Riding in Irish road conditions can seem, at times, like trying to survive in a hostile jungle where, on two wheels, you can feel fairly low down in the food chain.
There are very few motorcyclists - or other road users for that matter - who, looking at these tactics for survival, will not find at least one aspect of their roadcraft that deserves more attention.
One: watch the big picture, everything in front of you, the far distance, middle distance, foreground as well as behind you.
Are your mirrors properly adjusted? Make sure to look into the blind spots before changing position or turning.
Two: keep your distance. Make sure you use the "two second" rule. Note when the rear of the vehicle in front of you passed a fixed mark, say to yourself "only a fool breaks the two-second rule" - if you reach the fixed mark before completing the phrase, you are too close to the vehicle in front of you and should back off. In the wet and at night it's much better to leave a bigger gap.
Three: be seen - visibility is what you can see. Note what you cannot see. Your helmet reduces peripheral vision. Be visible and conspicuous to others, with high-visibility clothing, correct positioning and plentiful clean lights.
Four: be predictable - do not surprise other road users. Never execute a manoeuvre which could cause another road user to decelerate, brake or swerve, or do anything to disconcert pedestrians.
Five: think like "them". But bear in mind many road users are thinking about everything except their driving. Note the "clues": dangling fluffy dice, rear windows full of silly messages, drivers using mobiles - these all tell you something.
Six: read the road, expect to encounter potholes, bumps, spilled diesel, steel plates, loose chippings, smooth tar patches.
Seven: pace yourself, ride at an appropriate speed for the prevailing conditions, for your own and the machine's capabilities, never let others dictate your pace.
Eight: ride sober - "beer and bikes don't mix!". Follow the pilots' rule, never drink within eight hours of riding your bike.
All drugs, many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines can have an adverse effect on your reaction time.
Nine: trust your machine - proper maintenance is essential - you do not want to be in a situation where you "wonder" if the brakes will work, you should know they will.
Ten: trust yourself - proper training coupled with constant practice helps you live long and prosper. Treat every ride as an opportunity to improve your riding skills.