Lets change the law!

[ButtMonkey]

It seems that a lot of the time that when an accident involving a car and a motorcycle occurs the motorcyclist a lot of the time seems to get the blame. Either the car driver claims they didn't see them or they came from nowhere. This is not bikers fault but seems to becoming a legitimate excuse.

I think that something should be done in order to increase awareness of motorbikes and cars drivers should be educated further in how to handle the presence of motorcycles on the road because a lot of drivers are not sure what to do and how to respond and most of the time don't THINK BIKE.

Should motorcycle awareness and tolerance be part of a car drivers licence? For example, a day course in motorcycle awareness, actions and response.

If we all do something about it they will have to change the law for the safety of motorcyclists.

https://www.durbanbmwclub.co.za/images/Think_Bike_Poster.jpg


What does everyone think
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[Trill]

Voted one.. then saw four...

Completely agree mate cagers need an education.
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[Delvard]

Here's one you missed out:

Do you agree that motorcyclists, who don't have a car license be educated more about cars.

Andy
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[Dazbo666]

I'd been driving for something like 17 years before I took the plunge and changed religion to 2 wheels
and I can honestly say that even with my years of road experience the CBT certainly started to open my eyes, and I realised how much my observation and awareness was lacking

So since doing the theory, CBT and DAS last year I've been a keen supporter that car drivers (well, all road users) really should be made to take extra training and/or regular refresher courses
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[MRX Steve]

I voted that it should incorperated into theory lessons. But i think it should also be incorperated into driving tests, a day course could be good in theory but i think with all the people learning to drive they would just end up with huge waiting lists for people to do it.
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[extreme3d]

In a few Countries in Europe for any accident involving a motorcycle/scooter, the car driver is immediatly held responsible regardless of whose fault it actually was. As scooters and motorcycles are number wise on equal terms with cars in a lot of European cities and often the age limit for peds is 14, it's a useful law to ensure cars keep a good look out.

[getyerkneedow...]

I was interviewd by BBC Radio York 2 years ago for this exact subject - how to reduce the number of deaths on North Yorkshires roads.

I actually said exactly what you've said, that there should be more awareness for bikes incorporated into Car drivers Hazard Perception, Theory tests and also Practical tests.

But i think its also a two way street. Some riders dont drive, and therefore dont understand quite how difficult it can be to spot a bike. I beleive, strongly, that there should be more education on both sides of the fence. I propose that if you are doing your bike test, part of your training should take part in a car, so that you experience how hard it can be to spot motorcycles. Likewise, if you are doing a car test, you should have to spend a day riding a bike to experience just how vunerable we are and how easily it is for car drivers to almost kill us in a simple stupid move.

Say the normal 3 day crash riding courses, are upped to 4 days with the 4th day spent in a car. The normal 5 day crash driving courses are upped to 1 week and 1 day, with the extra day spent with a local bike riding school.

This way both parties get increased awareness of the other.

This said, i must say that i rode my bike and didnt drive for years, when i finally got a car, my mum said to me that i would change my view as i would realise just how hard it was to spot bikes.

Each bike which passed me, i knew was there - i guess being on a bike just teaches you that extra bit of observation skill which (most) car drivers are lacking - i dont want to tar everyone with the same brush.

What do you guys (and gals) think?


EDIT - Just read Delvards comments - seems we both hit on the same thing.

[Finglonga]

Riders need to be taught also, there are alot of to be frank "Fuckin Iiots" out there, and not just on the small bikes. Big bikes too, the riders don't have a clue, and its mostly down to direct access. They take a days/weeks intensive course then pass a test and given a pocket rocket to kill themselves on. Then THEY are arrogant against car drivers because they THINK they know how to ride a big bike.
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[Paul@125power]

I agree with a lot of it. I know lots of bikers that drive cars and they all have said that ever since riding a bike they notice more. I think this is because of the very steep learning curve with harsh consequences involved ie Get it wrong and you could be killed.

[edd]

[getyerkneedow...]

In terms of restrictions consider this for a moment.

It is ONLY motorcyclists who have restrictions on their licenses.

There is NOTHING to stop some rich 17yo going out and buying a top of the range sports car. He doesnt have to have restrictions on his license. He doesnt have to sit various tests at different ages to get different cars or powers etc.

So if we are not a targeted minority group like the government keep saying, why are we restricted?

Lets remove the restrictions, you sit one bike test aged 17 and can ride any bike.

After a while, all the crashes would result in the insurance companies charging proportionately, and it would be like the car situation now. You need to be older, more experienced to get a bigger faster better bike. No need for discrimiating against differing age groups.

This is not a personal held view, just something i thought about.

[Paul@125power]

[headlamp]

Like extreme3d I had been driving for many many years before I got on two wheels about 8 years ago. Whilst I agree with the 'spirit' of the thread. I disagree with general thread that drivers should be made more aware specifically of bikes. I perceive this not to be the problem with drivers generally, but more to do with the fact that a high proportion of people driving have little 'road sense' and awareness of what's going on around them, distracted by the gadgets in their car & conversations on their mobiles.

The general impression I get, particularly when riding the journeys I do, in and around London, is that once people are in their metal bubble they are oblivious to all around them, and become totally selfish & consider themselves to be immune from the dangers that exist on the road.

A few ads on TV, speed cameras here & there and occasional 'Slow Down' or 'Drive on the Left' signs are not going to change the behaviour of these drivers. What is needed is a sustained & on-going training programme for drivers - more widespread than the IAM programme - and drivers that take part, should be rewarded with significantly lower insurance premiums.
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

[map]

I've always thought it would be a good idea to include a 1 day CBT type test/exam into the car driving test. It would increase awareness of bikes and also make the person aware of just how vunerable bikes can be.

I know that doesn't address the issue of all those that already have their car licence but at least it would be a start. You could also make it compulsary for anyone involved in a traffic accident (non pedestrian type) prior to being allowed back on the road.

Just some thoughts.
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[Ahmato_]

Couldn't agree more.
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