I have been asked so many times,
especially by my non-riding friends if I am afraid to ride my motorcycle and then they
proceed to tell me horror stories of all the accidents that have occurred to either
friends, family members, acquaintances or just ones they read about or heard on the news.
I'm not afraid to ride but I am aware. I don't take undue chances and
pull stupid stunts on my scoot. I wear a helmet to protect my most important piece
of equipment.... my brain. As a motorcycle rider I know that I have to be on my
guard at all times and watch out for the "other guy". I also know that no
matter how prepared you are, there can always be that one time when something can go
terribly wrong no matter what.
The most important piece of advice I can give anyone who wants to ride a
motorcycle is to say "Pay attention to what you are doing, don't get lax on what's
going on around you (other vehicles) and NEVER drink and drive! I
can tell people all day to wear proper gear consisting of a DOT approved helmet, gloves,
jacket, pants (or at least chaps) and above the ankle boots, which every rider or
passenger "should wear", but unless you use that muscle between your ears, all
the gear in the world may not protect you from a serious accident resulting in loss of
life or limb.
Always ride like everyone else is out to get you because in
some cases, they are! And for those of you who don't ride motorcycles but do drive
cars or trucks (cages), please give us folks on bikes a break. Don't crowd us, don't
tailgate and please, when you see one of us, really "see" us. We are on
two wheels instead of four or more and we might can move quickly but we don't have the
ability to move sideways, we don't have reverse and we might not be able to stop as
suddenly as you can. Let's make the roads safer and more pleasant for all drivers.
I don't want to see your name in the obituaries or in an accident report.
How safe are we?
Don't let this be YOU!!
Monday, Sept. 3, 2001
at 5:44 PM in Newfield, Maine on Wakefield Rd-
Car Vs Motorcycle-(2) Seriously injured.
David and Lynn McIntyre were riding two up when a woman, aged 87, pulled her
car directly in front of them. The motorcycle struck the car hurtling both riders
over the car and some 30 feet down the road.
At this time, both David and Lynn are in the Maine Medical Center in Portland
on life support. Lynn, who "was" 5 months pregnant is paralyzed and in a
coma and is not expected to survive. David has multiple fractures and is in a coma.
David and Lynn were on Wakefield Road, approx. 2 miles from their new home.
A 16 year old girl and her aunt were in a car behind the couple and witnessed the
accident.
David survived and is still undergoing theraphy. Lynn died several weeks
later due to her injuries.
November 23, 2001 - around midnight. Two young people lost their lives due to excessive speed and the thrill of the
moment.On FM 2353 S. at Possum Kingdom Lake, Larame & Desiree lost
their lives around midnight, just after Thanksgiving. Desiree was a passenger on the bike
that Larame was driving when they failed to negotiate a curve and both were thrown
to the tree-line.It was estimated that they were traveling at
approximately 140 miles per hour.A passerby found their crumpled and
broken bodies. Highway speed is dangerous enough. Don't ride past your
limits!
These are just two cases out of hundreds if not thousands. Know
your limitations. The life you save may be your own or one you love! Please, if you
drink, don't drive. Save a life!
If you have a friend or loved one that is not driving
to their full potential (an elderly), encourage them to get tested. Have a
qualified, trained observer ride with that person to determine their ability to
drive. Don't let your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, son or daughter jeopardize
their life or anyone else's. To do so is an accident waiting to happen. IMHO
For more Info on Motorcycle Safety, please check out the Links Page. I've listed
some great sites.
Thanks!
