Seeing the future – anticipating drivers’ attitudes

June 16, 8:45 AMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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Seeing the future is about taking cues from drivers’ behavior, and anticipating their attitudes.

Are they at, above, or below the speed limit?  Are they using their turn signals?  Are they attentive or distracted?  Is their driving consistent, or erratic?  Are they determined, hurried or impatient?  Given their sight-lines, can they see you?  Have you used your relative speed and lane position to best effect to be sure they see you?  Can they hear you?

Drivers below the speed limit represent a huge red flag – typically they’re confused, unfamiliar with their surroundings or searching; they’re planning a maneuver and will often do so without signaling; or, they’re reacting to a threat that isn’t visible to you.  Patience is essential here.  If you’re going to pass, be absolutely sure that their speed isn’t due to the wildlife in the road, a child running into the street for a ball, their plan to make an abrupt turn, or any of a number of other dangers you might avoid by following patiently at a safe distance.  In particular, watch for drivers at slow speed swinging to the left to turn right, or vice versa.  The feint to the left or the right can lure you into passing on the opposing side; typically, at exactly the point where they'll abruptly change direction, putting you over their hood.

Turn signal use is often a good sign, unless it’s a car or truck approaching an intersection where you are waiting to turn.  Most experienced drivers have seen more than a few near-misses as they've watched a car or truck continue past them through the intersection at full speed, in spite of their blinking signal.  Inattentive signal use is often worse than no signal at all.  Remember – never assume – don't bet your life on a driver's turn-signal.

Inattention is always at its worst following the transition from colder weather to a beautiful sunny day.  It’s as though the sun and 70 degree temps convince drivers to forget about their driving and just enjoy the weather.  Beware sunny days – they bring out the worst in inattentive drivers.  These are the folks who won’t see you – they’re not really driving, they’re riding in the car and just happen to be sitting behind the wheel.  Beware!

Cell phones, dogs on the lap, headphones, dancing and singing with the car radio, applying makeup, shaving, eating, drinking, smoking.  Distracted drivers are the bane of motorcyclists existence, and from our vantage point, we can usually see it all.  Take advantage of your perspective, and give the distracted driver wide margin.

Erratic and aggressive drivers can be seen changing lanes without signaling, or changing lanes abruptly, following too closely, failing to stop at stop signs, running red lights, or otherwise maneuvering in a way that shows that they are impatient and careless.  Again, beware, and given them wide margin.

Hurried and impatient drivers are often, but not always, erratic and aggressive: slowing and accelerating abruptly, following too close, using brakes heavily as a result, changing lanes abruptly and frequently.  If you can’t outpace these folks without radically exceeding the speed limit, then it’s best to maneuver to get them ahead of you.  Once they’ve passed, just make sure you watch your own following distance.

As you become aware of drivers' attitudes, you’ll be able to anticipate their motivation, and predict their decisions.

Up next, the most accurate predictions will come from seeing the road from the drivers’ perspectives.
 

For more information:
- To survive, you must see the future!
- Seeing the future – situational awareness
- Seeing the future – anticipating drivers’ attitudes
- Seeing the future – anticipating drivers’ decisions
- Seeing the future – literally
- Seeing the future – lessons learned