How do you handle a panic situation?

[Sicko]

I'd like to hear from those who have been in a situation that called for, not thought but fast, instinctual, action?

Were you able to use what you learned in MSF or did you do what most people without MSF would do? In other words, did you panic?

Did you go down? Thinking about it after the fact, could you have avoided going down it you handled the situation differently?

Have you ever experience target fixation or any other no no they talked about in MSF?

And most important of all, if you reacted to an emergency situation in the wrong way, do you think you would get it right if it were to happen again?

O heck. Maybe this belongs in the Experienced riders forum. Mods move if you think it does.

[storysunfolding]

I think this is a topic that reinforces the important of taking your first steps in riding by starting with formal instruction like the BRC.

When you teach yourself or learn with your friends you are more likely to start picking up bad technique or learn bad habits. Then you have to unlearn them, learn the correct technique and practice it enough that it supercedes your previous reactions.

Starting out with good habits/techniques and learning correct motorskills early with continual reinforcement such as a monthly review will increase the likihood of you making the correct response when you need it.

[flynrider]

I didnt' take MSF (didn't have it then). In my early years, I went down several times in "panic" situations. Eventually, I started to figure out that the panic was causing the problems. Grabbing a handful (and footful) of brake when something bad crossed my path would inevitably end up with skidding and virtually no control.

After awhile I wised up to practicing braking for maximum effect, without skidding. I started avioding accidents instead of being in them. It also helped keep me on two wheels when I started racing.

It's not something that seems to be stressed enough. Invariably, when I happen upon a motorcycle crash in the city, there are almost always big black motorcycle skid marks on the scene.