I've been riding now for 51 years and the only thing that's kept me alive (so far) is to treat everyone on the roads as if they were a paid assassin...
@@ronjones-6977 I don't doubt it. The problem with the hi-vis stuff is it can give riders a false sense of security. An idea that, surely they see me now. It's not a good mindset.
I haven't been driving for that long, but I swear that I must live in a bubble, because here people are the worst drivers I have ever encounter in my life, but I have never had any problem related with me being in a motorcycle. I guess that when you drive normal instead of squiding around, these events tend to be way less common. Most of these videos can be summarized as "I was going 20 mph above the speed limit doing something reckless like lane splitting, and a car did a very normal manouver, which made me mad for some reason. I am entitled to be a squid".
@@JackDespero I think you're getting hooligan mixed up with Squid. Squid's are the no/inadequate gear types. You know, cause road rash makes you look squid like (red skin). And yeah, we've all likely know of a least a few incidents where someone was riding like a hooligan and got mad because someone pulled out in front of them. I'm guilty of being a hooligan, and a squid... haha... it is unfair to get mad at someone though, because you were part of the problem. Especially taken to the extremes you see in some of these videos.
My Grandpa imparted this to me when I was you (which got reenforced by my dad also) "It doesn't matter how fast you're going, if you don't get there." This lived with me and has kept me in the mind-set of "I want to get there" rather than "I want to go faster"
funny my dad told me something similar before when he drives the limit and doesnt care what others are trying to bully him out of the way. "doesn't matter if you are going 20mph more you'll still get there a few minutes early". even doing 100Mph it barely makes a difference esp if there's red lights and traffic.
It is that serious, but ultimately almost everything is preventable/predictable. If you predict that every single idiot will merge in front of you, you’re ready for it and you don’t get mad.
Because whilst you're seeing one instance of idiocy or unjustified actions, the person involved might have seen several even in that one day. Everyone has their limits.
I will forever and always attribute my success in safe riding to Dan. I started watching his videos before I got a motorcycle. And the lessons taught have prepared me for safe riding. 8 years going on 9 riding and no accidents. Slow speed riding is extremely important when taking road trips.
To dr.6642 You're a very wise motorcyclist by watching Dan before you bought your first bike. Really smart move... What's so good about that before you develop any bad habits. Dan gives you a chance to learn what not to do also! I've been riding since I was 9 or 10 years old starting with mini bikes and then motocross. Then I went through over 25 bikes from 50cc's-to 1200+ and never had a wreck. That was my fault. Although my last wreck I was hit almost head on and thrown 156 ft going over 70 mph and the truck with the drunk driver in it. I don't know how fast he was going. Took me about 6 months to get back to walking again, I quit riding for 10 years. Thought about all the people with cell phones which is bad as drunk drivers. But living alone and getting older I was really bored and I missed motorcycles. So I ended up buying a brand new Honda Grom which is lightweight. Super easy to handle even being physically messed up a little and a super lot of fun! For I made my choice. I watched a lot of cycling related stuff on TH-cam and that's where I ran into Dan and it kind of blew me away with how many people that ride with cameras recording their trips and that also shows how many bad drivers are out on the road not only in cages but motorcycles too.😮 Everyone should watch a lot of Dan's episodes. There's a lot to learn because just when you think you know it all, you'll find out you don't. Have fun and most of all ride safe out there!
@@alexneville8168 IMO lane splitting is fine, but people split too fast fast for people to anticipate and see. Splitting can definitely save riders from rear ends
I didn't have a bike for about 10 years and I felt like a rookie for quite a while...again. You KNOW what to do, but you're just not used to it being second nature. As soon as you have a close call, ALL those memories of every single close call come flooding back. I don't wanna die doing what ai love. I wanna die AFTER I'm done doing what I love.
That T-bone collision was brutal. I sure hope that rider is recovering. Look forward to seeing what kind of program you come out with for riders to learn everything in a weekend. I watched your videos for over a year before I switched to street. I learned a ton.
There is an intersection where I live that has the yellow arrow for the left turn and people will slowly force their way out as they block right a away traffic just to turn. If you are in that right lane and the left lane is lit up like a drag strip tree, you know something is up and sure enough as you approach, there is someone creeping out in front causing a jam and turning into your lane. 5pm traffic, every day, same scenario as the guy who t boned.
@@johnwirk Dang. I'm lucky to live in an area that doesn't have gridlock like that, but I know this kind of thing is quite common in areas like I used to live (Seattle). Maybe us riders need to put pressure on our local transportation departments to fix issues like this so we can avoid these types of situations.
That happened to me in May 2023. Lady on her phone did this exact thing, about 30 ft in front of me. I was doing 35 in a 40 because it had been misting off and on earlier. Open book pelvic fracture, messed up knee, and broken right arm. Just now getting through all the insurance bullshit and finally getting another bike at the end of this month January 2024.
@thegunsngloryshowi tried riding with stock lights on my brand new 2023 bike. Couldn’t see a thing being blinded by everyone with illegal hid lights. Every time i got home after a night ride i felt blind and still could see blue light on my eyes. Now i got a killer LED extra bright projector head light conversion kit. Now i can stand my ground. On low beams i blind everyone back, if they have high beams i throw my high beams and they cant see squatt. It might be placebo but i feel less blind since i can stand my ground. Even if it is, at the least i can see better since my light lights up more so even when blinded by oncoming cars i can atleast see a lil better thanks to my brighter light, that and the fact now them douche bags can feel the pain and sting i feel from their illegal lights🤌 give em a taste if their own medicine.
@thegunsngloryshow bro your name checks out😭. Idk where you stay but here in Los Angeles its pretty much lawless country. Not enough cops, every one gets away with breaking the law, you are on your own here. And yes i carry pew too but try your best not to escalate to that point, they have high beams, i throw high beams in retaliation, we both hold it until light turns green and be on our way, you should refrain from using the roof bar unless unusual circumstance. Get a stronger headlight led low beam and hi beam bulb. Pews should be respected and only last resort. Of course if some one is coming to attack you just for matching them (hi beam vs hi beam) and you genuinely fear for your life, i am gonna use it. But if i have an opening im driving away. Remember you can lose your privilege to own one. Then when you really need it you wont have it. God bless brother🤝
Are you sure about that, I mean....."no one else", that is kind of extreme, and absolute. I would suggest that you assess the situations, and after a brief look you can more or less make a decision that this person is in control, and you can pass safely etc....What do you mean by "knows how to drive", what makes you so special. Many people "know how to drive", to assume that "everybody" can't drive, doesn't help in my view. You can assume, that many people "can drive" and some simply know how to drive, but have just dropped their hot coffee on their lap, or what ever....Your comment is old fashioned, not very well thought out, kind of pointless, and overly simplistic. Driving, is a social activity yes, but you have to be pretentious about it, and suggest that "nobody" can drive, as an approach to staying safe is absurd. If that is what you "actually " think, you would be wise to not leave your home...But obviously, you would believe that at least most people know how to drive, allowing you to enter the arena with a reasonable calculation of risk...etc.....Its not that simple dude.. I can presume you are man...
Something that is inherently learned from rally racing is that while you are scanning the environment (as you should always do on your bike) you can notice things ahead of you over a crest to judge an approaching curve. As he is climbing the crest I see a treeline, indicating its not straight ahead. Also it almost appears perpendicular, meaning it might be a sharp turn. Then the powerlines which cross over abruptly ahead, meaning also a tighter curve or intersection. There also had to be a yellow intersection sign back there, but maybe not.
8:41 dan there is one thing could be done. Dont accelerate fast through intersections, i do this even on my car/truck. I only speed up when safe on straight aways / middle of the block, never through an intersection(where most accidents happen) so i carry those same habits with me when riding my bike. Slow down in intersections people, always assume they dont see you, always assume everyone is a bad driver.
Not completely disagreeing but sometimes that makes it worse. I’ve done that before and noticed that the cars waiting to turn start to second guess whether they can make it or not and makes the situation worse.
@@nathanielreeves_dev dont slow completely down, there is a sweet spot where 90% of the drivers still think u are coming too fast and wont go, slow down just enough to stop if have to, but fast enough to make them not wanna go, its an art. If you dnt know what im talking about u shuldny be driving a motorcycle, accident waiting to happen.
Ducati low side was actually a near high side first. Torque increased, rear started sliding, hooks up again where you see the rider perspective shift further over onto the left. Once he caught the high side, he didn’t get out of the throttle fast enough and was adding lean and torque at the same time which the destabilised front tyre said nope to. Surface looks dusty. Rider is familiar with the set of turns (or is completely insane) but takes a bad line due to failing to really turn the previous corner, leading him to demand right to left flip from the centre line. So high side had gyro component.
This is a good place to learn 21:14 to just cool your jets and enjoy it all around you, give space in front of you... you're simply there and do not be frustrated that you're not another mile ahead already, yet !
People not using their turn signals is like my number one riding/driving pet peeve. It doesn't matter if I'm riding my bike or driving my car, I will never understand why people don't use their signal, then act like you should have just known what they were going to do. 21:00 "But you're ruining my twisties!!!"
My gripe is failure to use turn signals, but also, at least here in Michigan, people turn their turn signals on so late that it's useless. They've scrubbed most of their speed and are nearly at a stop in the road before they put their turn signal on, or in some cases they flip their signal on after they've already started the turn. I don't think they get that the turn signal is to give others info so that they can move or change their speed to help them navigate. I've nearly eaten pavement before because someone comes nearly to a stop in the road, I go to pass them THEN they put the left turn signal on (maybe) and turns right into my path. If they had the left turn signal on to start with, I'd have just slowed down and waited.
go to drive Thailand, horriple traffic, all not use turn signal, and change line when want, or crossroad come bike or car and not looking any have other cars or bike.
Honestly bro, i came on here late on Fri thinking i was bout to troll and giggle myself. End up sober with glasses on taking notes like you're my sensei 😂
Getting introduced to the track by a friend was the best thing to happen to me. I’ve only been riding for 2 years, but I was reckless by hanging out with the wrong crowd. I can’t fully blame them, as I’m responsible for how I ride. I miss street riding sometimes, but I’m completely fine with doing track days instead and having more fun there while also learning more, all while being in a safer environment. Stay safe out there, everyone. 🙏🏾
thanks for making me a better and safer rider. when i started riding in like may last year i kept remembering the things you go over in your videos. you've helped me keep myself and my grom safe. thank you dan.
Dan just discovered your channel and I am "hooked" !! Back on two wheels after several years w/o a bike. Just completed the MSF class here in Texas and your video explanations are a wonderful follow-up!! I have been riding for over 55 years and still am amazed how much there is to learn !! Thanks !!
22:45 This is one my instructor talked about. He talked about "Controlling the encounter" (which Dan's teaching only improved for me). Note "control", not "force". In this scenario, we can see this car is going to come into our lane basically on top of us. We bikers are more aware of our surroundings (We have to, that's how we stay safe) so we can proactively respond. All this rider has to do is move over or slow down and the situation is mitigated. And my instructor even turned into an ego boost for us, because what has happened is the car has done what we want; ie the rider has moved over and then told the car to merge onto the road away from us. And if other road users are always doing what you want them to do, because you control encounters, then they almost never catch you by surprise. If you try and force the encounter, as the rider seems to, the car merges in front of us and we are forced into a reaction, ie you're no longer in control. Being in control means never forcing other road users or the situation, because as Dan says, law of gross tonnage always wins. Being in control also means not losing your cool. If this rider stayed in control and made sure the car did what he wanted, ie merge in the first lane away from him, he doesn't need to yell at the car. Dan's customary "non-issue" makes it even easier to be in control. Riding is much calmer, less stressful and less risky if you keep control of encounters.
90% of the situations shown in this channel wouldn't happen if the rider didn't have an ego. Getting angry and/or doing stupid things is the cause of most of these outcomes.
Im about 8/9 months into having my full licence. No previous history riding. Ive been riding all through the winter, and clocked in about 9000 miles of riding so far. Reason i say this, is because ive riden more and been in some riding scenarios and weather that others wont ever ride in, giving me quite an aray of experience. One of the best things ive done since getting my licence is watching your videos! So informative, knowledgable, smart and really help with progressing that learning mindset. Thank you for these videos
In CA, lane splitting or sharing is legal only between two lanes of traffic moving the same direction on a dotted yellow line. It is not legal to lane split between opposing lanes or on a shoulder.
Just found this channel I think this should be mandatory for anyone getting a motorcycle license. Great insights and lessons to be learned. This would of saved my bike similar traffic situation i wasnt paying attention to what the cars around me could do.This is saving lives. Great work brother. Keep it up.
Been riding for 50+ years, and one thing I never see said on these safe riding sites. When you have a vehicle perpendicular to you and they may enter your direction of travel, do all the things you regularly mention with the color zones of action but ALSO keep your eye on the vehicle's wheel. You will notice the slightest roll of the wheel before you will notice the movement of the vehicle in a more general view. This has saved my butt many times over the years. Love your site!
One thing with the helmets you were talking about that I don't think you mentioned is one big advantage for me with modular helmets is that you pull up the visor and face shield, it's easy to put on. It might seem like a small issue, and I guess it touches on the point about claustrophobia. But with a regular full helmet, squeezing my giant oddly shaped head in always feels wrong, I feel like bits of my facial hair and head hair are disturbed and I can't adjust them. But I don't have those problems with a modular helmet.
Learning a lot as a new rider by watching these videos. I haven’t got on my bike to start riding until I feel completely ready to get in the road. Knowledge is everything.
Then you're just impeding the flow of traffic and creating increased risk of being hit from behind. You should be doing the speed limit in those situations but be prepared to stop.
I was lane splitting once between a truck and a bus, when I was newer to riding. I tapped a truck bumper and my front tire flew in the air. My bike went to the right and I somehow stuck the landing and went upright. If I didn’t I definitely would have been ran over by the bus.
15:30 - fun fact - in Poland you might be rewarded with ticket for such behaviour, as drivers are using such form to warn other drivers of cops measuring speed. In order to prevent that, some patrols are overzealous to "reward" such behaviour.
This is no different than almost every other bike crash video I’ve seen. If the bikers (I’m one, by the way) would just slow down, maintain safe following distances, and stop being overly aggressive, nearly all of the accidents wouldn’t have happened.
@9:00 I rode past the aftermath of a similar incident yesterday. I was doing my first solo ride over a couple of really mountains that are really popular with motorcycle riders. Looked like he'd just come down the mountain headed east after a nice ride and about 5-10 mins headed back toward the city someone pulled out in front of him. Hope he's okay, that scene nearly convinced me to go home and save the ride for another day.
6:07 it's true about newbie cruiser riders often slam the rear brake - the bigger Harleys tend to have linked brakes and you can apply more force with the foot so the bike encourages you to use the rear as the main brake. BUT the system is reduced or disapplied at low speeds and riders can forget to use the front entirely.
I learned a valuable lesson on old back roads. The roads around me are 20 minutes outside of town and some of them literally break away from under your tire as you turn. You can stand on them and kick away material with your feet some are so bad. Watch out for old roads folks.
One thing I really despise is seeing riders do things that they wouldn’t do while driving; the guy at 7:08 actually sped up as he approached an intersection and tried to overtake on the right while his line of sight was blocked. Yeah the white car most likely turned illegally but it’s the rider’s responsibility to keep him self from idiots like that
Uh no that car was not making a correct turn, the driver enter the intersection after a red light, if he was already present during light change then other vehicles yield to the first occupying vehicle, but this white car ran a red light
@@2006Whippet the black car occupied the intersection at the light change that's why the pov driver is looking at it turning since they waited a little longer. The white car ran the red because they were far too far behind black leading car
I‘ll disagree. i dont think 34mph was too fast for the conditions and curve.Conditions couldve been better(like sunny day instead of overcast)But there was no Obvious road condition that wouldve made anyone think to slow it down. Couldve been gravel, sand, oil.. Wasnt leaning that far either.. But i mean, clearly was too fast, shouldve followed in your footsteps and slow down to a crawl so he doesnt have to lean at all :)
@soldat2501 i didnt catch that, but i still dont think 34mph was too fast. The advisory speed seems to me that its there more because of the possibility of roadside debris in your lane, rather than the radii of the curve. As you can also tell he was already Trough the corner when he lost traction. upon rewatching the section at .5 speed, theres a Bump which i believe made him lose traction. He wasnt at that aggressive of a lean.
@@imbored667 That is exactly what the advisory speed signs are for... The recommended speed you should be taking that curve. Where did you get them indicating roadside debris from?
@@TheAndymacm I personally think it can indicate The chances of roadside debris and surface hazards. Since we dont have those Advisory Speeds around where i live(outsude if the US), so i see them as a Suggestion, i look at that curve and dont see a reason for such a low Reccomended Speed aside from the bad state the side of the road. with all the Dust etc. Otherwise you could blast that with 50mph and be fine.
I don't have a motorcycle yet. I commute with a bicycle and these videos have helped me see hazard and stay safer on the road. And where I live there's no bike lanes so I have to cycle in the street and these videos help keep me safer.
My blood pressure will dip low on its own without a crash. makes me need to lay down. so I totally understand what you mean by your body makes you lay down. Good advice
Great, well-made video! I would hope most experienced riders already know most of these points, but it's really effective how you coach the important points in a way that will hopefully convince newer riders to pay attention and prioritize their life, personal safety, and just making it home to your loved ones who count on you, over pride. You mentioned one of my favorite mantras, the Law of Gross Tonnage; it's corollary is that we just cannot ride a motorcycle with the same attitude as driving a car. When a car driver screws up and puts you in danger as a motorcyclist; yes, you are likely in the right to be angry with them. But being right won't make any difference when you're a grease spot on the road. Nobody will know you were in the right, and your family and loved ones won't be able to argue for you. Back off, and let it go. Otherwise, you're just going to be angry all the time while riding, and that means the stoopid cagers have won. About modular/convertible helmets; you mentioned most of their good points, but I'd like to add they have an additional larger benefit to motorcyclists who wear glasses. For those who need eyeglasses to ride, it's impossible to don or doff a well fitting full-face helmet without also needing to remove your glasses. Even then; you have to wear thick-framed, unattractive glasses to keep your glasses from breaking when forcing them back on under a snug fitting full-face helmet. A modular helmet usually allows wearing glasses without having to constantly remove and refit your glasses at every stop. To me, seemingly; the largest drawback to modular helmets is that Snell is not currently willing to test or endorse ANY modular helmets. Like everything else in motorcycling, it's a risk/benefit judgement you have to make for yourself.
I appreciate you and the system you've put together and how you walk us through, repeating and drilling it into our brains. I sold all but one last bike and hardly ride anymore, but...my daughters will be starting to drive in a couple years and I'm going to start doing the same thing you do in videos, to them as we drive. Transitional areas, chevrons for corners, everything. You system is the absolute best for anyone who's on the road in or on anything. Than you so much for your hard work and intelligent system you've created. Cheers!
I'm 59 and I've signed up for the MSF course 4x in the past 2 years and something life changing either made me miss the course completely or on this last time I was able to complete the first day, but a death in the family caused me to miss the second day. Now if I can save up the money, this will make it my 5th time. I was told about Mandan and figured I'll check it out.
Riding motorcycles is my passion and staying alive even more so. I’ve found that when riding with friends who wear go pros act a lot different than when they don’t wear one. I use a go pro on my rides but it’s for insurance purposes in case of an accident so I’m never riding paying attention to my camera. When I used to record for posting on TH-cam I’d find a go pro to be a distraction looking to capture something “good” to upload. I think this is the case with most of these videos of bikers engaging in conflict with people in cars.
Very cool channel. Stumbled upon it today and sent it to my buddy who just got his first bike. Great lessons all around. Been riding for almost 34 years. Also, guys...stop talking shit to cagers when they fuck up. All they have to do is side swipe you and you're dead. Save it for when you get off the bike.
I have been slacking the last 2mo Dan, when I bought my 2nd Motorcycle 8mo ago I promised myself id watch a minimum of one of your videos every two weeks. Well my bike is covered for the winter, currently have 8in of sitting snow, but I'm back to the precautionary grind to recognize dangerous patterns and situations to prepare for next seaon. I missed two dangerous instances this video just being mentally rusty, and two more I may have still wrecked in but I knew there was a potential road hazard(i just couldnt see what exactly it was in the video) Ill get better, ill keep learning, and ill stay safe, because you help give me the resources to hone my mind to the hazards of riding and plan action when im relaxed so the movements in reality can be more fluid.
First crashes are always a bit of a reality check. 20+ years riding and I laid my bike down for the first time just before Thanksgiving. Previously, I'd only ever dropped bikes while parking. I was lucky - I was going too fast for a corner, realized, and was able to straighten and shed enough speed to only hit the deck at 10mph. Bike fine, and I rode home. I was ATGATT at the time. But I still damaged the Meniscus on my left knee, and I'm now realizing, at 44, that I'm probably gonna limp every day it gets cold or I step down on something badly.
It's worth also mentioning motorcoss/enduro/ski googles. They're closer to your eyes which means if they get dirty (or even just wet) you can see better, since the dirt is *way* out of focus. Only drawback really is they're a bit less comfortable. A lot of modular helmets are designed to work with goggles when you take the visor off. I like to wear them on long rides, but don't use them commuting. Also in hot weather at low speeds they're cooler - since they're almost always in the shade under your visor.
my friend put me on to your videos few days ago and the amount of stuff ive learnt is amazing and ive also been able to put into practice and have those techniques put into practice be successfull and clearly understood etc as i do/use them. your tips and advice is worth its weight in gold . i ride in new zealand ill try make some videos of my rides to send you for critique
As Dan said, there are some situations even if you are the best rider that can’t be controlled. For example someone turning in front of you or someone running a red light. That is very scary. However life is risky, in fact none of us are going to get out of it alive.
10:56 im not sure about the US but key rule in Europe is always that you always need to be able to come to a full stop in half the viewing distance. If he would kept his speed at that so he could stop in half his viewing distance. Do this and be safe of impacts like the above.
Had a ride with my friend on a cardo pack. Being able to make callouts like. bumpy. pothole on L/R, slowing, going right. going left. etc. is SOOOOO nice.
I have a class a cdl and a bunch of it reverse translates of directly translates in an emergency like a jackknife you utilize the gas to pull the trailer back translates directly to loosing your rear end or tapping rears in a wobble first slows you down but also pulls your front inline with your rear
@3:02 Here in Minnesota, its very common for people to 'not' use turn signals when switching lanes. Best way to deal with it is defensive driving/riding.
7:06 There absolutely was something the rider could've been done, and it was not setting themselves up for blocked visibility in the upcoming intersection (while passing on the right - yikes!). Danger signs were everywhere, and were not given heed.
After watching your videos I've become way better at seeing hazards. I don't ride yet but I practice the things you talk about on my bicycle and also when I play GTAO and ride my motorcycle in the game and it has helped a lot and when I finally can get a motorcycle in like a year I will hopefully be a safe driver
7:55 Why would you _demand_ that I look that up?! Sweet Roller that's gnarly! Also, the reaction at 4:50 was amazing: Harley - crashes and ends up under a semi. Dan - RUN AWAY!
The 20yrs crash: Isn't there a driveway shortly to be seen on his right hand side? Could be that they brought extra gravel or sand onto this spot. Since the road is dusted in sand it is hard to see what the surface is really like.
Dan, I have to say I respectfully disagree with your assessment of 7:10 with han solo. Traveling faster than surrounding cars through the intersection is a big no. But the biggest one is riding in a manner that uses the position of the other vehicles around you as cover for you in the intersection. I also think it's reasonable to back off a bit to get better visibility in scenarios where you know traffic may cross. You should never let your expectation of other's be your plan for safety.
great channel good break down of the accidents, I'm 57, riding since 16, road raced in my youth, Raced Enduros and a little MX. I've had three major on road accidents, all not my fault, not sure avoidable either. First attacked by two large dogs at about 35 MPH, hit the biggest one square on, over the bars with broken wrist and elbow. Second Coca-Cola truck turn left into me hit the rear swingarm and I high sided--sorta, broke same elbow again. Last and worst four years ago, Cell phone user changed lanes into me while traffic was stopping hard on the highway tried to go left around him (I was in the left lane) on the shoulder almost made it, hit the front right fork leg on his bumper. Could have been worse, what saved me on all, other than full gear, was years riding dirt that taught me quick reaction time and always checking the terrain ahead. On ALL of these my head hit the ground and face shield ground off. With out a full face helmet I would have no face left....period. I always buy the best gear you can get, don't scrimp, its your life we are talking about. Nice video.
The car didn't check to see if it was clear, but does that really matter? I lane split on occasion, but ONLY when traffic is going 25 or slower. I'm not in any hurry; I'm retired. And that dummy who was trying to pass the pickup on the ONE-LANE ROAD was dead wrong. Even in California, passing on the shoulder is always illegal and always dangerous.
I'm sure get negative comments for this, but I believe that if you choose to Lane split, whatever happens to you is on you... Here in North Carolina it's not legal, and I don't think it ought to be legal in any state.. that's just me. I rode for many years, but I almost got killed by a guy, and I haven't ridden since. Safety on a motorcycle is a state of mind, and you're only as safe as you decide to make yourself.
The only state where it is *not* illegal is here in CA, and of course the risk is yours. Did it for years in L.A. Most commonly when traffic is stopped, but never more than 10 MPH faster than surrounding traffic, and when it hits 35 MPH, you merge back in to a lane and that is how you don't be a SQUID. Really, the #1 reason for it is to get to the front of the line at a red light. It's actually safer to be between cars/lanes when stopped so you can't get rear-ended. Except by another motorcycle... :D
@11:13 if you need to be told by somebody in front to slow down because there's a junction, you are simply going too fast. A fundamental principle of driving or riding is that you should always be able to stop within the space that you can see to be clear, and if there is a blind crest of a hill, then if you hammer over it just assuming there is no hazard, then sooner or later you are going to have an accident, and potentially a major one. Also, even in this case, there was plenty of space to slow down for that junction even if travelling fast. The guy who crashed was probably simply not paying attention to the road as he arrived at the junction going at some considerable speed.
I've been riding now for 51 years and the only thing that's kept me alive (so far) is to treat everyone on the roads as if they were a paid assassin...
My thought is ride like I'm invisible. Just assume no one sees me and be prepared for that.
@@Malcivious My jacket is yellow/black and I'm usually carrying a bright orange disc golf backpack. They still don't see me.
@@ronjones-6977 I don't doubt it. The problem with the hi-vis stuff is it can give riders a false sense of security. An idea that, surely they see me now. It's not a good mindset.
I haven't been driving for that long, but I swear that I must live in a bubble, because here people are the worst drivers I have ever encounter in my life, but I have never had any problem related with me being in a motorcycle.
I guess that when you drive normal instead of squiding around, these events tend to be way less common.
Most of these videos can be summarized as "I was going 20 mph above the speed limit doing something reckless like lane splitting, and a car did a very normal manouver, which made me mad for some reason. I am entitled to be a squid".
@@JackDespero I think you're getting hooligan mixed up with Squid. Squid's are the no/inadequate gear types. You know, cause road rash makes you look squid like (red skin). And yeah, we've all likely know of a least a few incidents where someone was riding like a hooligan and got mad because someone pulled out in front of them. I'm guilty of being a hooligan, and a squid... haha... it is unfair to get mad at someone though, because you were part of the problem. Especially taken to the extremes you see in some of these videos.
My Grandpa imparted this to me when I was you (which got reenforced by my dad also) "It doesn't matter how fast you're going, if you don't get there." This lived with me and has kept me in the mind-set of "I want to get there" rather than "I want to go faster"
can,t win the race if you don,t cross the finish line!!!!
Damn. I like this. I’m passing it on.
funny my dad told me something similar before when he drives the limit and doesnt care what others are trying to bully him out of the way. "doesn't matter if you are going 20mph more you'll still get there a few minutes early". even doing 100Mph it barely makes a difference esp if there's red lights and traffic.
@@dictionplacement5467 but on the back roads, get the fuck outa my way!
@@evanhandelong7685You can't safely get above 60 on most backroads anyway
Why are people so angry? Just relax. Don’t let a stranger on the road, whether they’re on a bike or in a car, ruin your day. It’s not that serious.
I’m going to try and recite this to myself before driving/riding…..
I say the samething. Ride your own ride, and who cares what anybody else thinks
It is that serious, but ultimately almost everything is preventable/predictable. If you predict that every single idiot will merge in front of you, you’re ready for it and you don’t get mad.
Because whilst you're seeing one instance of idiocy or unjustified actions, the person involved might have seen several even in that one day. Everyone has their limits.
@@loganbus yup, you're either proven right or pleasantly surprised. Win win
I will forever and always attribute my success in safe riding to Dan. I started watching his videos before I got a motorcycle. And the lessons taught have prepared me for safe riding. 8 years going on 9 riding and no accidents. Slow speed riding is extremely important when taking road trips.
Preach! I am in the same boat!
hey dan!
To dr.6642 You're a very wise motorcyclist by watching Dan before you bought your first bike. Really smart move... What's so good about that before you develop any bad habits. Dan gives you a chance to learn what not to do also! I've been riding since I was 9 or 10 years old starting with mini bikes and then motocross. Then I went through over 25 bikes from 50cc's-to 1200+ and never had a wreck. That was my fault. Although my last wreck I was hit almost head on and thrown 156 ft going over 70 mph and the truck with the drunk driver in it. I don't know how fast he was going. Took me about 6 months to get back to walking again, I quit riding for 10 years. Thought about all the people with cell phones which is bad as drunk drivers. But living alone and getting older I was really bored and I missed motorcycles. So I ended up buying a brand new Honda Grom which is lightweight. Super easy to handle even being physically messed up a little and a super lot of fun! For I made my choice. I watched a lot of cycling related stuff on TH-cam and that's where I ran into Dan and it kind of blew me away with how many people that ride with cameras recording their trips and that also shows how many bad drivers are out on the road not only in cages but motorcycles too.😮 Everyone should watch a lot of Dan's episodes. There's a lot to learn because just when you think you know it all, you'll find out you don't. Have fun and most of all ride safe out there!
Some good stuff on You Tube
If you’re lane splitting (filtering) at a speed differential above 20mph you need a sanity check before someone needs to check your pulse.
Even in a car you shouldn't have a speed differential over 20mph. Because someone in that stopped lane is looking to jump in your lane.
Not sanity, stupidity. That's called natural selection, survival of the fittest (smartest)
I think lane splitting is SO stupid. You can't expect people in vehicles to anticipate it.
@alexneville8168 exactly...lane splitting is never a good idea
@@alexneville8168 IMO lane splitting is fine, but people split too fast fast for people to anticipate and see. Splitting can definitely save riders from rear ends
Started watching these again because Ive been feeling complacent with my riding ability on the road, and that concerns me. Thanks for your analysis
It’s why I watch one of dans videos before riding, just to keep me in check
hell yea, great attitude man stay safe on the roads!
I got a speeding ticket. Thats gonna keep me in check for a while 😅
@@temperspaceThat would do it!
I didn't have a bike for about 10 years and I felt like a rookie for quite a while...again. You KNOW what to do, but you're just not used to it being second nature. As soon as you have a close call, ALL those memories of every single close call come flooding back. I don't wanna die doing what ai love. I wanna die AFTER I'm done doing what I love.
@15:40 *crashes the bike*
The horse: let me take thee on an epic journey my sire hop on my back and I'll take thee wherever you want
Dude that horse was freakin majestic!
The horse was totally checking on the dude to see that he was OK
That T-bone collision was brutal. I sure hope that rider is recovering. Look forward to seeing what kind of program you come out with for riders to learn everything in a weekend. I watched your videos for over a year before I switched to street. I learned a ton.
A reminder of how fast your life can change on a motorcycle. Stay safe brothers and sisters
and that MOFO wasnt even looking as the turn was happening
There is an intersection where I live that has the yellow arrow for the left turn and people will slowly force their way out as they block right a away traffic just to turn. If you are in that right lane and the left lane is lit up like a drag strip tree, you know something is up and sure enough as you approach, there is someone creeping out in front causing a jam and turning into your lane. 5pm traffic, every day, same scenario as the guy who t boned.
@@johnwirk Dang. I'm lucky to live in an area that doesn't have gridlock like that, but I know this kind of thing is quite common in areas like I used to live (Seattle). Maybe us riders need to put pressure on our local transportation departments to fix issues like this so we can avoid these types of situations.
That happened to me in May 2023. Lady on her phone did this exact thing, about 30 ft in front of me. I was doing 35 in a 40 because it had been misting off and on earlier. Open book pelvic fracture, messed up knee, and broken right arm. Just now getting through all the insurance bullshit and finally getting another bike at the end of this month January 2024.
I've been riding for 40 years, I always assume no else knows how to drive.
@thegunsngloryshowi tried riding with stock lights on my brand new 2023 bike. Couldn’t see a thing being blinded by everyone with illegal hid lights. Every time i got home after a night ride i felt blind and still could see blue light on my eyes. Now i got a killer LED extra bright projector head light conversion kit. Now i can stand my ground. On low beams i blind everyone back, if they have high beams i throw my high beams and they cant see squatt. It might be placebo but i feel less blind since i can stand my ground. Even if it is, at the least i can see better since my light lights up more so even when blinded by oncoming cars i can atleast see a lil better thanks to my brighter light, that and the fact now them douche bags can feel the pain and sting i feel from their illegal lights🤌 give em a taste if their own medicine.
No need to assume, people are morons on the road especially with phones in their hands.
@thegunsngloryshow bro your name checks out😭. Idk where you stay but here in Los Angeles its pretty much lawless country. Not enough cops, every one gets away with breaking the law, you are on your own here. And yes i carry pew too but try your best not to escalate to that point, they have high beams, i throw high beams in retaliation, we both hold it until light turns green and be on our way, you should refrain from using the roof bar unless unusual circumstance. Get a stronger headlight led low beam and hi beam bulb. Pews should be respected and only last resort. Of course if some one is coming to attack you just for matching them (hi beam vs hi beam) and you genuinely fear for your life, i am gonna use it. But if i have an opening im driving away. Remember you can lose your privilege to own one. Then when you really need it you wont have it. God bless brother🤝
Are you sure about that, I mean....."no one else", that is kind of extreme, and absolute. I would suggest that you assess the situations, and after a brief look you can more or less make a decision that this person is in control, and you can pass safely etc....What do you mean by "knows how to drive", what makes you so special. Many people "know how to drive", to assume that "everybody" can't drive, doesn't help in my view. You can assume, that many people "can drive" and some simply know how to drive, but have just dropped their hot coffee on their lap, or what ever....Your comment is old fashioned, not very well thought out, kind of pointless, and overly simplistic. Driving, is a social activity yes, but you have to be pretentious about it, and suggest that "nobody" can drive, as an approach to staying safe is absurd. If that is what you "actually " think, you would be wise to not leave your home...But obviously, you would believe that at least most people know how to drive, allowing you to enter the arena with a reasonable calculation of risk...etc.....Its not that simple dude.. I can presume you are man...
My words verbatim with the adding I'm invisible
Something that is inherently learned from rally racing is that while you are scanning the environment (as you should always do on your bike) you can notice things ahead of you over a crest to judge an approaching curve. As he is climbing the crest I see a treeline, indicating its not straight ahead. Also it almost appears perpendicular, meaning it might be a sharp turn. Then the powerlines which cross over abruptly ahead, meaning also a tighter curve or intersection. There also had to be a yellow intersection sign back there, but maybe not.
8:41 dan there is one thing could be done. Dont accelerate fast through intersections, i do this even on my car/truck. I only speed up when safe on straight aways / middle of the block, never through an intersection(where most accidents happen) so i carry those same habits with me when riding my bike. Slow down in intersections people, always assume they dont see you, always assume everyone is a bad driver.
Not completely disagreeing but sometimes that makes it worse. I’ve done that before and noticed that the cars waiting to turn start to second guess whether they can make it or not and makes the situation worse.
@@nathanielreeves_dev dont slow completely down, there is a sweet spot where 90% of the drivers still think u are coming too fast and wont go, slow down just enough to stop if have to, but fast enough to make them not wanna go, its an art. If you dnt know what im talking about u shuldny be driving a motorcycle, accident waiting to happen.
Ducati low side was actually a near high side first. Torque increased, rear started sliding, hooks up again where you see the rider perspective shift further over onto the left. Once he caught the high side, he didn’t get out of the throttle fast enough and was adding lean and torque at the same time which the destabilised front tyre said nope to.
Surface looks dusty. Rider is familiar with the set of turns (or is completely insane) but takes a bad line due to failing to really turn the previous corner, leading him to demand right to left flip from the centre line. So high side had gyro component.
This is a good place to learn 21:14 to just cool your jets and enjoy it all around you, give space in front of you... you're simply there and do not be frustrated that you're not another mile ahead already, yet !
So glad to have you back doing your thing and keeping us safe out there. Hope your respite was relaxing and therapeutic. All the best for 2024!
I only watch this because it's Dan. I hate seeing people get messed up. Heal up riders.
People not using their turn signals is like my number one riding/driving pet peeve. It doesn't matter if I'm riding my bike or driving my car, I will never understand why people don't use their signal, then act like you should have just known what they were going to do.
21:00 "But you're ruining my twisties!!!"
When the "time to make a move" came up on the screen I was like: "what move? grind yourself in to the mountainside trying to pass?"
I think its because if you signal sometimes, a as hole will hole shot you...
My gripe is failure to use turn signals, but also, at least here in Michigan, people turn their turn signals on so late that it's useless. They've scrubbed most of their speed and are nearly at a stop in the road before they put their turn signal on, or in some cases they flip their signal on after they've already started the turn. I don't think they get that the turn signal is to give others info so that they can move or change their speed to help them navigate. I've nearly eaten pavement before because someone comes nearly to a stop in the road, I go to pass them THEN they put the left turn signal on (maybe) and turns right into my path. If they had the left turn signal on to start with, I'd have just slowed down and waited.
go to drive Thailand, horriple traffic, all not use turn signal, and change line when want, or crossroad come bike or car and not looking any have other cars or bike.
The movie shoot em up has a great scene about people not using their blinkers/turn signals.
Honestly bro, i came on here late on Fri thinking i was bout to troll and giggle myself. End up sober with glasses on taking notes like you're my sensei 😂
Getting introduced to the track by a friend was the best thing to happen to me. I’ve only been riding for 2 years, but I was reckless by hanging out with the wrong crowd. I can’t fully blame them, as I’m responsible for how I ride.
I miss street riding sometimes, but I’m completely fine with doing track days instead and having more fun there while also learning more, all while being in a safer environment.
Stay safe out there, everyone. 🙏🏾
this is why idc what color light is, im always letting off, tapping brake/ headlights, making sure before i go
Love your message, i wish more people would take it to heart. No need to argue with someone on the road. Save it for court if needed
Glad to see you posting on this channel Dan, you’ve taut a lot of people how to ride safer 🍻
Thanks Dan ... 55 years of riding and I learn stuff from you.
thanks for making me a better and safer rider. when i started riding in like may last year i kept remembering the things you go over in your videos. you've helped me keep myself and my grom safe. thank you dan.
I don't even ride a motorcycle but your explanations and presentation combined with your knowledge are truly remarkable. Keep going!
being an emt and a rider makes a hell of a combo to make me drive like a grandma
TYFYS.
Dan just discovered your channel and I am "hooked" !! Back on two wheels after several years w/o a bike. Just completed the MSF class here in Texas and your video explanations are a wonderful follow-up!! I have been riding for over 55 years and still am amazed how much there is to learn !! Thanks !!
Best motorcycle content on TH-cam right now, thank you for boosting my confidence Dan. -Andre
@@musctevpeople have lost what TH-cam was, now it’s all about the money. And they still have the nerve to ask for donations.
22:45 This is one my instructor talked about. He talked about "Controlling the encounter" (which Dan's teaching only improved for me). Note "control", not "force". In this scenario, we can see this car is going to come into our lane basically on top of us. We bikers are more aware of our surroundings (We have to, that's how we stay safe) so we can proactively respond. All this rider has to do is move over or slow down and the situation is mitigated. And my instructor even turned into an ego boost for us, because what has happened is the car has done what we want; ie the rider has moved over and then told the car to merge onto the road away from us. And if other road users are always doing what you want them to do, because you control encounters, then they almost never catch you by surprise. If you try and force the encounter, as the rider seems to, the car merges in front of us and we are forced into a reaction, ie you're no longer in control.
Being in control means never forcing other road users or the situation, because as Dan says, law of gross tonnage always wins. Being in control also means not losing your cool.
If this rider stayed in control and made sure the car did what he wanted, ie merge in the first lane away from him, he doesn't need to yell at the car.
Dan's customary "non-issue" makes it even easier to be in control.
Riding is much calmer, less stressful and less risky if you keep control of encounters.
90% of the situations shown in this channel wouldn't happen if the rider didn't have an ego. Getting angry and/or doing stupid things is the cause of most of these outcomes.
Im about 8/9 months into having my full licence. No previous history riding. Ive been riding all through the winter, and clocked in about 9000 miles of riding so far. Reason i say this, is because ive riden more and been in some riding scenarios and weather that others wont ever ride in, giving me quite an aray of experience. One of the best things ive done since getting my licence is watching your videos! So informative, knowledgable, smart and really help with progressing that learning mindset. Thank you for these videos
In CA, lane splitting or sharing is legal only between two lanes of traffic moving the same direction on a dotted yellow line. It is not legal to lane split between opposing lanes or on a shoulder.
Yep! Passing on a one-lane road is NEVER a good idea.
Just found this channel I think this should be mandatory for anyone getting a motorcycle license. Great insights and lessons to be learned. This would of saved my bike similar traffic situation i wasnt paying attention to what the cars around me could do.This is saving lives. Great work brother. Keep it up.
Never assume that because you have a green light at an intersection, that the path is clear.
Been riding for 50+ years, and one thing I never see said on these safe riding sites. When you have a vehicle perpendicular to you and they may enter your direction of travel, do all the things you regularly mention with the color zones of action but ALSO keep your eye on the vehicle's wheel. You will notice the slightest roll of the wheel before you will notice the movement of the vehicle in a more general view. This has saved my butt many times over the years. Love your site!
One thing with the helmets you were talking about that I don't think you mentioned is one big advantage for me with modular helmets is that you pull up the visor and face shield, it's easy to put on. It might seem like a small issue, and I guess it touches on the point about claustrophobia. But with a regular full helmet, squeezing my giant oddly shaped head in always feels wrong, I feel like bits of my facial hair and head hair are disturbed and I can't adjust them. But I don't have those problems with a modular helmet.
Learning a lot as a new rider by watching these videos. I haven’t got on my bike to start riding until I feel completely ready to get in the road. Knowledge is everything.
I’m thinking you don’t want to go through an intersection faster than 25-30mph, ever.
I agree but you wouldn’t expect some idiot to do something THAT stupid
Then you're just impeding the flow of traffic and creating increased risk of being hit from behind. You should be doing the speed limit in those situations but be prepared to stop.
found the guy who thinks pulling your throttle past 1/4 turn is dangerous
I’m a new rider, I really like your videos man. Appreciate them very much. Even down to the helmets themselves. Thank you very much.
😂😂😂
Dan: “Don’t google open book fracture “
Me: googles open book fracture
I got as far as "open bo..." and it popped. lol Guess nobody listened to him. OUCH!
i was NOT prepared to see a guys stomach cavity organs falling out through his balls
@@ProjectDragonflyOfficial ~ right?!
Dude...THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm learning SO MUCH on the experience of actual crashes! 😉👊🏿
A lot of these guys really are their own worst enemy, and should not be riding.
Dan has a huge heart. He has been saving lives throughout many years.
I was lane splitting once between a truck and a bus, when I was newer to riding. I tapped a truck bumper and my front tire flew in the air. My bike went to the right and I somehow stuck the landing and went upright. If I didn’t I definitely would have been ran over by the bus.
15:30 - fun fact - in Poland you might be rewarded with ticket for such behaviour, as drivers are using such form to warn other drivers of cops measuring speed. In order to prevent that, some patrols are overzealous to "reward" such behaviour.
The horse at the 16 minute mark aprox was just asking the biker if he needed a new ride 😂😂👍
Thanks for these videos Dan. All my kids ride and I make them watch these, we've learned so much from these videos. Thank you.
This is no different than almost every other bike crash video I’ve seen. If the bikers (I’m one, by the way) would just slow down, maintain safe following distances, and stop being overly aggressive, nearly all of the accidents wouldn’t have happened.
@9:00 I rode past the aftermath of a similar incident yesterday. I was doing my first solo ride over a couple of really mountains that are really popular with motorcycle riders. Looked like he'd just come down the mountain headed east after a nice ride and about 5-10 mins headed back toward the city someone pulled out in front of him. Hope he's okay, that scene nearly convinced me to go home and save the ride for another day.
6:07 it's true about newbie cruiser riders often slam the rear brake - the bigger Harleys tend to have linked brakes and you can apply more force with the foot so the bike encourages you to use the rear as the main brake. BUT the system is reduced or disapplied at low speeds and riders can forget to use the front entirely.
Stripes on the road are slick wet or dry .No traction situation.
I learned a valuable lesson on old back roads. The roads around me are 20 minutes outside of town and some of them literally break away from under your tire as you turn. You can stand on them and kick away material with your feet some are so bad. Watch out for old roads folks.
One thing I really despise is seeing riders do things that they wouldn’t do while driving; the guy at 7:08 actually sped up as he approached an intersection and tried to overtake on the right while his line of sight was blocked. Yeah the white car most likely turned illegally but it’s the rider’s responsibility to keep him self from idiots like that
Uh no that car was not making a correct turn, the driver enter the intersection after a red light, if he was already present during light change then other vehicles yield to the first occupying vehicle, but this white car ran a red light
@nativeoutdoors1780 The white car probably didn't run a red. That doesn't change the fact that they should not have tried to make that turn.
@@2006Whippet the black car occupied the intersection at the light change that's why the pov driver is looking at it turning since they waited a little longer.
The white car ran the red because they were far too far behind black leading car
Just the fact that you're based in my hometown, Tucson, that's a major plus in my book! Your videos and tips are the best! Thank you!
The cyclist yells at the SUV driver for failing to use Turn Signals. 😂😂😂
Good point using the GPS so you can see what turns and intersections are approaching . I never use mine but now I will be.
The Ducati crash was too fast for the conditions. 20 year rider should have known that and taken it to a track.
I‘ll disagree. i dont think 34mph was too fast for the conditions and curve.Conditions couldve been better(like sunny day instead of overcast)But there was no Obvious road condition that wouldve made anyone think to slow it down. Couldve been gravel, sand, oil..
Wasnt leaning that far either..
But i mean, clearly was too fast, shouldve followed in your footsteps and slow down to a crawl so he doesnt have to lean at all :)
@@imbored6671:46 shows 10mph for that curve. Still think 34 mph is not too fast?
@soldat2501 i didnt catch that, but i still dont think 34mph was too fast.
The advisory speed seems to me that its there more because of the possibility of roadside debris in your lane, rather than the radii of the curve.
As you can also tell he was already Trough the corner when he lost traction.
upon rewatching the section at .5 speed, theres a Bump which i believe made him lose traction. He wasnt at that aggressive of a lean.
@@imbored667 That is exactly what the advisory speed signs are for... The recommended speed you should be taking that curve. Where did you get them indicating roadside debris from?
@@TheAndymacm I personally think it can indicate The chances of roadside debris and surface hazards.
Since we dont have those Advisory Speeds around where i live(outsude if the US), so i see them as a Suggestion, i look at that curve and dont see a reason for such a low Reccomended Speed aside from the bad state the side of the road. with all the Dust etc. Otherwise you could blast that with 50mph and be fine.
I don't have a motorcycle yet. I commute with a bicycle and these videos have helped me see hazard and stay safer on the road. And where I live there's no bike lanes so I have to cycle in the street and these videos help keep me safer.
My blood pressure will dip low on its own without a crash. makes me need to lay down. so I totally understand what you mean by your body makes you lay down. Good advice
Finally. unbiased, respectable content.
Great, well-made video!
I would hope most experienced riders already know most of these points, but it's really effective how you coach the important points in a way that will hopefully convince newer riders to pay attention and prioritize their life, personal safety, and just making it home to your loved ones who count on you, over pride.
You mentioned one of my favorite mantras, the Law of Gross Tonnage; it's corollary is that we just cannot ride a motorcycle with the same attitude as driving a car.
When a car driver screws up and puts you in danger as a motorcyclist; yes, you are likely in the right to be angry with them. But being right won't make any difference when you're a grease spot on the road. Nobody will know you were in the right, and your family and loved ones won't be able to argue for you.
Back off, and let it go. Otherwise, you're just going to be angry all the time while riding, and that means the stoopid cagers have won.
About modular/convertible helmets; you mentioned most of their good points, but I'd like to add they have an additional larger benefit to motorcyclists who wear glasses.
For those who need eyeglasses to ride, it's impossible to don or doff a well fitting full-face helmet without also needing to remove your glasses. Even then; you have to wear thick-framed, unattractive glasses to keep your glasses from breaking when forcing them back on under a snug fitting full-face helmet.
A modular helmet usually allows wearing glasses without having to constantly remove and refit your glasses at every stop.
To me, seemingly; the largest drawback to modular helmets is that Snell is not currently willing to test or endorse ANY modular helmets. Like everything else in motorcycling, it's a risk/benefit judgement you have to make for yourself.
I appreciate you and the system you've put together and how you walk us through, repeating and drilling it into our brains. I sold all but one last bike and hardly ride anymore, but...my daughters will be starting to drive in a couple years and I'm going to start doing the same thing you do in videos, to them as we drive. Transitional areas, chevrons for corners, everything. You system is the absolute best for anyone who's on the road in or on anything. Than you so much for your hard work and intelligent system you've created. Cheers!
I always watch this channel before the riding season, thank you for the amazing content---saving lives for sure.
I'm amazed what a mentality he has. Real impressive.
I'm 59 and I've signed up for the MSF course 4x in the past 2 years and something life changing either made me miss the course completely or on this last time I was able to complete the first day, but a death in the family caused me to miss the second day. Now if I can save up the money, this will make it my 5th time. I was told about Mandan and figured I'll check it out.
Riding motorcycles is my passion and staying alive even more so. I’ve found that when riding with friends who wear go pros act a lot different than when they don’t wear one. I use a go pro on my rides but it’s for insurance purposes in case of an accident so I’m never riding paying attention to my camera. When I used to record for posting on TH-cam I’d find a go pro to be a distraction looking to capture something “good” to upload. I think this is the case with most of these videos of bikers engaging in conflict with people in cars.
40+ years of riding, racing, and messenger work, here. This man is serving up GOLD.
Very cool channel. Stumbled upon it today and sent it to my buddy who just got his first bike. Great lessons all around. Been riding for almost 34 years.
Also, guys...stop talking shit to cagers when they fuck up. All they have to do is side swipe you and you're dead. Save it for when you get off the bike.
Thanks for everything Dan.
I have been slacking the last 2mo Dan, when I bought my 2nd Motorcycle 8mo ago I promised myself id watch a minimum of one of your videos every two weeks. Well my bike is covered for the winter, currently have 8in of sitting snow, but I'm back to the precautionary grind to recognize dangerous patterns and situations to prepare for next seaon. I missed two dangerous instances this video just being mentally rusty, and two more I may have still wrecked in but I knew there was a potential road hazard(i just couldnt see what exactly it was in the video)
Ill get better, ill keep learning, and ill stay safe, because you help give me the resources to hone my mind to the hazards of riding and plan action when im relaxed so the movements in reality can be more fluid.
First crashes are always a bit of a reality check. 20+ years riding and I laid my bike down for the first time just before Thanksgiving. Previously, I'd only ever dropped bikes while parking. I was lucky - I was going too fast for a corner, realized, and was able to straighten and shed enough speed to only hit the deck at 10mph. Bike fine, and I rode home. I was ATGATT at the time.
But I still damaged the Meniscus on my left knee, and I'm now realizing, at 44, that I'm probably gonna limp every day it gets cold or I step down on something badly.
That open book fracture request made my pelvis start aching. Thanks for that.
It's worth also mentioning motorcoss/enduro/ski googles. They're closer to your eyes which means if they get dirty (or even just wet) you can see better, since the dirt is *way* out of focus. Only drawback really is they're a bit less comfortable. A lot of modular helmets are designed to work with goggles when you take the visor off. I like to wear them on long rides, but don't use them commuting. Also in hot weather at low speeds they're cooler - since they're almost always in the shade under your visor.
my friend put me on to your videos few days ago and the amount of stuff ive learnt is amazing and ive also been able to put into practice and have those techniques put into practice be successfull and clearly understood etc as i do/use them. your tips and advice is worth its weight in gold . i ride in new zealand ill try make some videos of my rides to send you for critique
Cardo Packtalk is the best man! Love communicating with my Dad on rides and listening to music.
The white car turning left is how my accident happened, I got lucky and only compound fractured my femor
As Dan said, there are some situations even if you are the best rider that can’t be controlled. For example someone turning in front of you or someone running a red light.
That is very scary. However life is risky, in fact none of us are going to get out of it alive.
This video is a real public service as it promotes safe practice and attitude.
10:56 im not sure about the US but key rule in Europe is always that you always need to be able to come to a full stop in half the viewing distance. If he would kept his speed at that so he could stop in half his viewing distance. Do this and be safe of impacts like the above.
Had a ride with my friend on a cardo pack. Being able to make callouts like. bumpy. pothole on L/R, slowing, going right. going left. etc. is SOOOOO nice.
I have a class a cdl and a bunch of it reverse translates of directly translates in an emergency like a jackknife you utilize the gas to pull the trailer back translates directly to loosing your rear end or tapping rears in a wobble first slows you down but also pulls your front inline with your rear
@3:02 Here in Minnesota, its very common for people to 'not' use turn signals when switching lanes. Best way to deal with it is defensive driving/riding.
7:06 There absolutely was something the rider could've been done, and it was not setting themselves up for blocked visibility in the upcoming intersection (while passing on the right - yikes!). Danger signs were everywhere, and were not given heed.
Thank you for these videos. It reminds me why I stopped riding years ago.
I really appreciate all of Dan's videos!
That wasn't a RESCUE moment. That was almost a "soak up the goo moment"!
After watching your videos I've become way better at seeing hazards. I don't ride yet but I practice the things you talk about on my bicycle and also when I play GTAO and ride my motorcycle in the game and it has helped a lot and when I finally can get a motorcycle in like a year I will hopefully be a safe driver
7:55 Why would you _demand_ that I look that up?! Sweet Roller that's gnarly!
Also, the reaction at 4:50 was amazing:
Harley - crashes and ends up under a semi.
Dan - RUN AWAY!
“Sometimes stuff just happens” words to live by.
No 💩
TY for all your advice. Every time I ride I recall your vids... Thanx Brother
The 20yrs crash: Isn't there a driveway shortly to be seen on his right hand side? Could be that they brought extra gravel or sand onto this spot. Since the road is dusted in sand it is hard to see what the surface is really like.
Dan, I have to say I respectfully disagree with your assessment of 7:10 with han solo. Traveling faster than surrounding cars through the intersection is a big no. But the biggest one is riding in a manner that uses the position of the other vehicles around you as cover for you in the intersection. I also think it's reasonable to back off a bit to get better visibility in scenarios where you know traffic may cross. You should never let your expectation of other's be your plan for safety.
I consider myself invisible while navigating through busy traffic; that's the mindset I adopt.
The Horse said, do you want to race me 🐎🐴😂😂
RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE
yes sir
great channel good break down of the accidents, I'm 57, riding since 16, road raced in my youth, Raced Enduros and a little MX. I've had three major on road accidents, all not my fault, not sure avoidable either. First attacked by two large dogs at about 35 MPH, hit the biggest one square on, over the bars with broken wrist and elbow. Second Coca-Cola truck turn left into me hit the rear swingarm and I high sided--sorta, broke same elbow again. Last and worst four years ago, Cell phone user changed lanes into me while traffic was stopping hard on the highway tried to go left around him (I was in the left lane) on the shoulder almost made it, hit the front right fork leg on his bumper. Could have been worse, what saved me on all, other than full gear, was years riding dirt that taught me quick reaction time and always checking the terrain ahead. On ALL of these my head hit the ground and face shield ground off. With out a full face helmet I would have no face left....period. I always buy the best gear you can get, don't scrimp, its your life we are talking about. Nice video.
2:45 - who has the right of way? The blue car or the SUV or the bike lane splitting?
The car didn't check to see if it was clear, but does that really matter? I lane split on occasion, but ONLY when traffic is going 25 or slower. I'm not in any hurry; I'm retired. And that dummy who was trying to pass the pickup on the ONE-LANE ROAD was dead wrong. Even in California, passing on the shoulder is always illegal and always dangerous.
The horse was coming over to see if you were okay. Smarter than a lot of people I know.
I'm sure get negative comments for this, but I believe that if you choose to Lane split, whatever happens to you is on you... Here in North Carolina it's not legal, and I don't think it ought to be legal in any state.. that's just me. I rode for many years, but I almost got killed by a guy, and I haven't ridden since. Safety on a motorcycle is a state of mind, and you're only as safe as you decide to make yourself.
The only state where it is *not* illegal is here in CA, and of course the risk is yours. Did it for years in L.A. Most commonly when traffic is stopped, but never more than 10 MPH faster than surrounding traffic, and when it hits 35 MPH, you merge back in to a lane and that is how you don't be a SQUID. Really, the #1 reason for it is to get to the front of the line at a red light. It's actually safer to be between cars/lanes when stopped so you can't get rear-ended. Except by another motorcycle... :D
@11:13 if you need to be told by somebody in front to slow down because there's a junction, you are simply going too fast. A fundamental principle of driving or riding is that you should always be able to stop within the space that you can see to be clear, and if there is a blind crest of a hill, then if you hammer over it just assuming there is no hazard, then sooner or later you are going to have an accident, and potentially a major one. Also, even in this case, there was plenty of space to slow down for that junction even if travelling fast. The guy who crashed was probably simply not paying attention to the road as he arrived at the junction going at some considerable speed.
You made my Siri come on and she made sure to show me images of traumatic open book fractures 😂🤧