Hazard perception and defensive riding
Scanning and defensive riding
Look far ahead, scan the road surface, and keep your mirrors and blind spots in the loop. The most common motorcycle crash pattern is a car pulling out or turning across the rider's path because the driver looked but did not perceive the motorcycle. Treat every side road, driveway and parked car as a potential hazard. Cover the brakes when a threat is developing, and keep an escape path.
Surface and visibility hazards
Gravel, wet leaves, painted markings, tram rails, oil and manhole covers reduce grip, especially when leaned. In rain, reduce lean angle and brake earlier. At night, ride within the range of your headlight. Use position to increase conspicuity, but never assume a driver has seen you.
Worked example
A car waits at a side road on your left. The driver looks towards you, but the car's wheels begin to move. You do not assume eye contact means priority. You reduce speed, cover the brakes, move away from the car's likely path if safe, and prepare to stop. If the car pulls out, you have already created time and space.
Traps that cost marks
Target fixation on the hazard instead of the escape route; braking hard while leaned on a slippery surface; overtaking at a junction or crest; assuming a driver who looked once will not pull out; ignoring wind gusts when passing gaps in hedges or buildings.