Stop?

I am seeing or hearing about a fair amount of accidents and the contributing factor is excessive speed coupled with poor braking skills. Highway users are used to higher speeds on pavement, but when we are off-road, we need to consider that our TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE will increase because we don’t have the traction we would on the pavement! To figure TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE, take your MPH and multiply by 1.5. For example, 50 MPH x 1.5 = 75 feet traveled per second! Now, multiply the 75 by 3 seconds, which is about the time it takes your eyes to see you need to stop, your eyes to communicate to your brain and then your brain to communicate to your hands and feet that they need to apply the brakes. In those 3-4 seconds, you will have traveled 225-300 feet! That distance equates to about 15-20 car lengths to get stopped. Now add the fact you are on low traction terrain. ADD EVEN MORE TO YOUR TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE OF 225-300 FEET. We need to be managing our speeds in order to manage the risks of having a collision with wildlife, oncoming roadway users, and sudden changes in road conditions, etc. Managing speeds is key, but we also have to learn how to properly use the brakes, especially the front brake as it is what is going to stop you the quickest. That includes riding off road as well. Take training and practice often by using your brakes and not relying on engine braking all the time. How can you practice your brakes if you’re always using engine braking?

Too abrupt on the front brake

Butt back and brace for the weight transfer

Looking down and not squaring up the bars prior to stopping