Stopped at the Light

On March 25 of this year, a horrific accident in Phoenix, Arizona took the lives of four motorcyclists and put another five in the hospital with critical injuries. A sanitation truck driven by 46-year-old Michael Jackschit plowed into the group as they waited at a stop light. Jackschit was later determined to be under the influence of meth and had recently been cited numerous times for speeding violations.

This type of accident should put the fear of God into every motorcyclist because it happened without warning and with the speed of the truck (dragging the victims 50 to 75 yards), there was little they could possibly do to avoid it.

But even though there wasn't much they could do, there are lessons to be learned. The number one lesson is a reminder that "trouble rides a fast horse" and we shouldn't let our guard down. Yes, there are times on the open highway in the middle of Nevada that we can put our feet up and just deal with the boredom (and the pleasure it might bring)...but in traffic? Never!

The number two lesson, is to be extra cautious when stopped when there's a chance of getting rear-ended, because getting rear-ended is a leading cause of vehicle vs. motorcycle accidents. Right behind left-turning drivers, which is covered in another article. Again, I'm sure those Arizona motorcyclists had no chance of getting out of the way of this maniac in a 20-ton vehicle, but here are some tips that might help you from getting creamed.

Be aware
When coming to a stop in traffic, go into "attack mode": heads-up, eyes-aware, listening for danger sounds like squealing tires or scraping metal. Scan your mirrors for cars coming from behind. (Attack mode for me also includes gripping the tank with the knees and a slight forward lean to stiffen against front fork compression if it should happen). Yes, you should be slightly paranoid.

Practice the routine
Stop 10 feet from the car in front of you, preferably in the left tire track. Offset from the center so you'll have an escape route AND to avoid the grease and oil that accumulates in the middle of the roadway. Stopping in the right tire track will give you "dirty foot" when you step into that grease and oil. Not fun, especially if you're not wearing boots with oil-resistant soles.

Keep your right foot on the brake to signal approaching drivers and your right hand covering the front brake. Keep in first gear in case a jackrabbit start is needed to jump out of the way...you don't want to be caught between two cars. Keep your front wheel pointed straight ahead for two reasons: if caught from behind and the wheel is cocked at an angle, you'll go down in a hurry and be *underneath* two cars, not good -- it's (slightly) better to be pushed straight into the car in front. It also gives you a choice of directional change one way or the other for that jackrabbit start.

Scan the mirrors

Keep an eye on those drivers coming from behind. And be prepared to pop the clutch (again, practice).

When in California...

It's best to filter up to the front at a light. Yes, you might get some frowns, but they're a lot safer than being a sitting duck behind a stopped car. And by all means, break whatever laws you have to, to stay safe.

Keep the shiny side up!