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Question

Difficulty: MediumMotorcyclists

On an exposed single carriageway during strong, gusty winds, what should you anticipate when following a motorcyclist past a sudden gap in the roadside tree line?

  1. A
    The rider will maintain a completely steady line along the centre of the lane regardless of gusts.
  2. The rider may be suddenly blown sideways across the carriageway by a strong crosswind.Answer
  3. C
    The rider will accelerate sharply to cut through the sudden change in air resistance.
  4. D
    The rider will move into your blind spot to shield themselves from the wind resistance.

Answer

The motorcyclist may be suddenly blown sideways across the carriageway by a strong crosswind.
Motorcyclists are lightweight and easily affected by side winds. Gaps in hedges, tree lines, or buildings allow sudden gusts to strike the vehicle, which can blow the rider sideways across the carriageway. Following drivers must anticipate this hazard and stay well back.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the environmental conditions and the vulnerability of the road user ahead.
Identified high crosswinds on an exposed road affecting a lightweight two-wheeled vehicle.
Motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to lateral wind forces than enclosed, four-wheeled vehicles.
2
Identify the specific road hazard (gap in roadside tree line) and predict rider behaviour.
Anticipated that sudden, unshielded gusts entering through the gap can push the rider sideways into the road.
Tree lines and buildings act as windbreaks; passing a sudden break exposes the rider to abrupt lateral gusts.
3
Determine the necessary driving adjustment.
Leave extra following distance and prepare for unexpected course deviations by the rider.
Allowing generous room gives the rider space to recover stability safely without collision risk.

Key Concept

Vulnerability of motorcyclists to severe side winds and sudden gusts
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Motorcyclists

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