Do you practice higher-order safety while you drive? As a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoach, I have begun to look closer at my actions to see if I practice what I preach. During my most recent travels both on two wheels and inside a car, I have been extremely mindful of my practices as I guide my vehicles on the roadway. First and foremost has been following all signs, including the speed limit.
In a car, there is anonymity as the car represents who I am by being courteous, following traffic rules, and being conscious of speed has eased my tension in traffic. By allowing others to move around or choose their behaviors in driving without getting too wrapped up at the moment.
On the motorcycle, I purposely wear MSF labeled gear to signify, even to myself, I can maintain a safer idea of how I drive. Allowing others not only to see my behaviors but understand – perhaps – I am willing to be a good model while riding in traffic. The stress has decreased. I am enjoying driving and seeing the road, the people, and the world where we live.
From a safety perspective, beyond driving in a considerate manner, I do not feel rushed. Not being hurried gives me time to anticipate the other driver’s actions as hazards appear on the road. There is a better flow allowing more thought and response instead of having emotional reactions to situations. The internal conversations reflect the environment, calm, well thought, and risk mitigated. Moreover, former concerns over law enforcement “catching” me in the act are non-existent, reducing crash factors yet again.
So, the question is, why practice higher-order safety? For me, it is to reduce the potential for crashing and be able to deal with the complex factors of the modern driving environment. I have a family that relies on my good judgment to get them where we are going. I have no desire to create a situation where they are hurt or injured, or they have to mourn the loss of a loved one because of my bad judgment. The second question then becomes, do you practice risk management when you drive, and for whom do you do it?
