Motion Camouflage

Sorry if this has been posted before, I did a site search and didn't find any mention of it.

Still, it's a bloody useful bit of information to have and might help someone avoid this kind of thing (aka SMIDSY's).
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(Although in saying that, I'm sure no-one in here ever does 155mph on a public highway as that bloke was )

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In a nutshell: At a certain distance, you are virtually hidden in the background clutter to drivers waiting to pull out of a junction because you are pretty much moving directly towards them. They could be looking right at you, but it just doesn't register in their minds.
When it does register though is when you get closer and (from their point of view) begin to move sideways against the background.
That's usually when they slam on the brakes halfway out of the junction and you plant your sternum on their 'A' Pillar.

As you get peeled off the road on the other side of the car you'll hear the timeless excuse "Sorry Mate I Didn't See You!".

What author of the article is saying, is that you should consider weaving left or right a small amount when approaching busy T junctions in order to break the effect.

I've used it since I read it and believe it does work...especially on Friday afternoons when it seems that the only thing in every drivers minds are the dozen coldies they have sitting in the fridge.

Too true.

155mph is asking for trouble.
No-one stood a chance.

I normally move towards the centre of the road approaching a junction in the bike or car. Always slow down a bit more on the bike. It won't hurt any less if you had right of way !!!!!

Rosco

i have a small stubby exhaust so i think they hear me before they see me well thats what the officer said
quote ive been waiting for you for 5 mins
pete

cards wrote:
ive been waiting for you for 5 mins

As the traffic cop said to the Aussie speeder:

Cop: "I've been waiting all morning to catch you!"
Speeder: "I got here as fast as I could!"

Good post.

Ross's comments are spot. Keep speed to appropriate levels for the conditions. Move to the middle of the road away from emerging traffic - that goes for junctions and driveways. It just gives you a bit more time to react if needed and, as said, that movement might just be enough to catch the drivers eye.

That, plus all the other 'tricks' to make you self more noticeable: headlight, exhaust note, hi-viz clothing, horn....

As they say 'Every little helps'. Enjoy the season and stay safe.

I'm not a fan of the hi-vis stuff myself, but that's horses for courses I suppose.

It could actually prove detrimental...
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I like the high viz stuff as it makes drivers think I'm a traffic cop and get out the way!

Not sure what they think of the yellow Mohican though!

Rosco