The Left-Turning SUV at a Two-Way Stop
At 5:40 p.m. on a clear January day, a rider on a 650cc adventure bike approaches a two-way stop intersection at 35 mph. The rider has the right of way. An SUV is stopped in the opposite left-turn lane, waiting to turn across the rider's path. The low sun is directly behind the SUV, making it hard to see the driver or turn signal. The SUV's front wheels are turned slightly left, and it creeps forward about a foot, then stops. A car behind the motorcycle is following at about 20 feet. The rider's lane is 12 feet wide; there is a paved shoulder on the right and a curb beyond it. The rider is wearing a dark visor because of glare, and the bike has a new front tire.
1. What cues suggest the SUV may turn in front of the rider, and what should the rider do in the next two seconds?
Read the worked answer
The turned front wheels, the creep forward, and the driver's limited visibility in low sun all raise the probability of a left-turn violation. The rider should not assume the driver sees the motorcycle or that eye contact means the SUV will wait. In the next two seconds the rider should cover both brakes, reduce speed smoothly, and move toward the right portion of the lane to increase the gap and time. A brief headlight flash or horn tap can help, but it is not a guarantee. The dark visor and glare mean the rider should also verify that the right shoulder is clear before committing to an escape path. The tailgating car behind is a reason to brake progressively rather than abruptly, so the rider does not get rear-ended while trying to avoid the SUV.
2. If the SUV turns across the rider's path, what is the best escape, and what should the rider not do?
Read the worked answer
The best escape starts before the SUV moves: lower speed and create space so the rider has time to choose. If the SUV commits, the rider should brake hard in a straight line first, then swerve only if braking alone will not avoid the collision. With a clear paved shoulder on the right, a controlled swerve to the right might get the rider behind the SUV's path, but the rider must not carry excessive speed onto the shoulder or into the curb. The rider should not swerve left into the oncoming lane, and should not combine a hard brake with a hard swerve in one abrupt input, especially on a new front tire. If a swerve is needed, the rider should separate braking and swerving, keep the eyes on the escape path, and avoid locking the front wheel.