The move to level four lockdown restrictions came with a welcome provision to allow the delivery of takeaway food. Consequently, since 1 May, the number of delivery bike riders has increased considerably.
To a degree, drivers should accept that often these bike riders take dangerous risks. The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, explains: “A month without takeaway food and a lack of little else to do is creating increased demand. Additionally, the opportunity to make up for lost income also places pressure on the riders. While it can be frustrating, don’t become annoyed with them but exercise patience and defensive driving to ensure that both the riders and yourself stay safe on the roads.
“Avoid the South African tendency to treat anything smaller than a car with less respect than other road users. Give riders the same following distance that you would other vehicles, even more if they are riding recklessly, respect their right of way and be courteous. Remember, MasterDrive’s slogan: ‘drive nice it’s contagious.’”
In addition to treating these roads users with respect, be prepared that they will take risks. “You should already be double-checking before crossing an intersection but as more riders race around be aware of riders treating a right hand turn as a slipway rather than a stop. Another tendency of these riders is to quickly cross a lane or an intersection when it may not necessarily be safe. Assume a delivery bike rider will cross your lane and automatically slow down.
“If you see a delivery rider weaving in and out of traffic rather give them some extra room. Extra following distance gives you time to suddenly stop or react appropriately. If one is riding too closely behind you, rather switch lanes if possible. At dusk, it might be particularly difficult to see these riders so be on the lookout on popular routes such as in suburbs. Do not speed and even keep an ear open for the sound of their bikes.”
As we start the process of returning to work and a new way of life, let’s all be mindful of the pressure everyone faces. “The risky actions of a delivery bike rider do not need to be your choice. Decide in advance to accept it, give them some extra space and generally avoiding them will do you no harm. Refusing to exert caution and patience will have a much greater price then putting up with a few minutes of irritation,” says Herbert.
Also view:
Safety and the Delivery Bike Rider
About MasterDrive
MasterDrive is a results-driven, driver training organisation that engages with and assists companies in managing driver risk interventions.
The company was established in 1999 and became part of the RAC Group (established in 1997) some 9 years later – in 2008 – and has expanded its field of operation to cover the African continent with dedicated branches in SA’s three main centres.
To that end MasterDrive has a dedicated team of professional, internationally accredited instructors who deliver training on a range of programs that encompass the full spectrum of vehicles – from motorbikes to cars to busses and trucks.
In addition to delivering internationally proven defensive driving courses the company also offers training required by legislation – dangerous goods and forklift – bespoke courses are also available to corporates and emergency services, all with a view to changing and developing driver behaviour.
The company’s proven track record with a number of SA’s top 500 companies ensures that it is a viable operation providing a platform for rolling out its own BBBEE transformation program that contributes toward the wellbeing of all South Africans.
MasterDrive also boasts a proud record of supporting a number of NPO’s whose drive is to educate road users on safety and so enhance the profile of changing behaviour by whatever reasonable means it can promote and offer. These include, but are not limited to, Psychometric assessments, on-road assessments and corporate safety events.
The MasterSuite of products include:
- MasterDrive
- MasterBiker
- MasterTrucker
- MasterFleet
- MasterDriver
- MasterTorque (online motoring publication)
Our Why is summed up as follows:
Making a difference, one day, one kilometre, one life at a time!!!
MasterDrive introduces MasterBiker training program https://t.co/HJ3L9w8lmR #ArriveAlive #MotorcycleSafety @MasterDriveSA pic.twitter.com/HJjgAEVdKu
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 15, 2020