01/06/2026
Fortunately this story has a good outcome. It also provides a great learning opportunity for all:
"..... I had a near miss incident.
Traffic was steadily flowing into a large two lane roundabout at an average speed of between 50km/h to 60km/h. I entered on the inside (right hand) lane and would need to travel more than halfway around in order to use the 3rd exit. To my immediate left, a white Toyota Hilux ute entered the roundabout at the same time as me. The ute occupied the outer (left hand) lane of the roundabout.
As I approached the 3rd exit, I no longer saw the ute to my left and assumed that he had already left the roundabout at the 2nd exit. Indicating left, I performed a blind spot check and then committed to the turn/lean to exit left. Once I committed to the turn, I had a glimpse of movement to my left. It was the ute, accelerating hard and on a collision course with me.
Immediately, I reacted by performing an emergency stop in the middle of the roundabout. While I was in the process of stopping, I was very much aware that I needed to get into first gear as soon as possible in order to get moving again after I had stopped to avoid being hit from behind.
I narrowly escaped colliding with the ute who did not show any signs of slowing down. Once I was clear of the ute, I found myself stopped in the left hand lane of the roundabout where I could see other cars approaching behind me in my rear view mirrors. At this point I was in 1st gear, I accelerated and then exited the roundabout.
This incident was the closest I have been to a serious accident on the motorcycle.
***I had practiced this very scenario only a week before. Andrew and Lynne explained it was not just about stopping quickly in an emergency, but also the ability to move away once the initial danger was avoided, in order to avoid being rear ended.***
Without this specific training I would not have been ready to perform this manoeuvre. By observing me practice this manoeuvre several times and providing feedback, it ensured that I could confidently get it right.
I know that this specific safety training saved my life. I am extremely thankful for all the effort that Andrew, Lynne and their support team put into mentoring me. Without them, I would not be able to tell you about this incident, instead I would be counted as part of the road statistics today." - Graham
