Road safety not just for drivers

[totalmotorcycle]

Road safety not just for drivers
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 - BY Charlene Gatt - Star News Group - starnewsgroup.com.au



WITH the silly season upon us the road toll looks set to climb – and it’s not only drivers who are involved in the road carnage.

The opening weekend of December was disastrous for motorcyclists, with six motorcycle crashes and five fatalities throughout Melbourne.

However, a training base in Tullamarine is keen to remove bad motorcycle habits, encouraging all riders to brush up on their riding skills and make this the safest year yet.

Honda Australia Roadcraft Training (HART) is a not-for-profit organisation that trains more than 8000 motorcyclists each year.

HART is also responsible for the training and maintenance of the 6400 Australia Post delivery workers, who undergo training exercises every two years.

The centre, which opened in 1989, is part of an international campaign to make riders street smart.

Located in Sharps Rd, the facility provides introductory and refresher courses for riders of all ages, with a focus on defensive skills.

But don’t expect to be able to walk away after a couple of hours with a learner’s permit or licence.

“We’re not gonna cut any corners; we’re gonna give the real deal of full training,” HART national manager Mark Collins said.

Operations coordinator Grant Carr said even the most experienced motorcyclist could benefit from some of the courses, which ranged from beginner to advanced.

“We work on your mindset, your skills, getting out of trouble, staying out of trouble,” Mr Carr said.

State-of-the art motorcycle simulators are part of HART’s unique program, which combines both theory and practical training.

According to Mr Carr, the simulators are fundamental to riders in picking up hazard perception skills.

“Riding a motorcycle is different from driving a car,” he said.

“People pull out in front of you and they don’t do it deliberately, it’s just they don’t see you, and that comes down to your lane position and where you sit, and that’s what the simulators show you.”

Mr Carr said the team was hoping to introduce on-road training for those obtaining their licences by February.

[JC Viper]

They just don't look. There fixed that for ya.