During my RoSPA test last Friday the examiner was rear ended and taken off his bike by an open top van driver when stopped at traffic lights. The examiner came out relatively unscathed with "only" back pain (which can have long term consequences) but also it could have easily been much worse. I didn't buy into the "my foot slipped off the pedal" excuse. More likely thinking and looking somewhere else other than what was happening right in front of them. Definitely something has to be done about this type of drivers. We all make mistakes but if you can't see two big bikes with riders wearing high-vis and white helmets, you shouldn't be on the roads and put everyone else in danger. Thank you very much for all your videos
When tailgating happens to me, I usually slow very gently which often results in the vehicle behind widening the gap. Shortly after they sometimes come back close in which case I find somewhere safe to pull over and let them pass. I had someone driving (?) close and erratically recently, up ahead was queuing traffic, as I pulled up I could see them coming, heard the screech, but I had enough room in front to maneuver out of the situation safely. This was in a car, but the mindset and the information from your video is very helpful for my up and coming DAS.
Sadly both tailgating and more so getting 'rear ended' is an increasingly common occurrence here in Hong Kong. Distracted taxi drivers & speed obsessed mini bus drivers are the main culprits and two wheeled users usually the victims. Excellent video once again, look forward to Part 2.
Ref your comment about not wanting to be at the back of a stationary queue on a bend. If I am put in this situation, I try to maintain as big a gap as possible between myself and the vehicle in front, and use the space to move forward as I see a vehicle coming up from behind.
Another excellent informative video for all riders. I am about to begin my Mod 2 training and constantly refer back to various videos from you. Also, very appropriate advice here too for experienced riders. I always value the professional advice provided here.
Been riding 10 months, my only accident in that time was pressured to pull in on my 125 to let another vehicle that was so far up my chuff he could of brushed my teeth, I didn't feel safe or happy so when I exited a bend I saw a clear space to pull in and let him pass, what I didn't notice it was gravel and down I went damaged my bike but it was repairable and knee is still iffy. Haven't used roads I don't normally go on since, I love riding and feel good in town its these faster roads that get me not the slimmest person so I can struggle to do the A road speed limits depending if it was a hill. Obviously i am not the most experienced rider but I am confident when no ones trying to find out whats in my rear lol. great video off to watch part 2.
sorry to hear about your "off" i hope the knee improves soon. Keep riding and learning, its a busy journey but one thats worth it if you enjoy riding. Keep safe, all the best
My biggest issue on the roads these days are the delivery riders on scooters, I live close to your training centre and popping into town I always have scooters sit in my boot and overtake on the near side, as I was turning left once he came down my left side and I didn’t even see him as he was in my blind spot, thankfully no collision but I did get out and explain to him that the situation could have been a lot worse. He didn’t even seem fussed and said it was my fault 🤔. Phil why is it that cbt passed riders don’t have to do a theory test, I think this should be a mandatory obligation to anyone on the roads on or in a motorised vehicle. I look forward to training with you guys as soon as I can, thanks for these great vids 👍🏼
@Russ Hi, thanks for your comments. I must admit I also see a lot of very poor riding on L plates, and some will be lack of knowledge and experience, some is probably just exuberance and a purpose of journey at any cost vs riding "properly". I am amazed there aren't more collisions, more luck than judgement in many cases! The theory aspect before CBT has been explored before, and the powers that be have steered away from it. Many in the industry would prefer the theory to be a requirement before CBT, perhaps it will be reviewed again. Glad you like the vids and we look forward to seeing you, cheers.
Wonderful presentation once again, great visuals and commentary and without an excess of unnecessary verbal as per some other channels. As an ex-HGV driver I'm more than used to checking mirrors and maintaining all round awareness, but must admit the workload is certainly increased without my 45ft rolling road block sat behind me.
I was "Tailgated" by a delivery van recently where I could see the driver in my mirror gesturing to me to speed up! It was a 60mph limit in a country road where the road was about a mile or so long between two villages. How this road was assigned a 60mph speed limit is beyond me. I was riding between 35 and 40 mph which I believe to the right speed for the conditions. I refuse to speed up and be intimidated, so decided to pull into a side road to let him pass. Though that to be the best and safest action to take.
Your remark about the danger about being at the end of a qeueue is also relevant for being at the end of a qeueu just after a hill. In these situations I try to get a place closer to the front of the queue.
This was a really good video, thank you. Unfortunately tailgating has become the norm for a hazard which needs to be managed on every journey and you have some really good tips for looking our for and managing these situations, your point about if you are always having to check what is happening behind as you don’t trust the driver following then this takes your attention away from in front of you is a situation I have found myself in so your advice here is very useful. Also the stopping at a junction from a high speed road as front vehicle and when to leave in first or wait in neutral was another great takeaway from this. Thank you.
Whenever i'm coming to a stop (in a car or on a bike) i always keep pressing the brake off and on a few times. so the brake light flashers off and on to alert the traffic behind.
It’s all going into the memory banks with a view to testing some of the techniques out myself. Thanks again for sharing and for taking the time to put these videos out there for us all to learn from.
Had a 750 mile return journey up to Edinburgh and back this week which gave me the opportunity to try some of the techniques out. Although this was in my car, the principles are still much the same as in the bike. What’s interesting is, I always thought I created an ample gap of following distance but the mistake I found myself making was cutting back into my Lane when overtaking on the motorways. I’ve addressed this now but I have to keep practicing to make it routine. The main thing I’ve noticed is I’m more aware of my speed especially when travelling through 30, 40 and 50 mph limits. Previously if I felt intimidated by someone hanging onto my rear bumper in a 30mph area, I would do the angry brake like flash to make them pull back. Actually I just maintain my speed now and don’t react other than making sure I create more space in front to allow an increased braking distance for my own escape route in case I need to emergency brake. It really does work and is so easy to do without feeling intimidated. It also prevents me from feeling that I need to speed up forcing myself to exceed the posted speed limit. How simple is this!!! 😂 One final technique I found really useful from your video was stopping behind traffic queues which extend around corners. I only had one scenario with this on my long journey but I found myself slowing down sooner and slower plus leaving a bigger gap in front. This then creates more space in front for me (4 cars length). Although cars pull up behind me in the queue and sit on my rear bumper at least I have plenty space in front to prevent being sandwiched in. This even works really well in the car but definitely see the benefits on the bike. I think this can be a real life saver as I’ve experienced a few close calls over the years with this type of scenario. It’s amazing how these simple techniques can have such a major impact on potentially increasing my life expectancy !!!! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and for helping me live longer and think more about about my own driving. We can never stop learning and at 57 years young, I’ve just been reminded that I’m not as safe on the road as I thought I was which was a very useful awakening. Cant wait for part 2 😀😀 Thanks again, really grateful 🙏🏻
@Cheeky Smurf thank you so much for this great reply. You are so right about the principles of car and bike. Its very interesting to hear the difference made to someones drive or ride with a few simple tweaks. I also think what you have written here may also inspire other road users to think about how they use the road and whether to change a few things. This, in my opinion, will do a lot to improve road safety. So many thanks again for taking the time and trouble to write such an informative and interesting update. Very much appreciated. All the best
Another really useful, brilliantly explained video. I've been watching most of your riding skills videos over the last two weeks or so and I just passed my Mod 2, due in no small part to the advice given in your video series. Many thanks for putting these together - they are invaluable! Cheers
Excellent video and I'm enjoying going through your others too. Returning to motorcycling after 30 years and have my CBT Mod 1 and Mod 2 all in August - I'll be overdosing on your videos - thanks for creating them - Maf in Brighton
@Maf Moors thank you, glad to hear you re returning to biking. I hope you enjoy your training and these videos are a helpful compliment to it. I wish you well with your Mod 1&2
@@MotorcyclePWR thanks - slightly anxious to hear that I will be doing my week's training on a Kawasaki Z650 - back in my day I thought we took the test on a 125cc - obviously times change - so slightly anxious but excited too!
Just how prevalent is tailgating? I use a road regularly and its an old railway line with concrete barriers to both sides so its hemmed in and a single carriageway in both directions. There is a 40 mph. speed limit and street light is some 40 metres apart so Its ideal for checking for tailgating. Vehicles [ restriction of HGVs over 7.5t] should be keeping at least one lamp post, that is at least 120ft. apart . Its about 1.5 miles long so it gives a good guide and as said I regularly check on just how many vehicles do follow closer than being one lamp post thus tailgating others in front of them. Today I counted about 70 cars traveling towards me of which some 37 of those were actually within that 40 metre distance thus some 37 cars were actually tailgating. Was there any reason for this ? No they could have spread themselves out, There was absolutely not need to drive so close to the vehicle in front. If anything had happened that caused any collision within that road and with it being surrounded by concrete then that road could have suffered multiple cars in a pile up that would have covered both carriageways and which would have possibly killed some people. Tailgating is not just a small rear end bump as many drivers imagine. No, its is a killer and responsible for many collisions in towns and on our country roads. More than people can imagine Its the greatest danger faced on our roads today. Its the ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. Known and seen by all but those in power, the Police, the DVSA, Road Safety Partnerships and Training authorities totally fail to do anything about it. Its something that I feel passionate about and have been striving for over a decade now to get someone or something to be done about it. Its needs a National Intervention. Getting everyone involved. Over a number of years of retraining all of our road users to recognise that its not just speed that kills. Its also the fundamental importance of Safe Stopping Distances as being vital to our safety on our roads. If that is done we could dramatically reduce not only the death toll but the number of collisions we suffer annually. Just think of the Benefit by merely the giving of safe space. Benefits to our own health and everyone else's. , Of suffering less stress, lowering blood pressure, reducing anger, road rage and frustration and then the additional knock on benefit to our stretched N.H.S. SAFE SPACE ALSO SAVES LIVES.
Had a lad in a poxy little Clio tailgate me on my GSXR600 on an A road, he was close enough for it to be uncomfortable and distract me from my riding, especially on the corners, where it was suitable i pulled over to position 1 and waved him past, he shot past, i caught up with him in a 40mph limit going into town and he was up the arse of the car in front of him, obviously it was just the way he drove, they have this mindset everything is slowing them down (regardless of the speed limit), there is more and more of them out there these days. I'm never in that much of a hurry for anything.
@Dingo617 thank you for your comment. Yes these people are out there everywhere arent they?! Better 5 minutes late than dead on time! Rider safe, al the best
I fitted a 3 channel (front, rear, cabin & most of sides), camera system in my car AFTER an undesirable & truly dangerous tailgating related incident..... ....Inappropriate to go into more detail HERE. I regret not having cameras fiitted at the time. I have resisted sharing my own thoughts re safest "appropriate" ways to deal with tailgating. A very delicate & difficult topic area to give correct guidance &/or advice on.......Thank you👍
This is such a fundamental topic, thank you so much. Recently I found myself being tailgated in dual carriageway and in waived sections and I reacted by overtaking the car in front and then after I thought that it was quite silly and had put myself in a pickle. So I went and search for one of your videos immediately. In fact I was asking myself, as a motorcyclist what conditions are reasonable conditions for overtaking? Most of the time there is no need to overtake, but yet people feel to do so just because they can… included myself
Many an overtake could be unnecessary as we don't NEED to, but WANT to or feel compelled to by training or by others. . There is no doubt that the Police [ ref. Roadcraft] in the 1930's thought that overtakes would be fairly rare on country roads with so little traffic and whatever traffic there was would be horse and cart or a small red tractor doing what say 10 mph. How things have changed as we now suffer with about 50 million vehicles so its understandable that one can very easily come across a situation where an overtake is, and I say is, only a consideration. But if we don't and in many cases we actually drive behind others and of our own accord then we will not NEED to overtake but just pull back, give safe stopping distances and enjoy the ride and without putting our life or the lives of others at risk by overtaking. Police Stats show us that every year some 8 persons die from a problem with an overtake. Is it worth it and for what reason? to make better progress ? to prove that one is not only an advanced ride but also possibly an idiot. ......
Thank you Ian, much appreciated. Its a simple mount with 2x retaining straps that i got from ebay. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Helmet-Chin-Strap-Mount-for-GoPro-Hero-9-8-7-5-OSMO-Action-Camera-UK-/134190141658?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p4429486.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0 There is a lot of sellers of this so not recommending, link for info on style only. Hope this helps
Nice video again, thank you! I don’t think you mentioned the role of car makes. OK this is a bit tongue in cheek, but in my experience tailgating seems most prevalent amongst drivers of Audis, BMWs and Mercedes. Not so much Porsche funnily enough. Seeing one of these approaching in my mirrors, driven by a single male, immediately puts me on edge. Moving over is the only answer. Also interesting is that my wife is frequently bullied by these moronic tailgaters in her Mini convertible, as am I when I drive it. But not when I drive my Ford Mustang.
@Charles McKinstry Hi Charles. thank you for your comments. Quite a lot of truth in your experience! Its strange how certain vehicles seem to have certain reactions or provocations! All the best
Hello, For the roundabout at 13:10 I would have thought you would need to stay in the outside lane while going round. Would you say that this not so important, as long as you can see that no one is close behind you? Thanks in advance, very insightful video.
Hi thanks for your comment. Yes, generally speaking, for cbt and test standard you are quite correct. Here i "straight line" the roundabout which is taught post test if safe. If you did it on test you would probably fail and if you had a collision then it would likely be deemed careless driving. Thank you for your observations! All the best
Unfortunately the DVSA and the Police advanced Roadcraft Manual are in some way responsible for all this Tailgating. First the DVSA in their Handbook on Safer Driving The Essential Skills has a paragraph or two devoted on Separation distances at slow speeds of being able to pull closer to the vehicle in front in order to save valuable road space when apparently in a queue. That leaves drivers free to consider doing just that but all times when following another vehicle or vehicles around town. It advises that one can be the Thinking distance only which is generally at 30 mph some 30 ft. which is only only 1/3rd of the full stopping distance. Then we have the police advanced rider who is taught that in a certain 3 part overtake its ok to be closer to the vehicle to be overtaken. In the main that distance is recognised by instructors as being only 1 second behind any vehicle that one intends, at some time in the future to overtake,. However the recommended safe following distance is that same stopping distance as per the H.C. and should be no less than the 2 second rule. If an overtake is tried or is not on it appears that now one can remain or return back to that much too close a position. One can continue to Tailgate until one fulfils the overtake at some time later or pulls back to a safe following distance once again. .Then this Tailgating position is repeated when one is again behind the next vehicle to overtaken. What chance do we have if the DVSA and the POLICE and all Advanced Training bodies all advocate Tailgating.
Yet another really good video and I always pick up something new 👍 I was recently on the motorway in lane 1 and with hevey rain doing 50/55mph as it was that bad. In the mirror I had a HGV tanker that close I couldn't see his windscreen. Lane 2&3 were empty and I think he knew I was pissed off with him so he then passed and just for good measure cut me up meaning I had to slow more due to the spray. Professional drivers should know better and should pay a higher price with a ban job or no job. Funny you NEVER see anyone tailgating a police vehicle 🤣
@Richard Giles thank you for your comments. Sadly there is some awful stupidity on the roads. Re your last comment, many years ago a police officer driving a marked vehicle stopped the car behind, opened the boot of the police car, and then invited the driver to climb in. The driver was somewhat confused, until the officer said "well you are so close to me I presumed you wished to get in!" Good old fashioned policing....
Firstly not condoning the HGV drivers actions, I've had many an argument on drivers forums about tailgating. I don't condone tailgating. but as an HGV driver, I can understand the frustration you were causing. You said your speed was 50 to 55 mph, as an HGV is limited to 56 mph, some companies set them even lower, 52mph seems common, you were putting the truck in a position where they possibly could overtake you then finding they couldn't when you when back up towards 55mph, that leads to frustration. When you drive an HGV especially fully laden and under powered, like tankers often are, you're trying to keep it moving at a constant speed using the momentum to get you up even slight inclines, even coming off the power slightly can lose 10mph or more in an instant, on a decent hill it can mean the difference between maintaining 40mph or 20mph. I get this a lot on the motorways even in good conditions, its really frustrating in a LHD truck, as you start planning the overtake, well ahead and have to take a great deal of care and observation to check nothing is hiding down the right hand side, you do this pull into the next lane only to see the vehicle pull away. So back into the left lane you go, only to find yourself catching the the vehicle again, and its rinse and repeat. Finally you get alongside them and being in a LHD, you can see why they're driving so erratically, on the phone, talking to their passengers. reading paperwork, drinking the coffee they bought in the drive through at the last service area. and as you pull alongside they realise they're driving far slower than they want to and accelerate away, leaving sitting there with an empty lane beside you and no doubt in a mile or so, there they are again 47mph, so you go through the process again.
HGVs are the worst offenders. Many a time in fact there is't a day goes by that I don't see them Tailgating each other. Doing some 56 mph and being only some 20 ft. behind another HGV. if one tries to get off a motorway that action of several HGVs makes it extremely dangerous to others. Plus if you are in front of one be aware that they can take up to 3 times the distance that a car can to stop in and being so heavy they will not stop if they hit you they will literally ride over you and that has happened more often than one would think.
It happened me sitting to cross over at a roundabout a young doll had stopped behind me cause car were coming from the right they had right away and the next thing I felt this bang in the back of me she dident do any damage to me she hit the back wheel knocked of her number plate good job I wasent so slow I holding on my front brake or she would have sent me into the traffic going round the roundabout
Hi! Came across this segment today. It's a great reminder to all riders n drivers alike for rear traffic awareness and protection. At 05:00 and 06:00, noticed the centre of the lane stop at the traffic lights. Would it not be better to stop either the left or right of the lane, instead of the centre for the same scenario?
Hi and thank you for your comments. Yes, its a good observation and i consider positioning in the way that you describe depending on all hazards. In this case i would be creating more space from waiting vehicles on my left, and considered a more rightward position may have delayed the view of me to other vehicles as it was on a roundabout. One advantage of a more central position is to prevent another road user coming alongside, which incredibly happens! But had i had a vehicle in front of me i would have been more likely to use a fend off position to either left or right. All the best
Thanks for your prompt response. It does make sense. In any case, I remain clutched in on 1st gear at least until traffic to the rear has come to a halt. Cheers.
Police motorcyclists rarely if ever go out in such bad weather conditions, the roads have to be good and as safe as possible. They know of the dangers and of the nature of many drivers as regards to using our roads with any degree of safety so forget it. get into a car and remain safe for another day.
Part of the "temptation" to tailgate is caused by really, really poor lane discipline. The M1 is a classic. Slow lane is often empty and drivers are trying to get around the congested "snake" of cars in the middle lane. As a motorcyclist, we leave space in front of us and try to ensure space behind but this is just a temptation for drivers to cut in, often without signalling, both in front and behind you into the space you have worked hard to create !!! I heard that the Police can now enforce lane discipline, is that the case ?? I think, if it happened more regularly, if there was a way to enforce this more often maybe with cameras picking this up too, it would make tailgating less common or easier to avoid and life for motorcyclists far safer !??
No its just poor safety at all times. The greatest danger is actually not the speed but the constant Tailgating that goes on and the inability to see further ahead of any potential dangers that may be occurring further than the bumper of the vehicle in front.. A lot of drivers are just numpties with little brain and will stay mile after mile at the rear of any other vehicle and drive with little or no consideration for their or others safety. Many drivers just totally fail to realise or recognise that what they are doing is WRONG and dangerous. .. Yes I ride a lot on the inside lane, keeping up with HGVs and in the event of an emergency have the hard shoulder for extra safety. Most other traffic leave the inside lane free for HGVs, caravans and sometimes one gets a slow moving trailer doing the legal limit or 60 mph. but they ate rare and they are usually going faster in the middle lane. So its a quiet inside lane and space to stop in that will do for me. No longer blasting with the others at speeds in excess of 80 mph on the fast lane. I am also aware that in the middle lane there will be tailgating and that could end up with some drivers, being unable to stop they may swerve to their nearside and into my land so I watch out for the possibility of stalls or slow down or other potential dangers ahead of them and me . I like to get to my destination with as little danger or incident as I can. thank goodness for the quieter slow or inside lane.
Probably not the best technique, however, I’ve found on minor roads, if I rapidly counter-steer waggle the bike a few times, the car driver behind gets discombobulated by the manoeuvre and backs right off, works every time!
I have commented on tailgating for at least 15 years and nothing is actually done about it by the powers that be., Very rarely drivers are prosecuted for tailgating even tho they have been involved in a collision and the cause was that they were driving too close to the vehicle in front and unable to stop. So if they are not being prosecuted and other are not aware of the danger that they are placing themselves and others in then it continues unabated. . Part of the problem is in training., In the DVSA Handbook of Essential Skills there is a small chapter on Separation distances and in that chapter, tho it warns that keeping safe stopping distance is important that if you are in slow moving traffic perhaps in a queue in town then to SAVE VALUABLE ROAD SPACE one should drive the THINKING DISTANCE only behind the vehicle in front. Now that at 30 mph would only be some 30 ft behind whereas the safer stopping distance is, according to the DVSA is of being some 98 ft. or 30 metres behind. A very very large differential. So you tell me which is going to be safer the THINKING DISTANCE or the recommended Stopping distance.? After that it does warn one that being less than the Stopping Distance could place one in danger. That said if for decades ADIs have been teaching the separation distance around town. It then stands to reason why so many drivers know about being closer to the car in front and they also see others doing it and it then becomes the norm for most drivers to do it as they know no different. I would say that in my estimation some 40 % of drivers nowadays tailgate as of a norm and that makes for very dangerous conditions on our road when there need not be, We saw from this video that one can ride a bike and drive other vehicles and still keep up with traffic and maintain speed and also maintain a good safe distance and if one can do it all can do it.
@r craven thank you for raising this. I agree. This is a classic case of road safety vs practicality in congested areas. Unfortunately the double standards are most unhelpful and most drivers have zero interest in driving and road safety. Once the test is passed they will show no interest whatsoever and getting from A to B in any manner they see fit is the priority. All the best
I very gradually slow down if somebody is blatantly driving closely I would never dab the brakes.....I try and encourage them to pass me by getting bored.....if I really feel in danger I will pull over and stop. I am a class one 44ton truck driver.....and sadly more and more truck drivers are tailgating......pure madness. The new law were we are req to stop to let people cross at a junction.....is causing a real danger.....as drivers are not expecting cars ect to stop in the middle of a busy road if they are turning left and the see a person waiting to cross. Sorry but to me its a bad law.....I bet rear end shunt figures are going up hugly.
Having cameras giving out fines and points for prolonged tailgating seems a great idea (shame it won’t be on B roads)… People need punishment or threat to learn sadly - there’s just no need to be that close, especially at speed or slowing…
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During my RoSPA test last Friday the examiner was rear ended and taken off his bike by an open top van driver when stopped at traffic lights. The examiner came out relatively unscathed with "only" back pain (which can have long term consequences) but also it could have easily been much worse. I didn't buy into the "my foot slipped off the pedal" excuse. More likely thinking and looking somewhere else other than what was happening right in front of them. Definitely something has to be done about this type of drivers. We all make mistakes but if you can't see two big bikes with riders wearing high-vis and white helmets, you shouldn't be on the roads and put everyone else in danger. Thank you very much for all your videos
When tailgating happens to me, I usually slow very gently which often results in the vehicle behind widening the gap. Shortly after they sometimes come back close in which case I find somewhere safe to pull over and let them pass. I had someone driving (?) close and erratically recently, up ahead was queuing traffic, as I pulled up I could see them coming, heard the screech, but I had enough room in front to maneuver out of the situation safely. This was in a car, but the mindset and the information from your video is very helpful for my up and coming DAS.
Sadly both tailgating and more so getting 'rear ended' is an increasingly common occurrence here in Hong Kong. Distracted taxi drivers & speed obsessed mini bus drivers are the main culprits and two wheeled users usually the victims. Excellent video once again, look forward to Part 2.
@Steve Coward thanks for your comments, sad to hear its a common occurrence. All the best
Ref your comment about not wanting to be at the back of a stationary queue on a bend. If I am put in this situation, I try to maintain as big a gap as possible between myself and the vehicle in front, and use the space to move forward as I see a vehicle coming up from behind.
Another excellent informative video for all riders. I am about to begin my Mod 2 training and constantly refer back to various videos from you. Also, very appropriate advice here too for experienced riders. I always value the professional advice provided here.
@Naughtycool Sailor Thank you for your kind comments. I wish you well with your Mod 2, all the best
Been riding 10 months, my only accident in that time was pressured to pull in on my 125 to let another vehicle that was so far up my chuff he could of brushed my teeth, I didn't feel safe or happy so when I exited a bend I saw a clear space to pull in and let him pass, what I didn't notice it was gravel and down I went damaged my bike but it was repairable and knee is still iffy. Haven't used roads I don't normally go on since, I love riding and feel good in town its these faster roads that get me not the slimmest person so I can struggle to do the A road speed limits depending if it was a hill. Obviously i am not the most experienced rider but I am confident when no ones trying to find out whats in my rear lol. great video off to watch part 2.
sorry to hear about your "off" i hope the knee improves soon. Keep riding and learning, its a busy journey but one thats worth it if you enjoy riding. Keep safe, all the best
My biggest issue on the roads these days are the delivery riders on scooters, I live close to your training centre and popping into town I always have scooters sit in my boot and overtake on the near side, as I was turning left once he came down my left side and I didn’t even see him as he was in my blind spot, thankfully no collision but I did get out and explain to him that the situation could have been a lot worse. He didn’t even seem fussed and said it was my fault 🤔. Phil why is it that cbt passed riders don’t have to do a theory test, I think this should be a mandatory obligation to anyone on the roads on or in a motorised vehicle. I look forward to training with you guys as soon as I can, thanks for these great vids 👍🏼
@Russ Hi, thanks for your comments. I must admit I also see a lot of very poor riding on L plates, and some will be lack of knowledge and experience, some is probably just exuberance and a purpose of journey at any cost vs riding "properly". I am amazed there aren't more collisions, more luck than judgement in many cases!
The theory aspect before CBT has been explored before, and the powers that be have steered away from it. Many in the industry would prefer the theory to be a requirement before CBT, perhaps it will be reviewed again. Glad you like the vids and we look forward to seeing you, cheers.
Wonderful presentation once again, great visuals and commentary and without an excess of unnecessary verbal as per some other channels. As an ex-HGV driver I'm more than used to checking mirrors and maintaining all round awareness, but must admit the workload is certainly increased without my 45ft rolling road block sat behind me.
Thought your commentary was honest and true. Great video
@Glen Carter Thanks Glen, much appreciated
I was "Tailgated" by a delivery van recently where I could see the driver in my mirror gesturing to me to speed up!
It was a 60mph limit in a country road where the road was about a mile or so long between two villages.
How this road was assigned a 60mph speed limit is beyond me. I was riding between 35 and 40 mph which I believe to the right speed for the conditions. I refuse to speed up and be intimidated, so decided to pull into a side road to let him pass.
Though that to be the best and safest action to take.
Excellent instruction once again. I was lucky enough to have you as my instructor so had this drummed into me. 👍
@MGman100 thank you, I enjoyed our training a lot, ride safe mate
Very fortunate to have had such a good instructor/ttainer👍
Your remark about the danger about being at the end of a qeueue is also relevant for being at the end of a qeueu just after a hill. In these situations I try to get a place closer to the front of the queue.
This was a really good video, thank you. Unfortunately tailgating has become the norm for a hazard which needs to be managed on every journey and you have some really good tips for looking our for and managing these situations, your point about if you are always having to check what is happening behind as you don’t trust the driver following then this takes your attention away from in front of you is a situation I have found myself in so your advice here is very useful. Also the stopping at a junction from a high speed road as front vehicle and when to leave in first or wait in neutral was another great takeaway from this. Thank you.
@Chris Dagnall thank you for your comments , glad some of the tips were helpful. Ride safe
Whenever i'm coming to a stop (in a car or on a bike) i always keep pressing the brake off and on a few times. so the brake light flashers off and on to alert the traffic behind.
It’s all going into the memory banks with a view to testing some of the techniques out myself.
Thanks again for sharing and for taking the time to put these videos out there for us all to learn from.
@Cheeky Smurf Thank you for your comments, much appreciated. Id be interested to hear how you get on with testing some of the techniques. All the best
Had a 750 mile return journey up to Edinburgh and back this week which gave me the opportunity to try some of the techniques out. Although this was in my car, the principles are still much the same as in the bike.
What’s interesting is, I always thought I created an ample gap of following distance but the mistake I found myself making was cutting back into my Lane when overtaking on the motorways. I’ve addressed this now but I have to keep practicing to make it routine.
The main thing I’ve noticed is I’m more aware of my speed especially when travelling through 30, 40 and 50 mph limits. Previously if I felt intimidated by someone hanging onto my rear bumper in a 30mph area, I would do the angry brake like flash to make them pull back. Actually I just maintain my speed now and don’t react other than making sure I create more space in front to allow an increased braking distance for my own escape route in case I need to emergency brake. It really does work and is so easy to do without feeling intimidated. It also prevents me from feeling that I need to speed up forcing myself to exceed the posted speed limit. How simple is this!!! 😂
One final technique I found really useful from your video was stopping behind traffic queues which extend around corners. I only had one scenario with this on my long journey but I found myself slowing down sooner and slower plus leaving a bigger gap in front. This then creates more space in front for me (4 cars length). Although cars pull up behind me in the queue and sit on my rear bumper at least I have plenty space in front to prevent being sandwiched in. This even works really well in the car but definitely see the benefits on the bike. I think this can be a real life saver as I’ve experienced a few close calls over the years with this type of scenario.
It’s amazing how these simple techniques can have such a major impact on potentially increasing my life expectancy !!!!
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and for helping me live longer and think more about about my own driving.
We can never stop learning and at 57 years young, I’ve just been reminded that I’m not as safe on the road as I thought I was which was a very useful awakening.
Cant wait for part 2 😀😀
Thanks again, really grateful 🙏🏻
@Cheeky Smurf thank you so much for this great reply. You are so right about the principles of car and bike.
Its very interesting to hear the difference made to someones drive or ride with a few simple tweaks. I also think what you have written here may also inspire other road users to think about how they use the road and whether to change a few things. This, in my opinion, will do a lot to improve road safety. So many thanks again for taking the time and trouble to write such an informative and interesting update. Very much appreciated. All the best
Sorry to be repetitive, but, yet again, another excellent video to get us all thinking and improve our chances of staying safe.
Thank you 😊
@stags7075 thank you for your comment, much appreciated. Ride safe
Another really useful, brilliantly explained video. I've been watching most of your riding skills videos over the last two weeks or so and I just passed my Mod 2, due in no small part to the advice given in your video series. Many thanks for putting these together - they are invaluable! Cheers
@Pete Healy Hi Pete, thank you for your comments. Congratulations on your Mod 2 pass, im glad the videos helped. Ride safe, all the best
Excellent video and I'm enjoying going through your others too. Returning to motorcycling after 30 years and have my CBT Mod 1 and Mod 2 all in August - I'll be overdosing on your videos - thanks for creating them - Maf in Brighton
@Maf Moors thank you, glad to hear you re returning to biking. I hope you enjoy your training and these videos are a helpful compliment to it. I wish you well with your Mod 1&2
@@MotorcyclePWR thanks - slightly anxious to hear that I will be doing my week's training on a Kawasaki Z650 - back in my day I thought we took the test on a 125cc - obviously times change - so slightly anxious but excited too!
@Maf Moors yes times have indeed changed! Im sure you will have a lot more fun on the 650, nice little bikes
Just how prevalent is tailgating? I use a road regularly and its an old railway line with concrete barriers to both sides so its hemmed in and a single carriageway in both directions. There is a 40 mph. speed limit and street light is some 40 metres apart so Its ideal for checking for tailgating. Vehicles [ restriction of HGVs over 7.5t] should be keeping at least one lamp post, that is at least 120ft. apart . Its about 1.5 miles long so it gives a good guide and as said I regularly check on just how many vehicles do follow closer than being one lamp post thus tailgating others in front of them.
Today I counted about 70 cars traveling towards me of which some 37 of those were actually within that 40 metre distance thus some 37 cars were actually tailgating.
Was there any reason for this ? No they could have spread themselves out, There was absolutely not need to drive so close to the vehicle in front. If anything had happened that caused any collision within that road and with it being surrounded by concrete then that road could have suffered multiple cars in a pile up that would have covered both carriageways and which would have possibly killed some people.
Tailgating is not just a small rear end bump as many drivers imagine. No, its is a killer and responsible for many collisions in towns and on our country roads. More than people can imagine Its the greatest danger faced on our roads today. Its the ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. Known and seen by all but those in power, the Police, the DVSA, Road Safety Partnerships and Training authorities totally fail to do anything about it.
Its something that I feel passionate about and have been striving for over a decade now to get someone or something to be done about it. Its needs a National Intervention. Getting everyone involved. Over a number of years of retraining all of our road users to recognise that its not just speed that kills. Its also the fundamental importance of Safe Stopping Distances as being vital to our safety on our roads.
If that is done we could dramatically reduce not only the death toll but the number of collisions we suffer annually. Just think of the Benefit by merely the giving of safe space. Benefits to our own health and everyone else's. , Of suffering less stress, lowering blood pressure, reducing anger, road rage and frustration and then the additional knock on benefit to our stretched N.H.S.
SAFE SPACE ALSO SAVES LIVES.
Had a lad in a poxy little Clio tailgate me on my GSXR600 on an A road, he was close enough for it to be uncomfortable and distract me from my riding, especially on the corners, where it was suitable i pulled over to position 1 and waved him past, he shot past, i caught up with him in a 40mph limit going into town and he was up the arse of the car in front of him, obviously it was just the way he drove, they have this mindset everything is slowing them down (regardless of the speed limit), there is more and more of them out there these days. I'm never in that much of a hurry for anything.
@Dingo617 thank you for your comment. Yes these people are out there everywhere arent they?! Better 5 minutes late than dead on time! Rider safe, al the best
Love this channel; always great advice
I fitted a 3 channel (front, rear, cabin & most of sides), camera system in my car AFTER an undesirable & truly dangerous tailgating related incident.....
....Inappropriate to go into more detail HERE. I regret not having cameras fiitted at the time.
I have resisted sharing my own thoughts re safest "appropriate" ways to deal with tailgating.
A very delicate & difficult topic area to give correct guidance &/or advice on.......Thank you👍
@AW8 sounds interesting, i often wish i had more cameras! Youre welcome, thanks for your comments
@@MotorcyclePWR 👍
This is such a fundamental topic, thank you so much. Recently I found myself being tailgated in dual carriageway and in waived sections and I reacted by overtaking the car in front and then after I thought that it was quite silly and had put myself in a pickle. So I went and search for one of your videos immediately. In fact I was asking myself, as a motorcyclist what conditions are reasonable conditions for overtaking? Most of the time there is no need to overtake, but yet people feel to do so just because they can… included myself
Many an overtake could be unnecessary as we don't NEED to, but WANT to or feel compelled to by training or by others. . There is no doubt that the Police [ ref. Roadcraft] in the 1930's thought that overtakes would be fairly rare on country roads with so little traffic and whatever traffic there was would be horse and cart or a small red tractor doing what say 10 mph.
How things have changed as we now suffer with about 50 million vehicles so its understandable that one can very easily come across a situation where an overtake is, and I say is, only a consideration. But if we don't and in many cases we actually drive behind others and of our own accord then we will not NEED to overtake but just pull back, give safe stopping distances and enjoy the ride and without putting our life or the lives of others at risk by overtaking.
Police Stats show us that every year some 8 persons die from a problem with an overtake. Is it worth it and for what reason? to make better progress ? to prove that one is not only an advanced ride but also possibly an idiot. ......
Just found this channel. It’s great thanks. What is the attachment to your helmet you are using for your camera?
Thank you Ian, much appreciated. Its a simple mount with 2x retaining straps that i got from ebay. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Helmet-Chin-Strap-Mount-for-GoPro-Hero-9-8-7-5-OSMO-Action-Camera-UK-/134190141658?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p4429486.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
There is a lot of sellers of this so not recommending, link for info on style only. Hope this helps
Great advice, love the videos 👍👍
Thank you so much for all useful videos 👍🙂
@beataprzybylska6402 Dziekuje bardzo! Im glad the videos are useful and thank you for the donation. Much appreciated.
Nice video again, thank you! I don’t think you mentioned the role of car makes. OK this is a bit tongue in cheek, but in my experience tailgating seems most prevalent amongst drivers of Audis, BMWs and Mercedes. Not so much Porsche funnily enough. Seeing one of these approaching in my mirrors, driven by a single male, immediately puts me on edge. Moving over is the only answer.
Also interesting is that my wife is frequently bullied by these moronic tailgaters in her Mini convertible, as am I when I drive it. But not when I drive my Ford Mustang.
@Charles McKinstry Hi Charles. thank you for your comments. Quite a lot of truth in your experience! Its strange how certain vehicles seem to have certain reactions or provocations! All the best
Hello, For the roundabout at 13:10 I would have thought you would need to stay in the outside lane while going round.
Would you say that this not so important, as long as you can see that no one is close behind you?
Thanks in advance, very insightful video.
Hi thanks for your comment. Yes, generally speaking, for cbt and test standard you are quite correct.
Here i "straight line" the roundabout which is taught post test if safe.
If you did it on test you would probably fail and if you had a collision then it would likely be deemed careless driving.
Thank you for your observations!
All the best
Unfortunately the DVSA and the Police advanced Roadcraft Manual are in some way responsible for all this Tailgating.
First the DVSA in their Handbook on Safer Driving The Essential Skills has a paragraph or two devoted on Separation distances at slow speeds of being able to pull closer to the vehicle in front in order to save valuable road space when apparently in a queue. That leaves drivers free to consider doing just that but all times when following another vehicle or vehicles around town. It advises that one can be the Thinking distance only which is generally at 30 mph some 30 ft. which is only only 1/3rd of the full stopping distance.
Then we have the police advanced rider who is taught that in a certain 3 part overtake its ok to be closer to the vehicle to be overtaken. In the main that distance is recognised by instructors as being only 1 second behind any vehicle that one intends, at some time in the future to overtake,. However the recommended safe following distance is that same stopping distance as per the H.C. and should be no less than the 2 second rule. If an overtake is tried or is not on it appears that now one can remain or return back to that much too close a position. One can continue to Tailgate until one fulfils the overtake at some time later or pulls back to a safe following distance once again. .Then this Tailgating position is repeated when one is again behind the next vehicle to overtaken.
What chance do we have if the DVSA and the POLICE and all Advanced Training bodies all advocate Tailgating.
Yet another really good video and I always pick up something new 👍 I was recently on the motorway in lane 1 and with hevey rain doing 50/55mph as it was that bad. In the mirror I had a HGV tanker that close I couldn't see his windscreen. Lane 2&3 were empty and I think he knew I was pissed off with him so he then passed and just for good measure cut me up meaning I had to slow more due to the spray.
Professional drivers should know better and should pay a higher price with a ban job or no job.
Funny you NEVER see anyone tailgating a police vehicle 🤣
@Richard Giles thank you for your comments. Sadly there is some awful stupidity on the roads.
Re your last comment, many years ago a police officer driving a marked vehicle stopped the car behind, opened the boot of the police car, and then invited the driver to climb in. The driver was somewhat confused, until the officer said "well you are so close to me I presumed you wished to get in!" Good old fashioned policing....
Firstly not condoning the HGV drivers actions, I've had many an argument on drivers forums about tailgating. I don't condone tailgating.
but as an HGV driver, I can understand the frustration you were causing.
You said your speed was 50 to 55 mph, as an HGV is limited to 56 mph, some companies set them even lower, 52mph seems common, you were putting the truck in a position where they possibly could overtake you then finding they couldn't when you when back up towards 55mph, that leads to frustration.
When you drive an HGV especially fully laden and under powered, like tankers often are, you're trying to keep it moving at a constant speed using the momentum to get you up even slight inclines, even coming off the power slightly can lose 10mph or more in an instant, on a decent hill it can mean the difference between maintaining 40mph or 20mph.
I get this a lot on the motorways even in good conditions, its really frustrating in a LHD truck, as you start planning the overtake, well ahead and have to take a great deal of care and observation to check nothing is hiding down the right hand side, you do this pull into the next lane only to see the vehicle pull away. So back into the left lane you go, only to find yourself catching the the vehicle again, and its rinse and repeat.
Finally you get alongside them and being in a LHD, you can see why they're driving so erratically, on the phone, talking to their passengers. reading paperwork, drinking the coffee they bought in the drive through at the last service area. and as you pull alongside they realise they're driving far slower than they want to and accelerate away, leaving sitting there with an empty lane beside you and no doubt in a mile or so, there they are again 47mph, so you go through the process again.
HGVs are the worst offenders. Many a time in fact there is't a day goes by that I don't see them Tailgating each other. Doing some 56 mph and being only some 20 ft. behind another HGV. if one tries to get off a motorway that action of several HGVs makes it extremely dangerous to others. Plus if you are in front of one be aware that they can take up to 3 times the distance that a car can to stop in and being so heavy they will not stop if they hit you they will literally ride over you and that has happened more often than one would think.
2.48. Soft top Moggie!
It happened me sitting to cross over at a roundabout a young doll had stopped behind me cause car were coming from the right they had right away and the next thing I felt this bang in the back of me she dident do any damage to me she hit the back wheel knocked of her number plate good job I wasent so slow I holding on my front brake or she would have sent me into the traffic going round the roundabout
Thank you.
Great videos 👍 Would be great to have you as a instructor
@Wesley Salter thank you, much appreciated.
Hi! Came across this segment today.
It's a great reminder to all riders n drivers alike for rear traffic awareness and protection.
At 05:00 and 06:00, noticed the centre of the lane stop at the traffic lights. Would it not be better to stop either the left or right of the lane, instead of the centre for the same scenario?
Hi and thank you for your comments.
Yes, its a good observation and i consider positioning in the way that you describe depending on all hazards. In this case i would be creating more space from waiting vehicles on my left, and considered a more rightward position may have delayed the view of me to other vehicles as it was on a roundabout. One advantage of a more central position is to prevent another road user coming alongside, which incredibly happens! But had i had a vehicle in front of me i would have been more likely to use a fend off position to either left or right.
All the best
Thanks for your prompt response. It does make sense. In any case, I remain clutched in on 1st gear at least until traffic to the rear has come to a halt. Cheers.
Thank you great video 📹
@Tony Knowler thanks Tony
Child’s play. Come drive here in Sicily. 😂
😂👍
Hello sir can you do a video of what gear for what speed and when and where to change and what gear to be in etc thanks !
Thank you, i did this video a while ago, hope it helps? ruclips.net/video/oFsCX1H5uBM/видео.html all the best
Surely in snow and icy conditions police motorcyclist find a car or a desk to avoid danger?
In my day bikers would take out cars in those conditions for sure
Police motorcyclists rarely if ever go out in such bad weather conditions, the roads have to be good and as safe as possible. They know of the dangers and of the nature of many drivers as regards to using our roads with any degree of safety so forget it. get into a car and remain safe for another day.
Part of the "temptation" to tailgate is caused by really, really poor lane discipline. The M1 is a classic. Slow lane is often empty and drivers are trying to get around the congested "snake" of cars in the middle lane. As a motorcyclist, we leave space in front of us and try to ensure space behind but this is just a temptation for drivers to cut in, often without signalling, both in front and behind you into the space you have worked hard to create !!! I heard that the Police can now enforce lane discipline, is that the case ?? I think, if it happened more regularly, if there was a way to enforce this more often maybe with cameras picking this up too, it would make tailgating less common or easier to avoid and life for motorcyclists far safer !??
No its just poor safety at all times. The greatest danger is actually not the speed but the constant Tailgating that goes on and the inability to see further ahead of any potential dangers that may be occurring further than the bumper of the vehicle in front..
A lot of drivers are just numpties with little brain and will stay mile after mile at the rear of any other vehicle and drive with little or no consideration for their or others safety. Many drivers just totally fail to realise or recognise that what they are doing is WRONG and dangerous. ..
Yes I ride a lot on the inside lane, keeping up with HGVs and in the event of an emergency have the hard shoulder for extra safety. Most other traffic leave the inside lane free for HGVs, caravans and sometimes one gets a slow moving trailer doing the legal limit or 60 mph. but they ate rare and they are usually going faster in the middle lane.
So its a quiet inside lane and space to stop in that will do for me. No longer blasting with the others at speeds in excess of 80 mph on the fast lane. I am also aware that in the middle lane there will be tailgating and that could end up with some drivers, being unable to stop they may swerve to their nearside and into my land so I watch out for the possibility of stalls or slow down or other potential dangers ahead of them and me .
I like to get to my destination with as little danger or incident as I can. thank goodness for the quieter slow or inside lane.
Probably not the best technique, however, I’ve found on minor roads, if I rapidly counter-steer waggle the bike a few times, the car driver behind gets discombobulated by the manoeuvre and backs right off, works every time!
@Moto Maggs ah interesting, I can imagine!!
I have commented on tailgating for at least 15 years and nothing is actually done about it by the powers that be., Very rarely drivers are prosecuted for tailgating even tho they have been involved in a collision and the cause was that they were driving too close to the vehicle in front and unable to stop. So if they are not being prosecuted and other are not aware of the danger that they are placing themselves and others in then it continues unabated. .
Part of the problem is in training., In the DVSA Handbook of Essential Skills there is a small chapter on Separation distances and in that chapter, tho it warns that keeping safe stopping distance is important that if you are in slow moving traffic perhaps in a queue in town then to SAVE VALUABLE ROAD SPACE one should drive the THINKING DISTANCE only behind the vehicle in front. Now that at 30 mph would only be some 30 ft behind whereas the safer stopping distance is, according to the DVSA is of being some 98 ft. or 30 metres behind. A very very large differential. So you tell me which is going to be safer the THINKING DISTANCE or the recommended Stopping distance.? After that it does warn one that being less than the Stopping Distance could place one in danger.
That said if for decades ADIs have been teaching the separation distance around town. It then stands to reason why so many drivers know about being closer to the car in front and they also see others doing it and it then becomes the norm for most drivers to do it as they know no different. I would say that in my estimation some 40 % of drivers nowadays tailgate as of a norm and that makes for very dangerous conditions on our road when there need not be, We saw from this video that one can ride a bike and drive other vehicles and still keep up with traffic and maintain speed and also maintain a good safe distance and if one can do it all can do it.
@r craven thank you for raising this. I agree. This is a classic case of road safety vs practicality in congested areas. Unfortunately the double standards are most unhelpful and most drivers have zero interest in driving and road safety. Once the test is passed they will show no interest whatsoever and getting from A to B in any manner they see fit is the priority. All the best
I alway have a camera in my car so maybe for the same reason I should get a camera for my motorcycle
I very gradually slow down if somebody is blatantly driving closely I would never dab the brakes.....I try and encourage them to pass me by getting bored.....if I really feel in danger I will pull over and stop.
I am a class one 44ton truck driver.....and sadly more and more truck drivers are tailgating......pure madness.
The new law were we are req to stop to let people cross at a junction.....is causing a real danger.....as drivers are not expecting cars ect to stop in the middle of a busy road if they are turning left and the see a person waiting to cross.
Sorry but to me its a bad law.....I bet rear end shunt figures are going up hugly.
Best way to deter them is a nice loud exhaust 😊
Having cameras giving out fines and points for prolonged tailgating seems a great idea (shame it won’t be on B roads)…
People need punishment or threat to learn sadly - there’s just no need to be that close, especially at speed or slowing…