Fear of being T-boned is ruining riding

Originally Posted by myfirstsv

I did a riding refresher course and the top tip from the instructor was to get eye contact with the driver as you approach the junction. If you can't get eye contact expect the worst even though it probably won't happen, and plan accordingly. Good advice I thought.

That's my approach, I stare at them, if they are not looking at me, they ain't seen me.
There is other little things I notice, their position on the steering wheel, front wheels creeping, gaps in traffic they might be tempted to go for etc etc.

You can't to anything to change the driver's observation and skill but there are plenty of things you can do prepare / anticipate and avoid the situations. The panic state comes from the brain's feeling it has no control over these situations but 95% of the times they can be predicted.

Advanced training is basically just that, observation skills, positioning for safety and speed management. Get a copy of the Roadcraft book and have a read through. The system has been developed to deal with just that. Once you realise you DO have control over these, the fear and panic state will disappear and your confidence will get back to normal.

A bright vest works miracles in the morning. They may not look cool but drivers tend to react better to them. I got myself a Richa Hi Vis which is doesn't look so bad.

And drivers DO react to the horn. They may not see you but they certainly slam the brakes once they hear it.

[Geodude]

I do exactly the same Ed, rolling off at junctions etc just incase i get pulled out on. I do look to see if i have been seen as specialone says but it doesn't stop my worries. I have the added problem of having the same worries on corners as i had a crash a few years back on twisty road so tight corners have me tense up and slow right down so i haven't found an answer to it yet. This is the reason i ride on my own as in a group ride everyone ends up miles away waiting for me and it spoils their ride. Been out with an advanced rider instructor and he said im just a naturally slow cautious rider. Will be reading the replies to your thread with interest Ed as it might just help me aswell.

Tam whats NLP?

[Bri w]

I guess pretty much all of us ride defensively, or we wouldn't still be alive and kicking. The one main thing I look for in this situation is eye contact/head movement. If I don't see more than a quick glance I think there's a strong possibility its a muppet.

[TamSV]

Originally Posted by Geodude

Tam whats NLP?

Neuro Linguistic Programming. It has some similarities to hypnosis and cognitive therapy. You see it being used by the likes of Paul McKenna and in a lot of "self-help" programmes.

There's a lot of mumbo jumbo and wild claims made, and plenty of people in that field who want to take your money off you. However, some of it can be useful, even to an old cynic like me.

I've read a couple of books on it as I have an interest in that kind of thing. The useful part for me has been the techniques for reversing "limiting beliefs" which in this case would be overcoming learned fears.

[Geodude]

Ah right thanks tam. Ive had stuff like that chucked at me for years as i suffer from anxiety (didn't work for me) but never heard of nlp before cheers Tam.

Although the eye contact is a good tip, I had a guy the other day whom I'm 90% sure made eye contact with me in his wing mirror as I was in the overtaking lane of a dual-carriageway and he proceeded to put the indicator on and pull out anyway. I missed him by inches.

Sometimes people can look but don't see.

According to the Highway Code, your horn is there to let other road users know you are there. If I don't think someone is paying attention at a junction I'll sound the horn, just a quick tap, not a prolonged blast. When they look up, I wave. It confuses the hell out of 'em but it's more fun than being hit.

Sounding the horn when you're already doing an emergency stop is a waste of time...

Interesting thoughts folks, thank you I tend to be fairly risk adverse by nature - I like that most bikers die of old age

[Shellywoozle]

Ed, I am all for an advanced course, I did mine in car for work. Same principles apply and u will read other road users before they complete their move. Their car position, head position etc and you will automatically react to what you see.

It will give you confidence too. More you think, what if? The more you will tense and not ride to the best of your ability. Road positioning has already been mentioned.

Read the Roadcraft for bikers..... but I am sure you do all the stuff in there already mate x