| Motorbike Observation |
Rear Observation
This refers to a combination of mirror checks and looking behind you, which ensures you are always aware of what is happening behind you.
Before you signal, change direction or speed you must know how your actions will affect the traffic behind you. You also have to know when traffic is likely to overtake or come alongside you.
Not all motorcycles are fitted with mirrors, and mirrors don’t always give a clear view behind. Looking behind is important because the view through the mirrors on some motorcycles is restricted, leaving significant blind spots. There will be times when you need to look round to see the full picture. Looking behind also warns other drivers that you may be about to signal or alter course.
At high speed or in congested moving traffic your attention needs to be focused ahead so you must time your rear mirror checks carefully.
When should you look behind?
Use judgement in deciding
when to look behind. Obviously when you are looking behind you are not
looking ahead. This could be hazardous if, for example, you are close
to the vehicle in front or if you are overtaking at speed. Equally
there are situations when it is dangerous not to look behind, such as a
right turn into a minor road.
Take rear observation when you are about to change position or speed as you approach and negotiate a hazard. This might be before:
- Moving off
- Turning left or right
- Overtaking
- Changing lanes
- Slowing or stopping
WARNING – Looking over your shoulder too often or at the wrong moment can be hazardous. In the time it takes to do it you will
- Lose touch with what’s going on in front
- Run the risk of veering off course
At high speed or in congested moving traffic your attention needs to be focused ahead. In these situations time your rearward checks carefully. Combine:
- Regular and sensible use of the mirrors
- The ‘lifesaver’ glance into the blind area before altering course
The ‘Lifesaver’ glance
This is a last check over the shoulder into the blind spot to make sure nothing unexpected is happening just behind you.
In heavy traffic it’s usually essential, especially when turning right into a minor road, but during high speed overtaking, when you are certain what is happening behind, it’s often safer to concentrate on what is happening ahead. Use your judgement about when to use it.
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