HOLY MOLEY - MC SAFETY STATS

[Jag]

When I first stated riding at about 15, I thought that every car driver was out to kill me, of coarse I was always going as fast as could.
It got worse as I got bigger bikes (I bought a '73 750 Combat Commando one week before I turned 17)
In hindsight the real problem was that at that age, and going as fast as I could, drivers simply didn't see me whilst I was travelling at 100MPH, they would look left and right, road clear and pull out.
Of coarse at 100MPH I was in their face in no time at all, and of coarse it was all their fault !

I've slowed down over the years, as we do, but still have that same "They're out to kill me attitude"
This has kept me alive many, many times when it is the drivers fault and I've been able to take the appropriate action.

I totally relate to your post, and I’m still not sure how I lived past 25 years of age!

 

[rocketjohn]

I have been a victim of my own desire to exceed my personal limits without a plan B. Of course time practice and training....doesn't necessarily make you ride better...but makes you more aware of potential mistakes! So you get safer if not fancier.

 

[1olbull]

I found over the last 50 years of riding that practicing riding skills, paying attention, and not being drunk, essentially eliminates the types of crashes listed above. Motorcycling is dangerous. It is more dangerous for the unskilled and intoxicated.

Totally agree with you regarding practice, attention and sober.
I'm afraid there is truly nothing that, "essentially eliminates the types of crashes listed above".
What you have mentioned can indeed mitigate some of the danger.
I'll leave you with one more stat:
86% of all motor crashes involved an injury or fatality.

 

[TriumPhil]

I have always ridden with the mindset that anything that I see that can move while I'm on the roadway(s) can kill me and the things that lurk in and around the road that I can't see are more dangerous, yet!

Just as it is for Messr. Bryant, that Axiom of safe riding has saved my bacon considerably more than a few times.

 

[Bedifferent]

It is worse in this day and age as noted by all the comments. I trust no one when riding and suspect everything to happen. I always expected to be hit by a cager in my lifetime, but my group riding accident last year (not my fault) has now made me wary of riders behind and in front me as well. I prefer to ride at the back of the pack instead of in or in front of it. You need to be on your toes when riding in a group and I don't see that to the degree I like. My biggest complaint is not leaving adequate space and the consumption of alcohol by most of the group at dinner. That now keeps me even more out of everyones way. Personally, I prefer to ride with one other person or by myself. In spite of the risks I still enjoy riding, but I will continue to take responsibility for keeping myself safe. Enjoy The Ride...but not too much so as to let your guard down.

 

[1olbull]

@Bedifferent
Good comments! Riding properly in group formation is challenging and requires as much focus as riding fast.
I enjoy doing both for very different reasons.

 

[TriumPhil]

I donate to big charity rides, but never participate as a rider anymore because its impossible to know the riding skills of all individuals in the herd. If I'm low flying with a small group of friends in fast formation, it's because I can bet my life on their riding skills, acumen and judgement.

 

[WyldCFH]

I don't particularly like being in a pack of anything. I have general distrust of human beings and more so when my life can be affected by their stupid decisions.

As such I will weave my way through traffic to find a hole, or pass 20 some riders at 100mph+ to be in a place where I implicitly trust the skills of those ahead of me.

 

[Paul Bryant]

I don't particularly like being in a pack of anything. I have general distrust of human beings and more so when my life can be affected by their stupid decisions.

As such I will weave my way through traffic to find a hole, or pass 20 some riders at 100mph+ to be in a place where I implicitly trust the skills of those ahead of me.

Amen to that !

 

[Old N' Grumpy]

I NEVER ride in packs...one or two but mostly solo. Feel safer that way.