Last week, we introduced the acronym “SIPDE,” a guideline for motorcyclists — experienced and newbie — who take seriously the job of protecting themselves and their  passengers when riding on New Jersey roadways.

SIPDE stands for: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute. This blog post will cover Predict, Decide and Execute. Last week, “SIPDE Part 1” looked at the “S,” Scan, and the “I,” Identify.

P: Predict — Part of being a good bike rider is the ability to anticipate what others on the road are going to do before they do it. You don’t always get it right, but no one has the instinct better than a motorcyclist. Therefore, if you can accurately predict how the hazard will move you have a better chance of staying safe.

D: Decide — It’s up to you, the bike rider, to determine how to avoid the hazard or whether, in some cases, an accident is the lesser of the options. For example, a rider would likely choose to drive into a row of bushes than a cement guardrail.

E: Execute — Staying safe is one part experience, one part skill and one part common sense. Nothing but time will increase your level of experience. Skills are honed over time, though a rider should never mount a bike that they are not familiar with nor should they attempt to ride in new and potentially dangerous conditions without the proper experience and skills. Common sense is something every rider must use every single time they get on their bike. Be smart and ride safe.

If you or someone you know gets into a motorcycle crash, talk to experienced motorcycle injury lawyer Andrew Prince, Esq. about getting compensated for your injuries. Call him today for a free consultation about your case.