Danger Zone Crossings

DANGER ZONE CROSSINGS

IGNITION

RIDE SMART

Intersections are dangerous. If drivers won’t see us, maybe their cars will.

John L. Stein

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. Department of Transportation, 50 percent of fatal motorcycle collisions occur in intersections compared to just 21 percent for all vehicles. Statistically, then, motorcycles have a greater need for new collision-avoidance features available in the car market. These include blind-spot monitoring, collision-mitigation braking systems, forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control. The systems utilize sensors to monitor nearby traffic; computers then assess closing rates and issue visual and audible driver warnings. Some systems even brake or steer the car to help the driver avoid a crash.

Crikey! Bike-friendly traction control and AB S are one thing, but do we even want this kind of help? Nope, because cars and bikes are as different as apples and orangutans. With the stability borne of four wide tire patches, a car can execute automated maneuvers with even a startled driver safely belted in place. But a bike needs its rider to lead the dance—or at least fully participate. Besides, name one rider who wants his bike to suddenly apply brakes or steering on its own. There are none!

So while car technology already exists to automatically monitor and respond to traffic hazards, motorcyclists don’t need computerized inputs replacing their own. What we need most is for drivers to notice us and respect our right of way. Although, who would argue with an alarm screaming, “Hyundai at 10 o’clock!”

[l] In the future, if drivers don’t see your Boss Hoss coming, maybe their cars will. Emerging “Car 2 Car” technology shares information between vehicles to alert drivers of approaching vehicles. A special “motorcycle” identifier would let drivers know you’re approaching.

[2] Now being tested, “smart intersections” relay information about traffic conditions to approaching drivers. And if your bike can communicate with the intersection, you’ll know about such hazards as red-light bandits before you arrive.

[3] The key motive for vehicle-tovehicle communications is Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology, a global initiative using GPS and other technologies to improve traffic efficiency, reduce accidents and lower fuel consumption. Motorcycles are being considered, and Honda has already integrated such technology into Gold Wing and NC700X test mules.

[4] ITS technology will probably debut in high-end vehicles and high-traffic urban intersections. But smartphone apps may bring it to the masses. Then your old Ninja could still appear on a display inside Mrs. Magoo’s new Benz. Wouldn’t that be nice?

THE EYES STILL HAVE IT

Sound advice from the California DMV Motorcycle Handbook: "There are no guarantees that others will see you. Never count on eye contact as a sign that a driver will yield to you. Too often, a driver can look right at a motorcyclist and still fail to 'see' him or her. The only eyes that you can count on are your own. If a vehicle can enter your path, assume that it will."