Know what is ahead and behind your vehicle:

Check mirrors every 4 to 7 seconds

Be aware of your vehicle’s blind spots

Avoid clusters

Create space

Maintain at least 2 seconds of following distance in good weather

Always have an escape plan:

Create space between you and other vehicles

Anticipate the unsafe actions of others

Plan for your exit upon entering

See and be seen:

Lights Turn Signals Mirrors Windshield Horn

© Prabu Anand K 2020-2026