SPEED MANAGEMENT

Low risk riders manage their speed and road position to maintain a crash avoidance space completely around their motorcycle. To determine the crash avoidance space to the front of your motorcycle you need to take into account two key factors – reaction time and response time.

Reaction time is the time the rider needs to:

• See the information

• Perceive what it means

• Decide on a response.

• Instigate that response.

A rider who is fit, concentrating, alert and not affected by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or a distraction, will require about one and a half seconds to react to a sudden and unexpected change in traffic conditions.

Response time is the time required to take action. Generally a minimum of one and a half seconds is needed to respond. In many situations braking may be the only possible response. Swerving is rarely appropriate and is likely to result in a more severe crash, for example a head on collision.

A total of three seconds crash avoidance space is needed to react and respond to a situation in front of you. You may need even longer in poor conditions such as rain and darkness.

The three-second rule, explained below, can be used when following another vehicle or if there is potential for something to accelerate or steer into your crash avoidance space.