accidents
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
I rode into a barbed wire fence the first time I was ever on a bike (dirt bike back in 1963). Didn't fall down. About 15 years later, I was riding a dirt bike when it high sided, but I managed to land on my feet. I have yet to have an accident on a street bike -- although I recognize that it is more likely to happen than if I were in a car or truck.
I don't think accidents are more likely on a motorcycle. Actually, I think the opposite is true.
But if an accident does occur, the odds of serious injury or death are significantly higher on a motorcycle.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
You may be right. I think I am more careful and diligent riding a bike than driving a car, but that balances against other drivers who "see" cars but don't "see" bikes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 90
From: Charlotte
I laid my SG down once--I was riding in the rain, pulling up to a store, some lady in a mini-van (of course) pulled up within inches of me, caused me to loose my balance.
While I've never crashed, a few of my buddies did. As mentioned here, they were: being careless, not paying attention, showing off, DRINKING, speeding.
One buddy did get hit as he was entering a highway. A cager ran into my buddy, which caused him to run into another buddy. The driver told the police that he was rushing because he had to use the bathroom...seriously...
Somethings can't be avoided. I do try to avoid high traffic areas, riding in rush hour traffic...
Control what you can control and just be aware of what you can't control.
While I've never crashed, a few of my buddies did. As mentioned here, they were: being careless, not paying attention, showing off, DRINKING, speeding.
One buddy did get hit as he was entering a highway. A cager ran into my buddy, which caused him to run into another buddy. The driver told the police that he was rushing because he had to use the bathroom...seriously...
Somethings can't be avoided. I do try to avoid high traffic areas, riding in rush hour traffic...
Control what you can control and just be aware of what you can't control.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,234
Likes: 106
I'm 66 years old and been riding since I was 15. (a used Honda 350). Have crashed twice. One I was riding and we slipped on a manhole cover with no ***** on it. The second a Dodge Ram turned left in front of me never slowing down.
My helmet saved my life. I never ride without one. As someone said before take the safety courses. There are several levels of courses. You earn more with each level.
Keep distractions (radios) to a minimum while you learn.
I know people that rode for 70 years and never got a scratch.
Good luck and be safe.
My helmet saved my life. I never ride without one. As someone said before take the safety courses. There are several levels of courses. You earn more with each level.
Keep distractions (radios) to a minimum while you learn.
I know people that rode for 70 years and never got a scratch.
Good luck and be safe.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 648
From: Vegas, baby!
I don't understand how a person can "be aware of what you can't control"? Isn't that an infinite range of possibilities?
For example, I was riding down a two lane street. Approaching me, in the lane to my left, was a pickup truck with a rack built over it's bed. On top of this rack were several, not tied down, fence planks.
Just as we were about to pass each other, one of the fence planks lifted up a flew over into my lane. While twirling around, the fenced plank didn't go through me like a spear. But it did smash the top of my head(helmet). Maybe that means 'be aware that you can't be ready for(aware of) everything'?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
Yes I wear a helmet as it's the law in Maryland. If I'm in a state the doesn't require it, sometimes I do sometimes I don't but I can't tell you the last time I went without. I recently purchased a dot legal helmet by Crazy Al's and I sometimes forget I have it on.
I will admit to riding in shorts on extremely hot days if I'm only going right down the road to the grocery store, bank or something within a few miles otherwise it's jeans and almost always riding boots.
I will admit to riding in shorts on extremely hot days if I'm only going right down the road to the grocery store, bank or something within a few miles otherwise it's jeans and almost always riding boots.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 29
From: Elkridge, MD
Yes I wear a helmet as it's the law in Maryland. If I'm in a state the doesn't require it, sometimes I do sometimes I don't but I can't tell you the last time I went without. I recently purchased a dot legal helmet by Crazy Al's and I sometimes forget I have it on.
I will admit to riding in shorts on extremely hot days if I'm only going right down the road to the grocery store, bank or something within a few miles otherwise it's jeans and almost always riding boots.
I will admit to riding in shorts on extremely hot days if I'm only going right down the road to the grocery store, bank or something within a few miles otherwise it's jeans and almost always riding boots.
https://www.amazon.com/CRAZY-ALS-WOR.../dp/B00YDNVJ9Q
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
Been in the saddle more than 50 yrs most of my problems happened when I was young and felt nothing will ever happen to me. These days even with the increased traffic and crazy drivers need to be a little more watchful otherwise still love being in the wind.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,955
From: New York
Risk vs Reward
Some people are drawn to activities that get the heart pumping. Others, probably the majority, opt for more sublime activities. Those are the ones who will talk about accidents and death. Anyone who rides a bike is aware of the risk. We minimize that risk by being as proficient as we can when we ride. That includes being properly trained, being aware of our surroundings and wearing proper protective gear. With that said the chances of getting injured in a motorcycle accident are far greater than in a car and accidents do happen. That's why they are called accidents and not "on purposes". So, you have to do some soul searching and ask yourself if the risk is worth the reward. If the thrill and feel of riding scratches an itch that nothing else can then that is a good start. If it is just another activity to do that fills idle time then maybe you should reconsider.
As a side note, for years my wife has been hearing her friends and relatives tell her she is crazy for "allowing" me to do what I do (riding, flying a plane, snowmobiling, speed boats, lacrosse player, etc.). She laughs at them and says it's who I am and part of what she fell in love with a long time ago and he's not going to change now. She prays for my safety and I love her for never laying guilt on me.
Life is meant to be lived. Carpe' Diem!
As a side note, for years my wife has been hearing her friends and relatives tell her she is crazy for "allowing" me to do what I do (riding, flying a plane, snowmobiling, speed boats, lacrosse player, etc.). She laughs at them and says it's who I am and part of what she fell in love with a long time ago and he's not going to change now. She prays for my safety and I love her for never laying guilt on me.
Life is meant to be lived. Carpe' Diem!
