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Shortly after buying and viewing the DVD “Police Advanced Riding Techniques” a motorcyclist and his pillion passenger escaped being killed by following just one of the simple techniques he had seen and heard on the DVD.

Not long after receiving the DVD “Police Advanced Riding Techniques” in the post, Stuart Jones of Aberdeen was out for a ride with his partner on the pillion. As he topped the last blind summit of the roller-coaster section of Glenshee in Scotland he was suddenly confronted by a Range Rover overtaking straight towards him on his side of the road.

“It was closer than it sounds” Stuart wrote, “but at the same time, due to your “Picking Daisies” commentary, I was far enough into the side of the road never to be in trouble. SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR DVD and for me being able to grow a little older and still enjoy life”.

This is the fifth rider who has been in touch stating that this feature had saved their lives.

[dasies daisys]

 

Picking daises is a phrase I use meaning riding close as possible to the nearside, on the approach to acute blind summits, and gradual blind summits.

If we take any blind summit one should ask ones self what is the worst scenario? May I suggest to you that the worst being a vehicle out of your sight overtaking a vehicle which places the overtaking vehicle on your side of the road. If you could calculate his speed combined with your speed which equals closing speed, should the two meet it would invariably mean a fatal accident for the rider.

This kind of situation has never confronted me but I am always prepared for it.

I have had three students who have contacted me to say that this position has saved their lives. It does happen as I have dealt with accidents in this situation.

If you think about this situation I think you will agree with me that on a motorcycle picking daises on a blind summit is far safe that being in a four wheeled vehicle.

What I suggest to my students on the approach to a blind summit is first think about the scenario.

Position to the nearside. (Picking Daises) Check your mirror. Adjust your speed with accurate throttle control; select the gear for the speed as you reach the brow. You would more than likely be still slowing down as you gain a view over the brow (This initiates the first stages of the breaking mechanism just in case you require to break) As the view comes in, mirror, accelerate and move into the next position.

Again this will be a combination of accurate movements and control, which flows smoothly and skilfully.

With an acute blind summit there is normally no visual point at all.

I have been asked many times “What if there is a stationary vehicle or obstruction is over the other side of the brow?) Let me assure every rider, which you can check out for yourselves, your eyes will be in contact with any obstruction well before your machine reaches it. This will give you time to react, either by changing direction or breaking.

I would ask you to consider, if you were to the middle of the road would you have time to break or change direction with a vehicle coming towards you? I know what position I recommend.

There are always variables to every situation regarding position. For example you would certainly consider your position if there was a junction on the nearside anywhere near the summit. There may be debris, which would cause you to reconsider or maybe a pedal cyclist. In all cases planning on what to do is down to the rider. The important thing is you think about it, evaluate it, and make a decision. It is better to make the wrong decision than no decision at all.

 

Gradual summit.

A gradual blind summit is a summit where you cannot see over the brow but other features such as hedges or the movement of other vehicles show you that the view is not restricted enough for you to give your position up. You will be able to judge distances. This is important because you should be making a decision on whether you would have adequate time to move from that position should a high speed vehicle suddenly appear overtaking towards you. If in doubt 'pick daisies'. DON’T TAKE CHANCES

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