Machines wish or curse on the Greek streets?

We usually say that, after a car-to-car collision, the first stop is the garage. However, after a car contact with a motorbike, often the first stop is the Hospital.

Learn how to look after motorcycles and why two-wheelers don't look easy

As we all know, the roads are full of motorbikes every day.

Unfortunately, however, it is common for some cyclists to feel that, when riding a motorcycle, they have complete freedom of movement, ignoring the fact that they are subject to the same Traffic Code. (COKE) with the rest of the vehicles moving on the Greek roads.

This relaxation offered by cycling, for better or worse, gives them the impression that they can perform comfortably in a variety of activities, which can often be dangerous, for example:

* Climb sidewalks or islets to pass faster with the risk of being overturned and overturned on the road with all that entails for their physical integrity.

And all this most of the time without wearing a protective helmet or without having it tied, they wear it, that is, simply so that they do not receive a call for a possible inspection by a police body.
Other times, they wear the helmet on their elbow, where they probably think their brain is (see Unknown myths and truths about the protective helmet).

What do car drivers experience every day on Greek roads?

I could talk, due to my specialty, about many different situations that I have encountered in my profession, but I would like to share with you my own experience as I experience it every day.

From the first moment I get in my car I think and I get anxious looking at the mirror two or three times before I get out of my car, on the one hand because it may be blocked by a parked one I almost dragged a motorbike to me, on the other hand because it happens and I stay on the road and see daily base motorbikes to move upside down.

So, after all, I manage to win the first battle in this one unequal struggle I head to a main road where most vehicles are moving in rows. And I say most, because motorbikes don't follow that rule.

Either because they are in a hurry more than the other drivers, or because they are bored with the traffic, or because they just can, they start overtaking and slalom between vehicles with their riders' hands alert next to the horn, so that there is an audible warning.

After passing the second round and reaching my destination safe and sound, but much more without witnessing a car accident, then I have to face calmly and patiently the spectacle of bicycles, whose drivers leave them wherever they want without them no one but themselves is interested, as if all the parking spaces belong to them.

The wise and prudent parking of our vehicle against other drivers, not only shows Education and Culture, but is also a practical manifestation of our driving intelligence.

In closing, I have the feeling that the motorbikes are moving as if they are doing a road race or a demonstration of capabilities. In the end, however, there are only losers in this struggle.

This complete lack of respect for the Road Traffic Code (COKE) and the feeling that the rest of the road users should be prepared for the unexpected can be disastrous and in many cases unfortunately fatal.

Obviously, not all two-wheeler drivers are the same and certainly they are not the only ones responsible for the jungle on Greek roads.

There are two-wheeler drivers who respect the Road Traffic Code (COKE), the rest of the drivers and above all their own lives.
These are examples that everyone on a motorcycle should follow.

What are the special risks that car drivers are aware of and how can they protect motorcycles and also protect themselves?

Bicycles do not look easy and have peculiarities on the road and the most prudent is to be especially careful drivers of cars, especially now that bicycles have been added to our lives.

1) Every car driver should always drive in the middle of the lane, so that there are enough at the ends 'vital' space in order to pass a motorbike.

2) In cases of traffic lane change, the road must be carefully inspected by the mirrors and the driver must be informed with the direction change indicator. (flash).

Due to their small volume, bicyclists give a smaller stigma to the human eye, while they are usually covered by 'dead' car corners.

3) Every car driver should check the road well before opening his door and the rest of the car doors.

There is an immediate risk of a passing motorbike being hit.

4) The abrupt braking or otherwise the abrupt braking of a vehicle in urban centers take cyclists by surprise.

It is good to drive defensively, so that we can help the other users of the road with our driving. (cf. What is the correct safety distance between two vehicles with numbers?).

5) Every driver should be aware that a motorbike does not just turn with a simple steering wheel movement, like a car.

In fact, at higher speeds, the cyclist will have to tilt his body in the direction he wants to turn. Therefore, there is a need for someone 'vital' space, which the driver of the car has an obligation to offer.

6) Great care is needed when a car driver crosses a main road on which a motorbike is moving (eg intersection with a regulatory sign for mandatory stopping, “STOP” sign on Greek roads).

It is difficult to accurately calculate the speed of a two-wheeler from the human brain and therefore to judge whether the driver of the car manages to pass or not. At the slightest doubt it is best to wait and let some precious seconds pass.

Imagine how difficult this complicated process becomes at night(cf. 5 Reasons why night driving is considered the weakest link).

The congestion of cars and two-wheelers on Greek roads is difficult and requires mutual effort on both sides.

However, in any difficult and questionable case, the driver of the car would be wise to give priority and facilitate the motorbike.

We should never lose sight of the fact that the bicyclist is completely defenseless.
It is not protected by the car plate and generally by the entire passive safety package.

In an interview, Tom Plucinsky, a BMW spokesman in the United States (cf. Adapting Car Safety Features to Motorcycles), among other things, states that companies recognize how vulnerable bicycle riders are and their purpose is to invent ways to provide passive safety to motorcycle drivers as well.

You decide on your speed and Physics decides whether you will live or not.
Slowing down will not kill you.
Protect your life in every way!