Depending upon what your climate is like is a big big factorDon't know how many vehicles, but the little town here, 39k population, averages about 10 fatalities per year.
Nope. . . . we just drive like idiots.Depending upon what your climate is like is a big big factor . . . .
I am always amazed at the level of chaos at the driving in Asia. What is the reasoning behind this? Surely the population can see the dangers behind this kind of driving?Compared to here my friend.
On my first drive of 800km here I saw three dead by collision, heavies and buses overtaking on approach to brows, bends and oncoming vehicles forced off the road by buses when they could be clearly seen on a 1 kilometer straight. I personally had to stop once and leave the road once on entry to a bend.
I make swift progress and don't miss many overtakes, but I was being overtaken where only someone with a death wish or a firm belief that rubbing a cross really can ensure you get to your destination. Delivery trucks overtaking a 2004 "unicorn'' STi Forester and the clear expectation I would shoehorn them out of whatever situation they barreled into - which I did.
WARNING!!! do not watch if easily upset (ADMIN please remove if not suitable viewing...)
Unfortunately there is often someone doing something borderline dangerous approximately every 5 km or less. Great training ground though.
Seeing the dangers. . . . doesn't mean that they understand the dangers. It's the ol' "it won't happen to me" thing. Once again, not exclusive to Asia. I also think that SHUMBA is likely correct about the lack of enforcement being a contributing factor.I am always amazed at the level of chaos at the driving in Asia. What is the reasoning behind this? Surely the population can see the dangers behind this kind of driving?
Ha ha....y'all got a 80 MPH or 130 KPH speed limit in Texas....Nope. . . . we just drive like idiots.
Yup, nothing like human nature.Seeing the dangers. . . . doesn't mean that they understand the dangers. It's the ol' "it won't happen to me" thing. Once again, not exclusive to Asia. I also think that SHUMBA is likely correct about the lack of enforcement being a contributing factor.
You are both correct. There are obviously many contributing factors but mainly boils down to attitude, as 75% of collisions are attributable human error could be avoided.Seeing the dangers. . . . doesn't mean that they understand the dangers. It's the ol' "it won't happen to me" thing. Once again, not exclusive to Asia. I also think that SHUMBA is likely correct about the lack of enforcement being a contributing factor.
No driving culture? No incentive to improve? Resistance to change? Attitude?I am always amazed at the level of chaos at the driving in Asia. What is the reasoning behind this? Surely the population can see the dangers behind this kind of driving?
It's not just Asia, it's most of the world and when there are accidents they come from not a lack of enforcement but a lack of raw MONEY. You're writing from a place of putting money into the entire transportation infrastructure of roads, signals, training and license, police for enforcement, etc. It takes tax money to have the things we in the west enjoy, especially as things get more congested.I am always amazed at the level of chaos at the driving in Asia. What is the reasoning behind this? Surely the population can see the dangers behind this kind of driving?
All true.Once you've done it for a while and understand true fender driving
Gotta look into these books.You are both correct. There are obviously many contributing factors but mainly boils down to attitude, as 75% of collisions are attributable human error could be avoided.
Enforcement: I often encounter Filipinos that double down on the chaotic road situation being irreversible here. I point out to them that virtually all Filipinos can change their attitude and driving instantly to make driving safer and more pleasurable. The self-entitled attitude that prevails throughout the majority of the Philippines invariably stops as soon as they enter Subic. Subic has enforcers that jump on any violation and make flouting the law an expensive and time consuming proposition. When I mention Subic it is always a moment of ''oh yeah....." enlightenment.
Understanding the dangers: The other common problem is the the worldwide Shaggy "Wasn't Me" attitude. Weather, others actions, etc, are all pointed at when something unexpected happens. The key word is "unexpected", as we should all look to ourselves for answers to why a close call or collision occurs - what was my contribution to getting into that scenario...what did I miss? Self-reflection is a great tool for improvement and avoidance of repeating the same error again. If you do not have the ability to analyze what your contribution to the shock moment was, the probability of repetition is pretty much 100% guaranteed.
I am often driving/riding at half the speed (or less) of others here in hazard rich environments. The ability of 90% of the road users (pedestrians, drivers, riders) to wander/ride/drive into situations without thinking about what is happening and expecting others to sort everything out is commonplace.
Then, of course there are the machismo, look-at-me element that feel they are impervious to the laws of Nature understeering into the scenery (let Darwin sort that one out).
Anyone interested in self-preservation would do well to read: Mind Driving: New Skills for Staying Alive on the Road [Haley, Stephen]. The majority of the content is known but can improve your life expectancy immeasurably if you need a tweak here and there. Also, the entry level guide to the building blocks to becoming a well-rounded rider with a proven systematic approach are the Roadcraft publications: Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook [The Police Foundation]
Yes, on the video they have played over here, people must have their cars on cruise while they telephoned their wives. Girlfriends, boyfriends and stock brokers because nobody was braking! Unbelievable!The videos were definitely pretty shocking, no one wants to slow down
Gotta warn you. They're not a sexy read. But full of insight and knowledge. Roadcraft systems of vehicle control have been refined over decades and police forces worldwide have visited the Met Police Proving Grounds at Hendon over the years to glean more insight into the techniques used.Gotta look into these books.
I'm a firm believer in learning how to ride properly and frequently practicing your riding skills by conducting manoeuvres in a quiet parking lot...
SHUMBA
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Yup, nothing better than a well trained motor officer. Don't try and outside one.Gotta warn you. They're not a sexy read. But full of insight and knowledge. Roadcraft systems of vehicle control have been refined over decades and police forces worldwide have visited the Met Police Proving Grounds at Hendon over the years to glean more insight into the techniques used.
Yeah, it bugs me when someone tells me that they've ridden bikes their whole life. . . . and the last time they rode was 10 years ago. Just because you started as a kid, doesn't mean you've been riding your whole life. Back when I was working, and I returned from a short vacation, I could tell I had picked up some "rust". Of course it didn't take long to get rid of it, but if I got rusty in just a few weeks. . . . how much rust is do people get after a few months. . . . years?Yup, nothing better than a well trained motor officer. Don't try and outside one.
The majority of riders I know, after they get their motorcycle license, they cease to practice rider techniques and continue to learn and then they don't ride very often, hence their riding skillsets diminish to very poor levels.
I think all riders owe it to themselves to take a little "refresher training" at the beginning of a new riding season. Even if it means going to a vacant parking lot and practice a few maneuvers. Have a buddy coach you. . . .
There are many like this, "oh yea, I've been a ridin for years and years" so "why y'all duck walkin in yo U turns?"Yeah, it bugs me when someone tells me that they've ridden bikes their whole life. . . . and the last time they rode was 10 years ago. Just because you started as a kid, doesn't mean you've been riding your whole life. Back when I was working, and I returned from a short vacation, I could tell I had picked up some "rust". Of course it didn't take long to get rid of it, but if I got rusty in just a few weeks. . . . how much rust is do people get after a few months. . . . years?
My next door neighbor just bought an '04 VTX 1300. He is in his 70s. . . . and hasn't ridden since the '70s. He is a great guy, but has rolled two of his riding lawnmowers. He agreed to take the MSF course, (mandatory for a license in TX) but I saw him a couple days later taking of down the road.