Rider Down

D

Discounicorn

New member
Yes Captain, that's pretty much the law in a nutshell. Just make sure you've got proof of that health insurance coverage if you happen to get stopped for something else and you're not wearing your brain bucket.

It's a personal choice, but I tend to agree with the overwhelming sentiment of other posters in this thread.....ATGATT coupled with experience is the best option.
 
After 8 years as a surgeon at a lvl 1 trauma center there are 3 primary factors in almost all fatal MC collisions:
1-Alcohol
2-Inexperience
3-Speed

Any combination or one of these will greatly increase your chances of dying while riding. As a rider for 31 of my 34 years on this planet I can't or won't stop. For me it is a bond with my father (one of our few) and is an ingrained part of my personality and psyche. Given that it's ATGATT for me. It isn't going to make me as safe as if I am in a land yacht SUV, but it is about minimizing the risks. And if I want to go faster, I take it to the track....

Be safe out there guys and gals. We've lost enough friends.....
 
Gotta say that after 18 years as an RRT, working in every facet of care from the NICU and ER to the ICU, I've had the displeasure of seeing many MC accidents. I didn't ride when I lived in FL, not for the sake of wanting, but at the time I had other priorities. I do distinctly remember, however, watching all the tools roll about without ANY protective gear. Nothing smacks of pure disregard for your own life like wearing board shorts, a tank top, flip flops, and NO HELMET while riding something like a Hayabusa.

I don't know this person and I feel badly for the personal trauma his family will suffer as a result of his negligence. This...could have been avoided. ATGATT.

Be safe all and God Bless. To the poster of this thread, my apologies for seeing this first hand. Seen similar and it's never fun.
 
Some considerations regarding accidents and protective gear.

Irrespective of whether you are totally at fault, contribute to some degree or are completely innocent, in an accident it is the rider who gets hurt.

Wearing a full complement of protective gear may reduce the severity of the injuries. Wearing minimal protective gear won't.

The only protective gear required when riding a bike is goggles (just hate the bugs in the eyes) and maybe some sunscreen. That is, unless you have an accident.

Buy the best quality gear you can afford (and keep buying until you have the best ... period).



Protective gear is what the racers wear and isn't cheap. It comprises full face helmet, full leathers (one piece or zip together), motorcycle boots, gloves and back protector.

Considerations for the best gear is:
 
After 1 evening in a Holiday Inn Express, I have to say that dying for the sole reason that you werent wearing a helmet is pretty dumb. Im not worried about the high speed accidents, but the 'I stopped at a light, foot slipped on road debris, and cracked my skull on the curb and died' accidents. Silly shit like that, I just shake my head.
 
Broke a shoulder and 2 ribs and that was it. I also ground a 4" square of plastic off my helmet and also ripped the visor clean off, took most of one of the knees off my Dainese pants, put a hole in my A*s jacket, took two knuckles of Kevlar off my A*s gloves and ground one of the sliders down to the screws on my boots. All done at less than 80kph. Of everything though, it was the damage to the helmet which scared me the most. Because of the low(er) speed of the accident my head hit the ground with such a thump just above the left eye and then I slid face down for a few feet. Without the lid I'd probably be steering my wheelchair with a straw now.
 
Been in three accidents.... in order 1) dislocated collar bone type IV reconstructive surgery, low speed in the rain, got cut off, was wearing leather jacket, not a stratch on me, drove her home 2) mandible reconstructive surgery (broken four places) and partially amputated left index finger (lost it), moderate speed in dry conditions, endoed coming to a stop in a construction zone, alcohol .16, was wearing my helmet unstrapped (wouldn't be writing now if i hadn't worn it) , rash (stomach and knee). bus ride two years go by... second bike 3) rash on my knee, small nik on my elbow, moderate speed, laid her down on an exit off rt 80 due to gravel. helmet unscratched, titanium glove knuckles rashed(saved the remaining good fingers), leather jacket rashed on elbow, drove her home.

No matter what anybody says, full faced helmet, gloves, leather jacket, and long pants at the very least is what any rider should be wearing. When i get on my bike now i remember how i was. I wanna go back at talk some sense into that young stupid boy. But I can't. This old man is all that's left. So go head... stamp your forms and stop wasting my time, because frankly.. I don't give a shit.
 
Back
Top