Most Riders Miss THIS Before They Crash

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Can YOU See It? The “What If” Drill That Could Save Your Ride

A Crash You Don’t Want to Repeat

What if you came around a corner… and your front tire suddenly lost grip?
No time to think. No time to react. That rider hit black ice — and went down hard.

But here’s the thing: crashes like this don’t start when the tires lose traction. They start earlier, in your mind.

That’s where the What If drill comes in — a simple mental habit that trains your brain to spot danger before it happens and gives you a fighting chance when it does.

Thinking Ahead: The Lead-In

That crash didn’t happen because of bad luck.
It happened because the rider wasn’t thinking ahead — and he was careless.

He came into the corner too fast for the conditions, probably shouldn’t have been riding there in the first place, didn’t read the road surface, and never asked the one question that could’ve changed everything:

What if it’s slick?

That’s what this video and article are about — a simple habit that helps you avoid situations just like this. It’s called the What If drill, and it’s one of the smartest things you can train yourself to do every time you ride.

While you’re out riding, ask yourself questions like:

What if that driver pulls out?
What if I have to stop fast right here?
What if there’s something in that blind corner?

Then picture how you’d respond — adjust your riding posture, shift lane position, slow down, or cover the brakes.

You’re not guessing.
You’re preparing.
You’re keeping your mind ahead of your wheels.

And that habit can give you the edge you need when something goes wrong.

Crash Breakdown: What Actually Went Wrong

Let’s break down the mistakes in this crash.

The rider enters a cold, shaded backroad. The pavement is dark. Some patches look wet — classic signs of black ice, especially in winter riding conditions.

But instead of slowing down, checking traction, or adjusting his lane position, he keeps his pace and commits to the corner without knowing whether the surface is safe.

Then it happens: the front tire hits a slick patch, loses grip, and the bike washes out instantly. No time to correct. No chance to recover.

At that moment, the crash is already decided.

The real mistake happened before the tire slipped — when the rider failed to ask:

What if that patch is ice?
What if there’s no grip in the corner?

That’s the value of the What If drill. If he had asked that question even once, he might’ve slowed down, changed his line, or scanned the road surface more carefully.

This crash wasn’t just about conditions. It was about mindset.

Using the What If Drill in Everyday Riding

Let’s expand the idea beyond this crash.

The What If drill isn’t only for winter riding or low-traction situations.
It applies to any ride, in any traffic or weather.

Here’s how it works in everyday situations:

Approaching a stop sign

Ask: What if that car pulls out even if they shouldn’t?
This might prompt you to cover the brakes, shift left in your lane, and prepare to slow down.

Entering a blind curve

Ask: What if there’s gravel, a stalled vehicle, or a cyclist just out of view?
That thought alone can help you ease off the throttle and choose a cleaner line.

Riding on the freeway

Ask: What if that car changes lanes without checking their blind spot?
You might back off slightly, flash your high beam, or shift to a more visible lane position.

These small decisions make a big difference. The more you ask What if?, the more you stay a step ahead of problems — instead of reacting when it’s too late.

Over time, this becomes second nature.
That’s how you ride safer, smarter, and with more confidence.

Conclusion: Ride Prepared, Not Surprised

The What If drill is simple, but powerful.
It’s not about riding scared — it’s about riding prepared.

By asking yourself a few smart questions while you ride, you train your brain to react faster, stay alert, and avoid the mistakes that lead to motorcycle crashes. It’s one of the best habits you can build, and it costs nothing but attention.

Here’s your challenge:
On your next ride, pick one situation and start practicing.
Ask: What if something goes wrong here?
Then picture your response and put your motorcycle in the best position to act on it.

Do that consistently, and it will change the way you ride.

If you want more structured help growing your skills, check out an MCrider Membership. You’ll get access to the full training library, weekly motorcycle-safety lessons, and the member forums. Pro Members who pay for a year also receive a free printed copy of the MCrider Field Guide.

I also have two books to help you level up your riding:
The MCrider Field Guide and The MCrider Road Strategy — packed with practical tools to help you become a safer, more confident rider.