Reaction time when riding a motorcycle

Can you find the motorcycle in this picture?

How about now?

The motorcycle rider was traveling at such a dangerously high speed that his reaction time was not sufficient enough to avoid this accident -let alone even begin to apply the brakes. Normal reaction time to see, decide, react - takes an average of 1.6 seconds. In this instance Swedish Police estimate a speed of ~250 KM/h (155 mph) and indicate there was no action taken by the rider. At 250 km/h you are traveling over 227 feet per second, at 1.6 seconds that is 363 feet. The rider simply did not have enough space to avoid the collision.

The car had two passengers and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact and landed 10 feet from where the collision took place! All three involved (two in car and rider) were killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at the Stockholm Motorcycle Fair by the Swedish Police and Road Safety Department.

Let this be a sobering reminder to us all that we need to allow ourselves sufficient time to react to whatever may come at you on the road. Time is affected by distance and speed. Motorcycling is fun, and we will be honest - it is usually more fun when you go faster. Just remember, if you want to go fast - be safe about it. Leave more than enough room for you to react in time, as you increase speed, increase the distance between you and other vehicles/objects from both in front and behind you.

Ride safe!