Discussion
I understand the point of lifesavers, but I think their importance is over stressed.
I've got my test coming up and I'm still not sure when I should be doing life savers, in fact I think I'm doing too many. Instructors seem so intent on hammering them home that is ruining my concentration.
For a start, I can never see anything when I look, I'm just going through the motions of turning my head to appease the examiner.
When I come to a roundabout, it's life saver, another as I pull off (never sure which side) another as I go across, or ride the roundabout. Then if I slow down, pull off, etc etc..
I've changed instructors this time, to get a different take.
When I did my HGV it was mirrors mirrors mirrors, you looked behind more than you looked infront. Now I'm doing my bike test it's blimmin lifesavers.
When out on my Mito, I look when necessary, just like I would when I drive my car, or when I drove HGV trucks. I can enjoy the ride, deploy the odd lifesaver and concentrate on the road ahead. I just don't feel this many life savers are truly necessary.
So when and how many do you actually do.
I've got my test coming up and I'm still not sure when I should be doing life savers, in fact I think I'm doing too many. Instructors seem so intent on hammering them home that is ruining my concentration.
For a start, I can never see anything when I look, I'm just going through the motions of turning my head to appease the examiner.
When I come to a roundabout, it's life saver, another as I pull off (never sure which side) another as I go across, or ride the roundabout. Then if I slow down, pull off, etc etc..
I've changed instructors this time, to get a different take.
When I did my HGV it was mirrors mirrors mirrors, you looked behind more than you looked infront. Now I'm doing my bike test it's blimmin lifesavers.
When out on my Mito, I look when necessary, just like I would when I drive my car, or when I drove HGV trucks. I can enjoy the ride, deploy the odd lifesaver and concentrate on the road ahead. I just don't feel this many life savers are truly necessary.
So when and how many do you actually do.
They're pushed hard during training in the hope that you'll do nearly as many once you've passed. They've saved my skin on two wheels and four and I wish more drivers would f
king use them instead of just changing lanes and hoping for the best.
Do them, use them, understand them and know that if you feel that you're doing them so much it's impeding your ability to look ahead, you may be doing them at the wrong time. Remember motorbike mirrors are often pretty st and view is more important than ever.
If you're struggling to see when you look back, try tilting your head at full rotation. I usually find a slight downward tilt lets me see more of the road and less of my shoulder. Good luck with your lessons!
king use them instead of just changing lanes and hoping for the best. Do them, use them, understand them and know that if you feel that you're doing them so much it's impeding your ability to look ahead, you may be doing them at the wrong time. Remember motorbike mirrors are often pretty s
t and view is more important than ever. If you're struggling to see when you look back, try tilting your head at full rotation. I usually find a slight downward tilt lets me see more of the road and less of my shoulder. Good luck with your lessons!
I don't see it as a huge issues and worth getting used to . I use it in the car all the time.
The instructors may may a bigger fuss that others but why not. saved my ass in the past.
And as I said I never found turning my head to the left or right for a second very time consuming or really anything I ever gave a thought until this thread
The instructors may may a bigger fuss that others but why not. saved my ass in the past.
And as I said I never found turning my head to the left or right for a second very time consuming or really anything I ever gave a thought until this thread
My only tip for lifesavers is that you're not trying to look behind you, you only need to check your blind spot. I can't believe how many folk I see (usually after a CBT on L plates, but occasionally on big bikes too) who actually turn round to the point that the bike is all over the shop. Use the mirrors to look behind, use a lifesaver to check your blind spot before moving position.
Ironically a lifesaver saved me from an accident in my car this morning. Joining a motorway in heavy traffic, just as I'm merging into lane one I so a quick shoulder check and find some moron and in a Fiesta changing to lane one from lane two for no reason.
Some are OTT though for DAS for example pulling away from the kerb is left mirror, right mirror, turn around and out hand on rear seat so you have comepletemrear view then another life saver.
Some are OTT though for DAS for example pulling away from the kerb is left mirror, right mirror, turn around and out hand on rear seat so you have comepletemrear view then another life saver.
mckeann said:
My only tip for lifesavers is that you're not trying to look behind you, you only need to check your blind spot. I can't believe how many folk I see (usually after a CBT on L plates, but occasionally on big bikes too) who actually turn round to the point that the bike is all over the shop. Use the mirrors to look behind, use a lifesaver to check your blind spot before moving position.
That's how it was taught when I did my CBT - totally at odds with how I've been doing them in a car for 12 years!I'd also agree with the OP, in that swishing your head around (heavier as well with a helmet on) is pretty distracting at first.
I still remember the first time I done one at M way speeds, nearly had my head clean off my shoulders 
from that point onwards they became just the little blind spot check you need rather than the owl impression they like to see on your test.
As with everything you're being taught to pass an arbitrary test, yes they are useful, yes they've saved my arse from being roadkill just 4 hours ago but you'll get comfortable with the amount you need and times to do them when you actually get riding on your own until them just throw them about left right and center because it'll give the examiner a warm fuzzy feeling and make them want to tick that pass box.
from that point onwards they became just the little blind spot check you need rather than the owl impression they like to see on your test.As with everything you're being taught to pass an arbitrary test, yes they are useful, yes they've saved my arse from being roadkill just 4 hours ago but you'll get comfortable with the amount you need and times to do them when you actually get riding on your own until them just throw them about left right and center because it'll give the examiner a warm fuzzy feeling and make them want to tick that pass box.
Lifesaver called thus because it does what it says.
Most basic of principle is you are checking the space you are riding into for other traffic or, the area from which you could be compromised by another vehicle/pedestrian.
Learners can struggle with it as it takes anticipation which really only comes with time on the bike - or a scare! Lifesavers work equally well in a car as testified by another poster. And it's head to shoulder - as per CBT lesson - no owl impressions !
Most basic of principle is you are checking the space you are riding into for other traffic or, the area from which you could be compromised by another vehicle/pedestrian.
Learners can struggle with it as it takes anticipation which really only comes with time on the bike - or a scare! Lifesavers work equally well in a car as testified by another poster. And it's head to shoulder - as per CBT lesson - no owl impressions !
KumiSinghs said:
Do you do them at speed, like 70+? I find the wind pushes my head back and I lose my concentration, so I rely on my mirrors before changing lane
You’re joking, surely.This is probably the most important lifesaver of all given the speeds involved. You don’t want to change lanes at that speed only to find a Porsche overtaking you at 90mph+.
Ps. Other makes of car are available.
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