Posted on 07/15/2007 7:30:18 AM PDT by BraveMan
I'm just personally glad that I don't
And, as for my thrill-seeking - which I enjoy - I don't have to worry about others killing me with THEIR stupidity. I've never seen a kayaker hit by a car (except while driving or crossing the street!)
I considered dirt-biking when I was younger because, once again, 99.9% of accidents or injuries would be my fault.
And you may FEEL safer on your bike. But, statistically, you aren't
Folks often see some of the wilder stuff we do when we kayak and ALWAYS ask...isn't that dangerous?. I tell them, yes - but the odds of my getting killed DRIVING to the river are statistically about 10 times greater than the odds of dying ON the river
I regularly tell my wife that driving is the MOST dangerous activity most of us will ever engage in (Scuba diving in caves is about the only activity I know of that is more dangerous. And, although I also dive regularly, I stay in open water). Being on a motorcycle increases that danger.
I'll pass - but I sincerely hope you enjoy yourself and stay safe.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Why in the world would anybody (who isn’t trash) want to go to a biker bar?
Look at that this way...57% WERE WEARING A HELMET!
To get away from uptight people like you.
Y'know what? I didn't die, I didn't get injured, I didn't crash, nobody cut me off and nobody turned in front of me.
I think I'll keep doing it for another 4 years.
Lord protect and preserve us from busy-bodies, dogooders, safety advocates, ER ninnies, overly concerned wives, people with motorcycle anecdotes, mothers of prevention, overachievers and legislators. Amen.
That is the point, we want to decide. If I find, (and I have), that wearing a helmet detracts from my situational awareness, mutes my hearing, increases the speed with which I get fatigued, and is generally hot, uncomfortable, and a distraction which inhibits my keeping track of the vehicles around me, shouldn't I be able to choose?
If I avoid being in an "accident" I won't get hurt, plain and simple.
I was a fireman long ago and far away, and did EMS when the old Cadilacs were the norm for ambulances. It ain't pretty, but for all the 10-50s I ran then, I noticed nothing helps you live another day like not being involved in the wreck.
Since then cages have been outfitted with padded dashboards, collapsible steering columns, seat belts, airbags, antilock brakes, (some) with computerized traction maintenance and tuned suspensions, crumple zones, etc.
Virtually every gadget to make the car safer has been applied except one.
Safer drivers.
It isn't the equipment, it is the driver.
Address that rather than an inanimate object which will do nothing to prevent the accident, and you might have more time for coffee on a Saturday night.
You are in a tough line of work, and it is never easy to tell anyone their onetime little bundle of joy is gone. Rough duty, and I can see where you get your attitude (been there, just a mite).
For some, it might help, but there are deeper problems which need to be addressed and those are the Cause of the wrecks which put the people in your domain.
If NTSB standards were applied to car "accidents" like they are to aircraft crashes, the list would read:
Pilot error
Pilot error
Pilot error
Pilot error
YMMV.
You are exactly right. Distracted driving is just as bad as drunk driving. I leave my cell phone off in my car and it makes me nuts to see people driving and chatting away. You can’t do both safely.
There are buttheads everywhere no matter what you drive. I choose to be a cager because I don’t want to take the risk of driving a MC. You do and you have the right attitude of situational awareness and riding like everyone else is going to do something stupid (that’s the best way to drive too). I would say “watch your six” but in your case, watch it all.
[I drive my 1 ton pickup truck as fast as conditions allow.”]
[I’ll bet you do. My guess is you also use your “1 ton pickup truck” in an intimidating way towards other drivers when you want to pass, change lanes, pull out into traffic, etc.]
You don’t know me and you don’t know how or where I drive yet you personally attack me. You act like a liberal.
If you are looking where you don't want the wheel to go it will go there. It has to do with balance (motorcycles have to lean to turn at speeds above a walking pace). Look where you want to go, and you will do much better at going there.
(For the benefit of those who do not realize this and may be lurking.) Sorry he had a bad ride.
You got it!
Do you ride a Yamaha Road Star?
Thanks for the acknowledgement and for your participation! :)
Whoa.
Is that you, Jesus?
I've been lucky, and avoided the stupidity of the four-wheelers many times.
Do you really define ‘biker’ as trash?
Kewl. I’ve always aspired to be true scooter trash!
But I gotta admit that I stay away from 1% er joints.
2004 1700 hypercharger and Jardine pipes.
Once into second gear about as fast anything out there and also gets about 47 mpg with a passenger.
What more could I ask for?
Yeah, yeah, a saddlebag full of Bushmill’s.
Boy howdy!
The only close call I’ve ever had with my girlfriend on the back was in a parking lot going close past a car. The more I looked at that bumper, the closer I got to it...until...I moved my gaze elsewhere and missed the car. But it was close and would have been humiliating to hit a parked car for no good reason at all.
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