When I started riding, at age 16, one of the best lessons my father (a rider himself) taught me is that as you are riding and you see something, ANYTHING, moving, assume it will come out in front of you. Vehicle at crossroad, child playing in yard, dog nosing in a garbage can, <wildlife creature> in field. Pick out and know your escape route before you need it: a field is better than a tree; a hedge is better than a brick wall; a yard is better than a utility pole; etc.
After years of performing this exercise I now do it automatically with no conscience thought no matter what I'm driving. It has helped me avoid several "incidents" over the years.... |
