Nolan Penney wrote:
> I wear horns out on motorcycles. Someone in a Spitfire should wear out horns
> as well. Beep! "Hi there, see me?" Beep! "Hi there, don't forget I'm here!"
> Beep! "Hi there, I've got to do something." Beep! "Hi there, you're not
> paying attention."
This is excellent advice. I also ride motorcycles and the horn is always
beeping when I'm on one. This is not, of course, a substitute for cautious
riding, but a little toot when overtaking or when coming up on an oncoming
left-turner helps make your presence known.
In my Spitfire, I beep all the time. A good example is if I find myself in
the blind spot of an SUV. In some of those bigger vehicles, a driver might
even actually look out their window and still miss seeing me because the
Triumph is so low. Giving them a beep while pulling out of that blind spot
is a good idea.
Another useful motorcycle riding technique I use when driving my small and
vulnerable convertible is to try and be out of harm's way at all times. For
example, don't hover in anyone's blind spot, or be in the left lane of a
multilane road when not necessary. The more space cushion you leave between
yourself and potential danger, the better off you are.
The truth is, a side impact with one of today's high-bumpered suburban tanks
would mean big trouble. Side impact beams are irrelevant when the vehicle
that hits you doesn't barely makes contact with the side of your car. Next
time you're in a parking lot, pull up sideways in front of a parked Ford
Expedition or similar machine and take a look at where that damn thing would
hit you. Yup, right upside your soft noggin. Not funny.
Drive safe,
Eric.
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