S I P D E – 5 Steps to Road Safety

Some know it as RISK ASSESMENT. The full meaning of SIPDE is:

S – Scan your environment for potential hazards
I – Identify potential hazards
P – Predict a positive outcome from the hazard
D – Decide on one a solution to prevent the hazard
E – Execute on your decision/solution

What is risk assessment really?

It allows you the opportunity to become a safer road user. It’s beneficial to your own safety as well as other road users. Risk assessment is the ability to assess your environment for potential dangers so that you have an opportunity to prevent them from becoming a risk to you personally

What is the purpose of SIPDE?

SIPDE is created to help trainers put some structure to their training methods. These training methods are designed to help you as a road user manage your risks.

Some examples of potential hazards that may pose a risk can be put into two categories:

Category 1: Still Standing Risks

•    Wet road conditions
•    Gravel on public roads
•    Pot holes
•    Surface changes from tar to gravel or the other way around
•    Dirt or obstacles lying in the road where you travel
•    Trucks blocking intersections

Category 2: Moving Risks

•    Pedestrians crossing the road
•    Other road users who may open their doors in the lane that you are using
•    Animals crossing the road
•    Cyclists who may need to use a part of your lane
•    Motorists driving with cell phones
•    Cars changing lanes

The only way for you to avoid or minimise these risks are to implement the SIPDE module. If you see that another road user may be distracted by a cell phone, consider him or her a hazard and either slow down or find a save way past them as quickly as possible. This way you prevent a possible situation where you may be harmed. If you see an animal close to the road or on the road, please consider the fact that their reaction will be unpredictable and that you have to start slowing down enough so that you are in a position to stop if it it’s necessary. Whilst doing this it’s important that you realise that these risk that you are exposed to, are also considered risks for the other road users behind or around you. In most cases they may not have seen what you have already assessed and therefore they will not understand an unpredictable reaction from you.  Signal your intention as best you can. If you know you need to slow down drastically, put your hazards on as it’s a clear indication of danger, slow down and apply brakes where necessary. Remember swerving may also pose a risk to you and other road users. It’s an unpredictable reaction that can give someone a fright and ultimately cause more damage. If you need to change lanes, slow down and indicate or use your hazards once again. But remember to always look in your mirror to ensure that the road user behind you is aware of the fact that you are either slowing down or changing direction. If he or she is not aware, they may end up posing more of a risk to you.

Motorcyclists are extremely exposed to risks on the road. Your only protection is your safety gear and your ability to apply the SIPDE module.  As a motorcyclists you can not afford to only think for yourself. In other words you can’t only consider your own actions, you have to at all times consider every road user around you. What he or she may do and how it may affect you. According to this you will then have to adjust your speed or your position on the road at that time. 80% of the time we are able to avoid incidents if we apply these rules. Then there are also the (Still Standing Risks) where we are 99% responsible for the consequences. If the road is wet, you have to ensure that your speed is correct and that you have the right amount of tread on your tyres. If there is sand on the road you will automatically have to adjust your speed and lean angle. I realise we can’t always see oil on the road or potholes, but this is where we need to be able to adjust our speed and scan the road conditions as well for potential hazards.

It is a big responsibility to ride a motorcycle on our roads. But it does not mean it’s not safe. A big part of safety is our personal responsibility. If you invest in the necessary training you will automatically learn some of the SIPDE elements. Training courses make you as a rider more capable and competent. This is something no one can ever take away from you. Make sure you invest in your safety, ride responsibly and ultimately you will love your riding even more. It’s worth it!

#Learn, Love & Ride Safe