If A Collision Is Imminent, Do Something - Suzuki SV650 Manual

Helmets do not reduce essential
vision or hearing. Generally, hel-
mets do not cause or intensify
injury if you crash. Helmets simply
help your skull protect your intelli-
gence, your memory, your per-
sonality, and your life.
Your eyesight is equally valuable.
Wearing suitable eye protection
can help keep
unblurred by the wind and save
your eyes from airborne hazards
like bugs, dirt, or pebbles kicked
up by tires.
IF A COLLISION IS IMMINENT,
DO SOMETHING
Many riders fear locking up their
brakes or haven't learned to
swerve to avoid an accident.
Many inexperienced riders (and
too many seasoned riders) use
only their rear brake in an emer-
gency, resulting in unnecessary
impacts in some cases and
unnecessarily high impact speeds
in other cases. Your rear brake
can only provide about 30% of
your motorcycle's potential stop-
ping power. The front and rear
brakes can and should be used
together to maximize braking
effectiveness.
your vision
1-3
Experienced motorcyclists learn
to "cover" the front brake lever by
lightly resting a couple of fingers
over the lever when riding in traffic
and near intersections to give
their reaction time a head start.
Emergency stopping and swerv-
ing are techniques that you
should practice and master before
you find yourself in an emergency
situation. The best place to prac-
tice such techniques is in a con-
trolled environment such as the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation's
(MSF) rider training courses. The
MSF's Motorcycle Rider Courses
(fundamental
Experienced
(advanced strategies)
hands-on instruction of the basic
principles of motorcycling and a
variety of accident-avoidance
maneuvers. Even a seasoned
motorcyclist can improved his or
her riding skills, and pick up a few
new skills, through these courses.
Some insurance companies even
offer discounts to course gradu-
ates.
techniques) and
Rider Courses
present