SMIDSY, or Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You is a constant worry for motorcycle riders. This accident is easily avoidable, in order to understand why they occur, riders need to be trained to spot tell-tale signs and know how to deal with these situations. This video teaches riders to do both.
Two Common Causes of the SMIDSY
We are introduced to Dennis who represents the average 4 wheeled vehicle driver. He's been driving for years and has not been involved in a collision but in the video he's going to pull out in front of a rider.
Looming and camouflage are two reasons that could cause Dennis to do this.
Looming
The video demonstrates that a motorcycle and rider starts out being very small in a driver's field of vision. As it nears the vehicle it gets big very quickly surprising the driver and causing them to brake suddenly, stopping in the path of the rider.
Camouflage
The image of a rider and their motorcycle is made up of lots of small parts against a background that is complex and also made up of many small parts. This breaks up the outline of the rider and makes it difficult for drivers to identify it as it approaches.
The video suggests that Dennis does not take enough time to really look for anything less than a large object like a car or truck.
Avoiding a SMIDSY
The video recommends using the SIAM or SMIDSY Identification and Avoidance Maneuver to increase a rider's visibility to the driver. Weaving back and forth in the lane creates movement against the rider's background that is much easier to detect for the driver.
Watch the Video
Learn More
Understanding look but failed to see collisions that commonly occur between riders and drivers at intersections.
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