Hey bike fans, Rossey here again to talk to you about being distracted on the road.
While phones are now pretty much an extension of ourselves, they become a huge distraction while driving or riding. But we’re here to talk about riding aren’t we.
While driving a car, sometimes you have your phone in a cradle, and when it rings, or a notification comes up, you look away for a second to see who it is. Or maybe a notification has popped up that your hair products will be delivered today, whatever. But in a car, you have four wheels to keep you balanced, and a cocoon of safety around you… not the case on a motorcycle.
Now with that all-encompassing need to have your phone on constant display, motorcycle accessory manufacturers have produced phone holders for motorcycles, where the phone is literally attached to the handlebars in perfect view of the rider. Now, that might be ok for a seasoned rider, who can almost ride with their eyes closed (not recommended), but to those who are less experienced it’s not the best idea.
Safe riding behaviours promotes awareness, always look in the direction of travel, keep your head up and eyes level. Having a phone screen facing you while riding could cause a significant distraction for the rider, taking away your concentration from the task of riding to concentrate on who might have texted you, or did my hair gel arrive? Just a note, I am bald, so I’m not expecting any hair products any time soon.
The same goes with Bluetooth Headsets, although very convenient for listening to music and taking calls, this can also be very distracting. So here are a couple of tips for using your Bluetooth Headset with your phone.
1. Set up your music prior to riding, so you don’t have to touch your headset to make changes.
2. Set your phone to automatic answer with Bluetooth devices, this way if you are receiving a call, you don’t have to touch your headset to answer to it.
3. Put your phone in your jacket, Tank bag or luggage compartments, so you can’t see the screen. Unless you’re trying to avoid a debt collector or the Ex, you will soon know who’s calling when you answer it.
4. If you are a new rider, don’t use Bluetooth headsets, stow your phone away and forget about it.
I’m not saying don’t use these devices, and I know most of you will probably use them anyway, but I hope my advice will just help you do it safer, and think before being distracted by your phone.
Another distraction can also be Pillion Passengers, but we will talk about that next time on Geared to Ride, But for now, stay shiny side up, and Ride your own Ride, I’m Rossey, and I’m going to get you Geared to Ride.
