EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Defensive riding is all about staying one step ahead of the game, riding in a style and with a mindset that puts you in the safest position to deal with anything that the road – or other road users –can throw at you.

1 LOOK UP

The further you look up the road ahead, the more you’ll see. Move around in your lane if you need a better view and scan the upcoming road conditions a few car lengths ahead, to the road’s ‘vanishing point’. ‘Situational Awareness’ or knowing everything that’s going on around you is key to avoiding dangerous situations.

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2 ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS

The more time you have to react to a hazard the more likely you are to deal with it safely. Police riders recommend commenting aloud on an upcoming hazard, detailing what you intend to do as it gets closer. Try it.

3 PREDICT HAZARDS

A bus stop or parked cars can mean pedestrians; a bouncing ball in the road means children at play; a bare, open road means crosswinds. Experience can help you predict hazards before they appear. Search for the clues and plan accordingly.