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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA |
The threads about riding in the turbulent air behind a truck elicited a few interesting stories and some survival techniques such as this passing procedure from Miles.
"As far as passing trucks... I pull out and get into the spot off the rear of the trailor and blink my headlight. If I get a signal, I pass, otherwise I don't.. usually. Trucks at highway speed often have to pass slower traffic in front of them. As far as I'm concerned, everything I own, including the bike I'm riding was the responsibility of a truck driver at one time. He or she gets to let me know when it's ok for me to pass. I do the same in a car. I cannot recall EVER having a truck NOT respond by either blinking his lights that it's ok, or putting on his turn signal that he needs the lane. I almost always get a blink after I have passed as well. Maybe truckers today are just humoring me and think I'm an idiot... but it's how I was taught to drive on the highway.. and it hasn't let me down yet. No need to mess with a system that works."
We all have little tricks that we have learned over the years that help us keep the shiny side up. I thought this might be a good subject for a separate thread. So in the spirit of sharing I'll start with one of my favorite tricks for Night Riding.
It takes only takes 5 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to bright light when coming in from the dark. It takes 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark when going the other way, during that time your peripheral vision takes the biggest hit.
In order to reduce the effect of bright restaurant / filling station lighting on my night vision I wear sunglasses when I go inside. I keep a pair of cheap clip-ons in my glove box just for this purpose.
Try it.... you'll be amazed at how much better your vision is when you hit the road after a bathroom or dinner break.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Words to live by, literally.
Thanks for the insight on the night vision tip. as i've gotten older it seems my night vision ain't what it used to be even with corrective lens goggles. I have to sometimes phantom drive, that is, when raining, when I can't see the road well, and I can't find a place to pull off, I have to recall road reference points like signs and reflectors in the road.
When I was coming back from Detroit on 422 through PA I was met with my worse challenge yet. The road was barreled to divide the lanes for construction and lined at the turn lane as well. To make matters worse they were all refective and the embedded road reflectors were in their original place. Then it was raining so I was getting a grand light show in my goggles/windshield on hill crests. Fortunately the traffic was light and when I could I would get behind another vehicle and track with them. When I was up front and had someone behind me is when I had my greatest challenge through this stretch. fortunetly my angel guided me through and I made it to my destination without incident. I don't drive faster than my headlight can see so I never feel unsafe, just uneasy.
I've never tried the flash before you pass on trucks and usually look ahead on traffic that is in front of them. When safe, I pull out to pass, and watch for turn signals, if they come on, I back off and get back behind to let them have their turn. If not, it's full throttle to get pass them. I'll have to try the flash to pass method and see if I can get into the groove. it makes perfect sense and when i become a trucker I'll know what to do when I see my two-wheel comrades. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | Good tips Tarpit. Next trip I will try both the flashing and the clip on's. My night vision Has eroded over the years. Just picked up some new glasses and they help a lot at night. Passing semi's is a dangerous proposition. I try to get out in the passing lane quite a bit prior to closing in on the rig and anticipate if they might be contemplating passing someone in front of them, if so I set back and wait for them to make their move. If not, I waste no time passing them. Same thing with cagers. I damn near got pushed out into the grassy medium on I-90 a month ago cruuising at 80 mph when a cager made an unexpected pass of a semi. I think the driver of the car shit himself when he looked out of the driver window and saw my black Vision within 2 feet of the side of his car. I had 2 options, one was to brake and the other to roll on it. I rolled on it and am alive to talk about it. When I reflect on the incident there is no one to blame but myself. Sure, he should have seen me but he didn't. Had I done what I usually do and that is anticipate the possibility of the vehicle in front of me wanting to pass I would have bided my time. I was in a hurry doing my first Iron Butt ride and put travel time in front of safety. Good travel time does not hold a candle to getting home safely. DRIVE IT LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE!
Edited by Minnow 2009-10-01 12:11 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | Anybody want to know what this trucker thinks of people who puts their bright lights in my mirrors (and eyes) at night?
I have very sensitive eyes when it comes to light.
Bright lights hurt!
I have mirrors are 16 inches tall and 6 inches wide. I also have spot mirrors. A head light on a car or motorcycle as long as in is working properly LOOKS THE SAME.
OK
Here goes.
Bright lights in my eyes annoy the hell out me!
In the trucking world it means get the hell over, stay out of the way, and means the driver is aggressive!
I can see you!
I aren't no idiot!
Bright lights many time cause a few seconds of blindness!
If you are doing it so I can pass another car or truck THANKS! But flash it fast and don't just let it on … I can see you.
WHY people don't ask truckers what we think and do what they think we want has always confused me.
BTW if you have a nice bike please pause a few seconds by my window so I can see it. If you backseat his hot and has nice legs take many minutes by my window.
THANKS!
Also, please don't tailgate, hang beside my trailer (I may forget you're still there if I have to change lanes), and gassing on it so I have to hear your Harley want-a-be pipes doesn't impress me.
Most truckers love bikes, many are riders themselves. But, many riders on bikes are just like kids on those little sports bikes who appear to want to die.
Also, daytime is more dangerous around a truck then when it's dark.
Additionally, most truckers try to give bikers a wide berth so we don't blow you around. I for one when passing a bike stay out in the left lane as long as possible so I don't cut in to close and buffet you with wind.
Oh yeah!
If I give you the finger.
Nothing personal.
I am just expressing my frustration of not riding myself.
 
PS: I blow loud horns at all Victory Visions! 
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| wear a LITE yellow lensed glasses at night. It reduces glare but at the same time allows you to identify light sources quickly and accurately. Shooters glasses are approximately the right yellow.
If you are going to pass a semi, either do it or back off. They tend to toss treads and I had a good friend killed some years back when a semi tire came apart and took his head damn near off.
Slow at intersections regardless of right of way and watch for cross traffic in ALL busy roadways. More riders get taken out by cars turning across their path than any other way.
Practice practice practice. I don't care if you've been riding 40 years, a half hour of practice once or twice a week will make you a better rider.
Take a safety course, even if it is the basic msf course every two years. You'd be surprized what you've forgotten, or the bad habits you've developed. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I ride near the center line at night and watch for reflections in the bushes, checking for deer eyes. I have slowed way down for reflective poles and such because they look like deer eyes when I'm traveling. Tonight I saw three pairs of deer in a couple of miles. When I slowed to about 15 mph, the first pair took off across the road ahead of me. Keep your eyes peeled for those evil ungulates! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Most of my close calls have been from the rear with cell phone drivers and/or sleepers. At a stop sign or light my bike is always in gear and I'm watching the mirrors. When a car approaches I pump the brakes to wake them up, and I always pump the brake a few times when slowing down. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | Tim,
Guess I won't be flashing semi's to let them know I am going to pass. You are right. Whenever I have been driving truck and someone behind me flashes their lights I assumed it meant it was OK for me to pass, not the other way around. Good to have your viewpoint. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Minnow - 2009-10-02 10:26 AM
Tim,
Guess I won't be flashing semi's to let them know I am going to pass. You are right. Whenever I have been driving truck and someone behind me flashes their lights I assumed it meant it was OK for me to pass, not the other way around. Good to have your viewpoint.
same here. my dad has been driving truck for 30+ years and I have gone with him on a few trips and even drove. if you flashed your lights at me, behind me, you're telling me to come over. If you were to pass and it wasn't good up front, I'd hit my turn signal in hopes you'd back off or hit my brakes to let you get around. Other than that, I've never heard of flashing lights to say you're going to pass until I got on this forum....
I figure it this way, if you pay attention to your driving and I pay attention to my driving, we'll all get where we need to go. I can't stand when some one else trys to second guess me and give me the right away, when it is not their's to give. Stick with protocol and we'll be okay... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | I like to ride at night, but there are many risks, that is why I reduce the amount of night riding to a minimum. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| I've done a LITTLE bit of 18 wheeling, and think I have an idea about how truckers drive and such. I learned that watching your mirrors all the time is a plus, and flashing lights when passing (or allowing to pass) is also a good thing. On a bike, I know that when the fit hits the shan the last place I want to be is alongside a truck, so - I ain't blipping the throttle to show off my pipes. I'm getting the hell outta Dodge.
Besides- my Vision is stock. All you'll hear is the whine from the tranny and a pfffffffftttt.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 192
Republic of Tejas | Dimonback - 2009-10-02 12:50 PM
Besides- my Vision is stock. All you'll hear is the whine from the tranny and a pfffffffftttt....
Thought I was the only one that had a Vision that went pffffffffftttt?????? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
hudson, IL United States | i work in a peterbilt truck shop. most of the truckers i know if it isnt a HD they dont care. if you flash your light at them they will not see or they will get pissed off. just look, hit the gas, and you do have a horn if you need it. just my thought. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| OldGringo - 2009-10-02 1:45 PM
Dimonback - 2009-10-02 12:50 PM
Besides- my Vision is stock. All you'll hear is the whine from the tranny and a pfffffffftttt....
Thought I was the only one that had a Vision that went pffffffffftttt??????
This is Las Vegas Bikefest weekend, and I15 is crawling with California folks who dusted off the Hogs to show up over here. I got behind a couple of Softtails at Primm, with loud fishtail pipes and 26" apes and their ponytailed blonde seatcovers. I know they didn't see or hear me until I passed them, and I kinda doubt they noticed me even then... so I guess I'll call it a stealth mode Vision.
Edited by Dimonback 2009-10-02 4:38 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | Well, I reinforced two things in my brain here. First, my recall of old that flashing the lights was a signal to the trucker with his blinker on that it was safe/okay for him to pull out in front of me and pass (not to notify him I was coming through). Second, that it doesn't matter what signals you use IF everyone is NOT on the same page about what they mean. Obviously, that is the case here. Everyone should proceed with caution as it appears there is not a consensus about what flashing the lights means. The other thing I recall (and still use) is after passing a semi, I always signal my intention to move back in front of him and then I wait a bit to see if he flashes me before moving over. I used to find that most truckers would flash to indicate it was okay, once they saw my signal. No surprises for anyone that way.
Edited by flint350 2009-10-02 7:12 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | Let me add something here.
It is illegal for a truck to signal his signal lights for you to pass.
I know of a few accidents where someone trusted the signal light ‘ok to pass'. The trucker was not faulted because you are still responsible for your own actions.
Same goes for pulling out of streets and driveways.
A large truck blocks your view. If he waves you out and you get hit you still are at fault. We truckers try to see everything but things do snick around you when you least expect it.
Always drive like a truck can't see you very well, unlike cars who don't even look for you!
Again, flashing your lights in my eyes blinds me. Pee's me off too!
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | A flash of the headlights is meant to say that the other guy can make his move. And it's not a flash of the high beams! It is properly done by turning off your headlights brifely to let the guy know he is clear. DO NOT USE HIGH BEAMS! I know most modern vehicles are unable to do this since their headlights are automatic. If you have a vehicle with headlights that are on all the time, just go about your business and make your move, unless its an emergency situation. As a trucker,I am aware that you are there, it's my job to know that. So please dont flash your highbeams at me, but I wont mind if your copilot flashes her boobs! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I normally run the Vision with low beams day and night. I use my high beams to see into the dark when no traffic will be blinded and get attention.
Today (daylight) on the way back from work a car was just starting to roll while at a stop sign to my left. I turned on the highs and they stayed put. I did not flash the highs I turned them on and left them on until I passed the car at the stop.
I reserve the right to turn on my high beams (not flash them) to get attention rather then not be seen. I have stopped at least two people from pulling out in my lane this past week doing this during the day.
Ride Safe and be seen! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I know when I was running a headlite modulator I got into the practice of shutting it off when running the slab. I had a couple 18 wheelers pull out on me as they thought I was flashing them to come over. As stated earlier if yo are moving fast enough to come up on the truck you are moving fast enough to go by, if not back off. JMO |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I find headlight modulators to be very annoying!
I always think it's a cop coming so I slow down, and most truckers think the bike has something wrong with the charging system.
If it makes the bike easier to be seen I never noticed. I think the rider is just some clown who has to much time on his hands. Personally I think they look stupid.
Sorry! But, it fits the same category as those 'Baby On Board' stickers. People don't avoid hitting something just because it's got a baby in it. People avoid hitting everything if possible!
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm glad I'm not the only one that think the modulators are annoying and useless.... I have some wing friends that feel that flashy lights on the front (headlight) and back, (brake light modulator??) makes them to be seen. I've always felt they were a distractor and not help... But I guess this is about tips. Mine is don't over drive your ability or your headlights. I find that works for me and if I feel I've gotten too cocky on the ride I take time to stop and readjust my atitude so I can ride another man. No matter how He-Man I feel, I will die like the rest... and just as easy...
Edited by varyder 2009-10-04 9:56 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I had a headlight modulator on my Honda Shadow before I bought the Vision. I never had anyone pull out in front of me after adding the modulator. I absolutely loved having it. Thought about getting one for the Vision, but there isn't enough room to effectively add one between the headlight and the headlight plug. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | Lone Ranger - 2009-10-05 3:14 AM
I had a headlight modulator on my Honda Shadow before I bought the Vision. I never had anyone pull out in front of me after adding the modulator. I absolutely loved having it. Thought about getting one for the Vision, but there isn't enough room to effectively add one between the headlight and the headlight plug.
I too believe headlight and taillight modulators are a good idea....just givin the fact that it may annoy some folks tells me they are doing the job. Anything that helps man, woman, aXXhole or beast to see me coming, going or stopping is a plus. I guess I would rather be annoying and alive then stealty and dead...just this guys humble opinion. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | It is these kind of things that are virtually impossible to collect usable data to prove or disprove whether it is a good idea or not. Fortunetly there are not a lot out there with the modulating headlight so the one every once in a while that comes down the road makes it okay for that one person. If we all had one then what would be the affect? I have found myself distracted concerning those things and stop paying attention to those immediate things around me. Fortunetly it was only a split second lapse and nothing bad came out of it. So while the motorcycle that has the flashing headlight is being noticed what other accidents have been caused because of the distraction. I know this is open to debate and again, impossible to collect usable data, it is just my thought. And on the positive side, as I mentioned, I'm glad there are only a very few that use them, so ride on, ride safe... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | varyder - 2009-10-05 7:40 AM
It is these kind of things that are virtually impossible to collect usable data to prove or disprove whether it is a good idea or not. Fortunetly there are not a lot out there with the modulating headlight so the one every once in a while that comes down the road makes it okay for that one person. If we all had one then what would be the affect? I have found myself distracted concerning those things and stop paying attention to those immediate things around me. Fortunetly it was only a split second lapse and nothing bad came out of it. So while the motorcycle that has the flashing headlight is being noticed what other accidents have been caused because of the distraction. I know this is open to debate and again, impossible to collect usable data, it is just my thought. And on the positive side, as I mentioned, I'm glad there are only a very few that use them, so ride on, ride safe...
Hey Varyder...I like you weren't trying to start a whole new thread nor was I trying to start a debate on this subject...I was merely voiceing my opinion....I ride with a handful of former police officers, some of them motorcops who rode for a living. When having something flashing in a my mirror I tend to pay more attention as to what I am doing oppose to being distracted?? I think if people were more distracted oppose to being more attentive as to what they were doing there would be a ton of accidents as officers were pulling people over??...if I combine this thinking with the fact that the state of michigan has now allowed these types of flashing modulators that there must be some value to it? Again I don't expect everyone out there to agree....thats why it is called an opinion?? 
I think that what you and I are talking about is the topic of this thread...what we as indivduals consider a survival technique?? Like I said, I would rather be seen whether annoying to some or not, then dead like so many others is my choice. There are a bunch of good folks here on this forum (including yourself) with years and years of riding experiance...as do I with 33+ on the road. So if in my humble opinion if I think this is a good idea for me....well it is. I don't think this thread was started to judge, debate, collect data or vote on specific techniques or ideas...it was merely asking for different ones that peeps think are good idea's??
Ride Safe
Edited by Prostreet1 2009-10-05 8:19 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | Some of the things I do to try and stay alive:
• ASSUME NO ONE SEE'S ME
• Wear light yellow glasses at night.
• Never over drive my low beam headlight at night.
• Pump my brake when coming to a stop or slowing down.
• Leave transmission in gear at a stop light/sign.
• Once stopped I never take my eyes off the vehicle approaching form the rear until it has stopped.
• Leave two car lengths from the vehicle in front at a stop for quick exit.
• I never flash my light's at anyone it just piss's most people off plus most
people do not understand the message you are trying to send.
• And when passing anyone I will watch them in their mirror until I see
them look at me and then get passed them as fast as I can.
Blackjack
I believe someone owes me a Diet Mountain Dew from a Robby Gordon NASCAR bet. Is it you Varyder?
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Motorcycle Survival Techniques