Crash Course - The SMIDSY

The SMIDSY, a pilot episode in a mini series of Motorcycle Safety videos. This accident is easily avoidable, in order to understand why they occur, riders need to be trained to spot tell-tale signs and know how to deal with these situations.

The producers are now seeking external funding to produce further videos for web TV and broadcast.

For more info email crashcourse@lbtv.co.uk

• Category

  Autos & Vehicles

[fredellarby]

I often use a similar movement in flowing traffic. When things get busy cars will often crowd into your space. I have found that a little pro-active weaving can help move other vehicles back. I suspect it makes you look a little out of control and maybe a little nuts so it's wise to give you a wide berth.

[sedanmansixtyseven]

This is a brilliant description of an all too common problem with excellent advice for avoidance.

[Diane June ROWE]

Weaving, head lights on, horn, eye to eye contact etc etc is communication will not guarantee your safety. It is not roadcraft.

If the driver is drunk or if the rider has blue flashing lights that accident could, and does, still happen.

See the danger, perceive it as a danger, move as far away as you physically and legally can and guarantee you can stop in the distance (mentally prepared, slow down and cover the brakes).

Two SMIDSY accidents and still haven't learnt. Slow learner.

[blacknumber187]

If all car driver's drove with light's on at all times (like the Volvo) , it would help

[Walter Wilkins]

I've been riding for over 40 years and have well over 500 000 km's of off-road and road experience. And, while I do practice safe, skillful riding I must admit that it's been more luck than skill that's kept me alive. After all these years I'm amazed at what I don't know! So, thanks. I'll certainly add this anti-camouflage technique to my repertoire of stayin' alive maneuvers!

[red00eye]

One of the most sensible and adult explanations of car/bike accidents. There is no point of bikers being in the right but dead.

[alwayssummer16]

As long as you stay in your lane you are legally permitted to occupy any part of the lane you desire, including weaving as long as you are fully in control of your motorcycle. You will not get a ticket for this. Slowing down and being ready to brake also does not increase your visibility to the driver. I would prefer that the driver *see* me rather than pull out in front of me while I'm riding slower.

[BockinBboy]

to anticipate a car that may not see you. You would then slow to either allow more time to execute the maneuver or slow to allow more time for stopping or avoiding distance if you need it. Learn it. Practice it in a parking lot. Then apply to the road in practice. Then it will have a chance to make a difference in a real potential smidsy situation.

[BockinBboy]

The weave in the video is exaggerated and slowed for illustration. You don't need to take a full 10 seconds for the entire maneuver. Only use it when you have time to analyze and execute in the proper situation. Don't use it at every intersection. Also, weaving is not an out of control movement when in fact it is the very definition of a controlled movement. Again, I question whether you have ever ridden a bike before... Even if you are at higher speeds, you should be looking far enough ahead

[Zak Vickers]

Not all roads are 30mph, you can't look ahead if you are checking your shoulder, and also you can't have full control of the bike if you weave all over the road.

[Charlie Red]

Great advice, I had no idea I had been doing this and that it is an accepted practice among motorcyclists.

[Andrew Pain]

Here in the USA, weaving like will get you pulled over and ticketed. Better than an accident, I suppose, but slowing down and being ready to brake seems to work just as well and isn't against the law.