The Killing Zone

[snayl135]

I’m going to bring up a touchy subject but important one... I see lots of videos of people on their Rykers cutting corners on blind turns, riding too close without a space cushion or riding next to other vehicles on multi-lane highways . I’m guilty of these as well from time to time if I let my guard down.

But when I flew small airplanes there was a book called The Killing Zone - How and Why Pilots Die. Basically when you are new and don’t have many hours under your belt - your training is fresh... you do all the checklists, you check the weight and balance - then do it again, then again, you check the fuel burn, you check the weather, you plan for emergencies - then you do it all again before that flight - then you take the flight... you are not taking risks, no shortcuts. And if you find yourself doing that - then you don’t fly that day. That keeps you and everyone else alive.

But after a few hundred hours of experience... you start to get sloppy... you take shortcuts.. you guesstimate things - why? Because it turned out ok in the past and why would it be any different now?

That’s The Killing Zone - you are more likely to die because we get comfortable- over confident and desensitized to the risks we took the previous times abs it all turned out ok.

I think it is good to keep in mind that after we have some experience - we are not immune to The Killing Zone. Don’t get sloppy. Don’t cross that center line on a blind curve just because it turned out ok last time. Don’t stay in that blind spot just because usually you are seen or because you have the right of way. Don’t stay too close to the guy in front of you.

Anyway - just a safety reminder for us - myself included. I enjoy watching Ryker (and Spyder) videos .. but stay safe. Let’s be good examples to the riding community !

[Plarimer]

As one who has cracked up a couple airplanes and some two wheelers I really enjoyed your post. People who get complacent, die. Now that I’m older my pre-flights are better.

[ARtraveler]

Like they used to say on Hill Street Blues...."Be Careful Out There."

Drive like everyone is out to get you...some are.

[ziggy]

Exactly....As an Ex-Army helicopter pilot, we had a saying. "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots....but no old bold pilots"
Same for us motorcycle riders.

[rush1967]

The “Smith System” is quite an informative driving program (designed for cars). I also took the NJ Rider course about 20 years ago and I still feel that helps with motorcycle and auto driving. You never forget “head checks”.

[canamjhb]

I don't recall the exact statistics, but most accidents happen close to home on familiar roads. Kinda the same thing the OP is saying. The guard gets let down when we think we are in a safe environment..... Jim

[chris56]

if you ride behind a Spyder/Ryker it looks more dangorous that it is .. here in the Alps a lot of motorcaycles using the maximum of the roads ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnN_EeNdGyk&t=5s

[CsOldGrayDog]

The “Smith System” is quite an informative driving program (designed for cars). I also took the NJ Rider course about 20 years ago and I still feel that helps with motorcycle and auto driving. You never forget “head checks”.

I learned more in the pa rider coarse I took way to many years ago than any training I had been given in a car. They stressed the accident chain principles, and what is contained in the Smith system. I never rode or drove the same, always ahead of where I am , what do I if, do not expect they
see me. I still enjoy my rides and drives even pushing the edges, but I'm safer. Be safe have fun.

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

Was on a group ride a few years ago in the Ozarks of MO, about three spyders behind a nice couple. He was, on EVERY curve, on the wrong side of the road ... not all were blind curves, but many were. When we got to our destination, I walked up and cautioned him about doing that ... especially in the Ozarks because car drivers have a bad habit of doing the same (I was not the only one ... at least three others did the same). Her response, "I trust him." On the way back to the rally site, I just made sure I was in front of them as I did not want to be witness to, nor get caught up in, the inevitable accident. It didn't happen on that ride .... to me, it's only a matter of time, though.

Excellent topic, and timely reminder.

All the best .......... Ann

[Plarimer]

Most accidents happen within 3 miles of home and in the first 1100 miles of driving a new car. Maybe I should move a lot and not buy a new car

[Plarimer]

The first thing I always checked was the Jesus nut

[Dgdecker]

To me crossing the center line is either a sloppy riding attitude or poor skills - very bad “habit” to get into. Once in a great while we all do - but is best considered an error.

[askitee]

I’m going to bring up a touchy subject but important one... I see lots of videos of people on their Rykers cutting corners on blind turns, riding too close without a space cushion or riding next to other vehicles on multi-lane highways . I’m guilty of these as well from time to time if I let my guard down.

But when I flew small airplanes there was a book called The Killing Zone - How and Why Pilots Die. Basically when you are new and don’t have many hours under your belt - your training is fresh... you do all the checklists, you check the weight and balance - then do it again, then again, you check the fuel burn, you check the weather, you plan for emergencies - then you do it all again before that flight - then you take the flight... you are not taking risks, no shortcuts. And if you find yourself doing that - then you don’t fly that day. That keeps you and everyone else alive.

But after a few hundred hours of experience... you start to get sloppy... you take shortcuts.. you guesstimate things - why? Because it turned out ok in the past and why would it be any different now?

That’s The Killing Zone - you are more likely to die because we get comfortable- over confident and desensitized to the risks we took the previous times abs it all turned out ok.

I think it is good to keep in mind that after we have some experience - we are not immune to The Killing Zone. Don’t get sloppy. Don’t cross that center line on a blind curve just because it turned out ok last time. Don’t stay in that blind spot just because usually you are seen or because you have the right of way. Don’t stay too close to the guy in front of you.

Anyway - just a safety reminder for us - myself included. I enjoy watching Ryker (and Spyder) videos .. but stay safe. Let’s be good examples to the riding community !

A man and wisdom on the same page as I.

Some very wise words, I do hope more pilots (winged or wheeled) like you are on journeys with me.

[Zoot]

I don't recall the exact statistics, but most accidents happen close to home on familiar roads. Kinda the same thing the OP is saying. The guard gets let down when we think we are in a safe environment..... Jim

Reminds me of that old saying... Since most accidents happen within 5 miles of home, you'd be safer if you moved!