Grading Risk

The following series of scenarios practically demonstrates the riders grading of risk according to the existing conditions, please note every scenario requires some action to be taken by the rider except for scenario 5. Taking no action in scenarios 1 through 4 will limit your reaction time.

 

Scenario 1: A car pulls out at an intersection, turning left and encroaches your path.

ACTION: Here the risk is a positive danger requiring drastic action to avoid a collision. BRAKE HARD or swerve but don’t do both at the same time.

Scenario 2: A car is stopped at the intersection angled to turn left. The driver has not looked in your direction. The brake light go off and the car begins to move.

ACTION: The situation contains some serious risk. Alter your position if you have not already done so and lose speed sharply. Use a long horn sound.

Scenario 3: A car is on its final approach to the intersection, slowing as if to stop, but you don’t have eye contact with the driver.

ACTION: The driver of the car is not aware of your presence. The risk is real. The driver may pull out. Alter your course to maximize the distance between you and the other car and alter your speed. Consider a short horn sound.

Scenario 4: A car comes into view approaching the intersection from the left.

ACTION: The presence of the car represent a slight risk. Consider altering your position and speed.

Scenario 5: The intersection ahead is free of traffic.

ACTION: Every intersection poses a risk. This intersection is clear and vision is good. No action is required other than to keep make visual scans until you pass the intersection. If the intersection present a poor visibility or a view obstruction, consider altering your position and speed.