Not a day goes by that I don't read a news story about a serious motorcycle accident or fatalities. I read a story about this 60 year old guy who took his wife on a ride last Saturday in Palatine, IL area. They were hit by a car driver who drove out into the street from a gas station without looking and hit these riders. Both riders were killed.
I do search these stories, to help me learn and keep me sharp while I am riding. In most of these online new stories there is always a debate between the riders and "cagers" (car drivers) about who is at fault. I believe, we riders do need to understand that we are taking higher risks and are more vulnerable to injuries in even a small accident. Actually, there is no such thing as a small accident for motorcycle riders. What I fail to understand is the sheer number of riders who don't wear any helmet or protective gear while riding. This particularly applies to cruiser riders. Why is that? What am I missing? If mountain climber takes risk climbing cliffs he or she has the right gear to cope with that risks. We have to prepare for the risk and the rest depends on our riding skills, external factors that sometimes we cannot do anything about. I fail to understand. I love to ride, but I have to protect myself so I can continue to do this for a big part of my life.
The car drivers, well that is another story. I drive a car too and I know how the drivers are ridiculously distracted i.e. Cell phone gabbing, texting, putting on lipstick, reading through office files while they are operating a 4000 lbs machinery on wheels at over 40, 50, 60 or higher mph. Imagine if a semi truck driver start doing that. Can you imagine the mayhem? We have to respect everyone on the road, and that means, responsible driving. Mistakes still will happen which is why we have safety belts for car and protective gear for riders. It is a matter of reducing the risk. That is a responsibility for all.
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