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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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In Reply to: How many of you ride motorcycles? posted by howard on April 2, 2007 at 08:51:00:
Had this same friend drove his car accidentally into the back of the truck, then car driving is dangerous and cars should be something to stay away from?There is no doubt that riding a motorcycle, any kind of motorcycle, no matter how big the displacement of the engine, or long its wheelbase, or whoever makes it, requires A LOT more skill and alertness than driving a car. Unfortunately, many new riders do not take this into account when purchasing motorcycles. They do not enroll in a beginner's course given by instructors who meet guidelines of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Some states, like Illinois and I'm sure others, require you pass this course to get a motorcycle license. Of course, this won't stop people from riding without a license.
There were many factors that went into the final predicament that your friend found himself in. Arriving under a tractor trailer brings up many questions. Perhaps he told you exactly what happened? That is if he is still alive and if he is, if he remembers; which leaves me to speculate rightly or wrongly on what could've happened. Let's say it was raining, traction's low, and oil settles in the middle of the lanes. Experienced riders will ride in the tire tracks of the vehicles in front for increased traction due to less water buildup and slightly decreased chance of hitting oil. A rear wheel slip can be controlled and often occurs for a very short second before adhesion returns. What an unskilled rider - and this includes riders who have been "riding all their lives" - might do out of panic or just plain did not know this could happen, is hit the brakes hard and lock them up instead of letting the bike and tires react to the road condition and adjust itself. What results from brake lock up and total loss of adhesion is subsequently low siding. Slide, slide, slide, stop under the tractor trailer in front of you. Mind you, using brakes, both front and rear, even in wet weather is highly recommended no matter what you hear about it otherwise. It's in the feathering and firm application of the brakes that makes you a skilled and safe rider. If you can not or are afraid to do this, please do not ride.
Riding a motorcycle requires a lot of practice, and honing one's skills in braking, turning, looking, and much more. Car drivers are behind glass, their view to the outside world is blocked by pillars and they're too busy on the phone, so it's all up to you to get safely from A to B. Chances are accidents can be avoided when you think about what led up to it. Even riders who say it is not their fault that the car made a left in front of them, are responsible for their outcome. If he had looked ahead, up to 10 seconds ahead, he would have been aware of the intersection with cars waiting to turn left. High beams on in daytime for a motorcycle makes you more visible, use them. Turn them at night of course. Slowing down enough to react to idiot drivers will buy you that second or two to swerve out of harm's way. Oh yeah, learn to swerve, it'll save your life and keep you bike nice and pretty. They teach you that at the MSF course too. :-)
I hope your friend is healing well. I am sorry to hear this story as I am sorry to hear any motorcyclist going down. Motorcyling is one fun activity and a great way to get around. It is very misunderstood by many people and loud pipes and unskilled, uncaring riders give motorcycling a bad name. Now - there should be a mandatory skill driving course for all SUV drivers when they purchase one of these things, they're "dangerous!" Funny how people don't condemn people who drives these things and roll over on their heads on a curvy road or damp, oily, decreasing radius highway on ramp. But if a motorcyclist slipped and fell, furgitabouit!!!
Ride Safe, ride smart, RIDE.
Wayne Rainey, 500cc World Champion, 1991-1993 THE MAN! Arguably the best professional American roadracer ever. Mention his name in Europe and Asia and many will know who he is, mention his name in his home country of the U.S. of A. and people go "Who?" Sigh ... whadaUgonnado?
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Follow Ups
- So your logic is ... - patriot 10:25:28 04/02/07 (1)
- Re: So your logic is ... - WERA689 15:57:09 04/02/07 (0)
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