Head checkin whilst in your cage?

[duck]

Originally Posted by bluegreen

This.

Signal.
Mirror.
Shoulder Check
Move.

Every time. This thread is kinda strange. This is how you are supposed to drive EVERTHING. Mirrors lie and cars/trucks are big.

Turn signals are "optional" in the US.

(or at least that's what many drivers seem to think. )

[ttpete]

Turn signals are good for informing the guy in the next lane ahead of time so he can speed up and block you.

[rbrsddn]

I can't wait for some warmish days without 2 feet of snow on the ground, so I can go play in traffic!!!

[bwalsh]

Originally Posted by Falconx84

I have no need to see my vehicle. It doesn't move relative to my seat

This.
I set my mirrors so the "vehicle side of the mirror(s)" view is about 1-1 1/2 feet off the side of the vehicle. It gives me less of a blind spot in the next lane to deal with. I know where my vehicle is in relation to the mirrors view. I can just shift my eyes to the mirror and see everything I need to see. If I turn my head I can see the side of the vehicle.

The way mine are set up I can either, A) see the back of the vehicle next to me thru the mirror or, B) see the front of the vehicle next to me with my peripheral vision, unless it's something real short like a smart car...BUT, I still do a head check!

Originally Posted by ttpete

Exactly. Nobody here seems to understand that the driver can't see through sheet metal if there are NO WINDOWS. Head checks are impossible. Windowless vans and trucks have HUGE blind spots, and if you choose to ride in them, sooner or later you WILL be sorry.

Where did anyone not understand your point about blind spots in large windowless vehicles?
The header reads, "head checkin whilst in your cage". I would hope that anyone driving a cargo van or large truck knows how to operate it safely and isn't asking safety related questions on safe lane change techniques on a motorcycle forum.
I also agree with NOT riding along in blind spots but that isn't the topic at hand. I seem to recall there was a thread awhile back about the very topic you mention though.

[DR Donk]

Originally Posted by ttpete

Turn signals are good for informing the guy in the next lane ahead of time so he can speed up and block you.

And I thought they only did that here in western Michigan!

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by bwalsh

This.
I set my mirrors so the "vehicle side of the mirror(s)" view is about 1-1 1/2 feet off the side of the vehicle. It gives me less of a blind spot in the next lane to deal with. I know where my vehicle is in relation to the mirrors view. I can just shift my eyes to the mirror and see everything I need to see. If I turn my head I can see the side of the vehicle.

The way mine are set up I can either, A) see the back of the vehicle next to me thru the mirror or, B) see the front of the vehicle next to me with my peripheral vision, unless it's something real short like a smart car...BUT, I still do a head check!




Where did anyone not understand your point about blind spots in large windowless vehicles?
The header reads, "head checkin whilst in your cage". I would hope that anyone driving a cargo van or large truck knows how to operate it safely and isn't asking safety related questions on safe lane change techniques on a motorcycle forum.
I also agree with NOT riding along in blind spots but that isn't the topic at hand. I seem to recall there was a thread awhile back about the very topic you mention though.

It ALL ties together.

One needs to understand the capabilities of other vehicles and drivers in order to make an intelligent decision in traffic. To me, head checks are only a quick verification of what I already know, which is the location of everything around me at all times.

[BobbySands]

Originally Posted by LuciferMutt

I think Dakez is probably refering to making sure the side mirrors on your cage are adjusted wide enough that you can not see the side of your car in the mirror -- which is how most people do it, and does not give you the side view you are supposed to have.

Even so, with the mirror adjusted correctly, there are still blind spots on 99% of all vehicles and I'm not risking the life of some motorcyclist because I'm too lazy to turn my fuckin' head.

fixt: Taking Dakez advice here is like-- well-- like taking his advice anywhere else in this forum. It's folly at best.

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by BobbySands

fixt: Taking Dakez advice here is like-- well-- like taking his advice anywhere else in this forum. It's folly at best.

Go back to your nude Lance poster Bobby.

At least my posts are not perverted or bloviated self aggrandising drivel.

My posts are geared to make people think/ your posts are liberty squashing, freedom grabbing, insecure control freak, nonsense. So go on and toot your worthless horn Bobby, your sheep will follow because that is what sheep do. But please don't try to mow down the masses with your narrow minded spats... Thinking people can see past it.

Originally Posted by BobbySands

A lot my close calls come from people not taking a second to look over their shoulder.

English please. Not sure what you are saying here Bobby. (?) It seems that you and your perfect ways have "a lot" of "close calls" How can this be?

[ThanatosF]

Originally Posted by kaman

OK... Am I the only one that caught himself doing a head check while riding inside an enclosed vehicle? Even when I can't even actually turn around I have on occasion caught myself starting to turn to check the neighbors lane. I have to laugh when I do it.

My driver's training taught me:

S: signal
M: mirror
O: observe (turn your head!)
G: go

SMOG.

Jesus, I thought at least most drivers were aware of the code. Now I'll be watching out even more.

[the_sandman_454]

I find it amazing that anybody wouldn't head check in a cage just like on a bike. Just because you've got air bags and a seatbelt, doesn't mean it won't hurt to impact another vehicle.

My Fusion and Ram both have the blindspot mirrors, but I still do a headcheck anyway.

[Hookdude]

After viewing the Car and Driver article it seems to me that with the mirrors adjusted as directed, there's still room to hide a motorcycle (or bicycle) next to either rear fender. Right where some one splitting lanes would be.

Consider the source, Car and Driver not Motorcycle and Rider.

FWIW I always turn and check. Why take a chance?

Cheers,
Bob

[Wraith Rider]

At least we learned that there's always someone like dakez who doesn't shoulder check, so we always should assume we haven't been seen.

[anotherguy]

^^^^^^^^^^^
Yeah what he said.

[C/1/509]

In my view, a head check in not optional - car, motorcycle, bicycle or as a pedestrian. Mirrors are very helpful, though on my bike I see more of my shoulders than what's beside me. But you always still have to look. It surprises me that it's even a discussion item - Hell yes you look!

[Falconx84]

Originally Posted by Hookdude

After viewing the Car and Driver article it seems to me that with the mirrors adjusted as directed, there's still room to hide a motorcycle (or bicycle) next to either rear fender. Right where some one splitting lanes would be.

Consider the source, Car and Driver not Motorcycle and Rider.

FWIW I always turn and check. Why take a chance?

Cheers,
Bob

When it comes to advice on cars and driving.... why would a motorcycle mag be more helpful? Aside from that, they're just showing an image of how SAE mirror adjustment. It's not an original concept.

Because it's an SAE standard, they make it seem seriously complicated. The easiest way to explain it is to adjust your mirrors to just beyond the point where you can see the side of your vehicle. I slight tilt towards the mirror shows you the side of your car. The only way someone could sneak in there is if they were literally plastered on the side of your vehicle, at which point contact would have already occurred. And then there's no need to worry about it.

If you don't believe me, try it in your driveway. Adjust your mirrors like I said, then get him to stand beside your rear wheel with his hip touching the rear quarter panel. See if you can see him in the mirror. That's a while lot closer than a lane sharing motorcycle.