Motorcycle Story
Pro-Active Riding / Expecting the Unexpected

By Thomas Rossetti

For those of us who have mastered the art of riding in Pattaya, the practise of riding pro-actively and expecting the unexpected is mostly done on a subconscious level. By this I mean, riding in a way that anticipates what could be a dangerous situation before it happens and changing what could have been an inevitable outcome.

Still, by analyzing the process and becoming more aware of the mechanics of the exercise, we become more proficient and invariably ride safer. I've come to realize for example that vehicular accidents are seldom created by only one mistake but rather are usually brought about by a sequence of events that can be traced and could have been prevented. If for example, you notice that a vehicle in front of traffic ahead of you is attempting to make a right turn you can think proactively and assume that most likely those cars and motorcycles ahead of you will try to pass this turning vehicle regardless of whether or not they signal their intent.

This is Thailand and thinking that most of these people will be patient and wait for the turn to occur is simply not likely. Trying to go around these cars ahead of you will need to be done very carefully if at all to not be pushed into parked vehicles on your left or worst still be hit by those passing vehicles. This happened to me once time when I was in my car and even though I signalled my intent to pass, a motorcycle with three people racing at an excessive speed, decided to try to beat me through the pass. This resulted in an accident that fortunately was not serious or costly. In this situation, you will even notice that some motorcycles will even try to pass the turning vehicle on the right side which for them is a recipe for disaster. The Driver of the car also will need to make his turn carefully to avoid a collision created by this foolhardy manoeuvre. Any sudden decision to turn by any participants in this story could also create a chain reaction that could be challenging as well.

The point is, there are always a sequence of events that usually create the end result of an accident that can be prevented by thinking proactively and stopping the sequence. There are other assumptions that can be made after you've been here awhile that become very obvious. Many of the motorcycle delivery companies for example are a real danger on the roads as they dash and dart around to reach their destination. Knowing this and being anywhere in their vicinity can lead to a less than desirable outcome. The challenge is seeing them before they are already on top of you. Moto-Taxis fall into this category as well. Being pro-active and expecting the unexpected is the best practise you can exercise in these situations. It simply doesn't make sense to be anywhere in their vicinity if you don't have to be. I have found that the real experienced Riders practice this method of safety to such a point that they are basically creating their own "riding environment". We are truly the master of our own riding destinies but need to continually exercise our minds and riding techniques to survive the streets of Pattaya.

Search, predict, act and ride safe and enjoy.

Motorcycle StoryPro-Active Riding / Expecting the Unexpected

Motorcycle Story
Pro-Active Riding / Expecting the Unexpected