What would you do
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Riding at night is statistically more dangerous from a crash frequency standpoint. I could quote from some of the safety books but that's not important. What is important is that a motorcycle will always lose the battle. You have to understand that you are undertaking a risky activity riding a motorcycle in the first place, then multiplying that risk by choosing to ride at night. Poor visibility (you can't see as well and folks can't see you as well), and also later in the evening is when the drunks come out. You can do everything right and still end up dead, your wife too.
I drive at night only when necessary, and that is very rare. On trips in groups going to dinner after dusk I surely do, but I usually keep it in the stall otherwise.
Just my two cents. Most cagers are distracted. Ride like none of them see you. Assume they will always pull out in front of you. Stay out of the blind spots. Slow down and cover the brakes as you approach intersections. Approach any turn or curve slower than you know you need to be to make it...inability to negotiate a turn is the leading cause of crashes. OK, enough of the Safety Sam lecture.
Motorcycle riding is not inherently dangerous, but is very non-forgiving.
Glad you got through it without crashing.
I drive at night only when necessary, and that is very rare. On trips in groups going to dinner after dusk I surely do, but I usually keep it in the stall otherwise.
Just my two cents. Most cagers are distracted. Ride like none of them see you. Assume they will always pull out in front of you. Stay out of the blind spots. Slow down and cover the brakes as you approach intersections. Approach any turn or curve slower than you know you need to be to make it...inability to negotiate a turn is the leading cause of crashes. OK, enough of the Safety Sam lecture.
Motorcycle riding is not inherently dangerous, but is very non-forgiving.
Glad you got through it without crashing.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I live in the country and get deer running out in the road all the time on either side of my house. The rare times I am riding home in the dark I have to really look at the roads and sides for deer and the most dangerous part is right near my house.
I avoid night riding as much as possible. It can be fun in the city bar hopping, but trying to get home is another story.
I avoid night riding as much as possible. It can be fun in the city bar hopping, but trying to get home is another story.
I'd drop the kids where I sit...that way whether I make it home or to the hospital, they know how I really felt!
TBH there's nothing you can really do about a DD except avoid and call it in as stated before. I'm glad no one was hurt and it sounds like you all did a great job avoiding him. I'm glad I'm not that idiot that thinks that "I got this", but it sucks as well to be on the other end...doing everything right when that idiot strikes
TBH there's nothing you can really do about a DD except avoid and call it in as stated before. I'm glad no one was hurt and it sounds like you all did a great job avoiding him. I'm glad I'm not that idiot that thinks that "I got this", but it sucks as well to be on the other end...doing everything right when that idiot strikes
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 274
From: Milton, Delaware
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 9
From: Far NorCal
This is the best safety rule a motorcyclist can have.
Since 1958 I have lost 5 personal friends contributed to nite rides and several others maimed for life.
Sometimes it is hard to avoid night riding, but for fun or pleasure...not me!
I would say, be careful at night...take the fwy when possible at night.
I have always used deer or animal whistles.....yeah ..yeah.... I know you don't believe in them....however, I do for all animals, like birds. I look at it this way....what if it worked just...........ONCE!
The other day a rider was on Hwy 36W at 4:30 PM at 55mph when he was hit by a Bald Eagle and knocked off his motorcycle. The rider was air vac'ed to Mercy Hosp in Redding in very bad condition.....the Eagle was dead........!
Anyway...motorcycles are dangerous and real dangerous at night!..
OP: not much you can do, but only report it.
Last edited by Holster Maker; Aug 19, 2011 at 02:46 AM. Reason: I removed negative details of friend's accidents.
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