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TarHeeLBiker
Senior Member
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Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 10:14 pm | 1st Post |
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The first one was unavoidable http://www.break.com/index/drunk-driver-slams-into-biker.html
These are just amuseing http://my.break.com/Content/view.aspx?ContentID=500229
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Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - - body thoroughly used up, screaming WOOHOO!! what a ride!!
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 01:33 am | 2nd Post |
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I am not trying to pick a fight.....but I see statements like this about bikes all the time on a forum. Unavoidable accident. I know of only one. This particular filmed accident was totally avoidable, the biker was speeding and also not paying attention to what was going on.
I myself feel that if I ever run into another vehicle it is only my own fault. I should be doing the speed limit and paying attention. You do not ride ten feet in front of your front wheel.....you take in all the road and side roads as far as the eye can see, you start looking down side roads early and in small towns where the intersections are blocked by a building even when the light is green, you should ease out carefully.
You teach yourself to watch the front wheels of a car......and above all things you teach yourself to be observant all the time.
I saw an article the other day I have to agree with. It stated the in 40 percent of motorcycle accidents alcohol is involved, in another 25 percent it is riders who they were in a word calling inexperienced such as middle aged guys who just start riding again or have never rode.....and something else that I forget. I remember thinking if I add the zoomsplat's to this....my chances are pretty good.
Riding a motorcycle is only as dangerous as we make it. As for the only one unavoidable thing is being hit from behind in certain situations......no one can control that one....if the luck of the draw comes your way....that one is I feel sometimes not avoidable......but anything in front of me......or from the side....it is my own stupid fault if I run into them. Respectfully Kit
____________________
Most of the time, the cure for the Goldwing wobble is a set of Bridgestone Tires.
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nightwizard40
Senior Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 01:39 am | 3rd Post |
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Kit Carson wrote:
Riding a motorcycle is only as dangerous as we make it. As for the only one unavoidable thing is being hit from behind in certain situations......no one can control that one....if the luck of the draw comes your way....that one is I feel sometimes not avoidable......
I think Rudy fits in that catagory!!
____________________
PGR/Alabama Group
http://www.patriotguard.org
http://rudysbackyard.com/
MRCA
Red Knights/Alabama Chapter 2
USAF 823rd CES/HR 1984-1990
New ride 1982 GL1100 ASPY
Current 1981 GL1100
At my disposal 1985 GL1200 ASPY
Previous 1981 CX500 Custom
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 10:49 am | 4th Post |
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nightwizard40 wrote: Kit Carson wrote:
Riding a motorcycle is only as dangerous as we make it. As for the only one unavoidable thing is being hit from behind in certain situations......no one can control that one....if the luck of the draw comes your way....that one is I feel sometimes not avoidable......
I think Rudy fits in that catagory!!
If you are talking about the small furry ferret......did he not hit a deer....yes I would put that in the unavoidable circumstance also.....that happens so fast along a wooded road......no warning you cannot see them.....they just appear......we need more hunters!!. Kit
____________________
Most of the time, the cure for the Goldwing wobble is a set of Bridgestone Tires.
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The Lake
Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 12:31 pm | 5th Post |
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Kit Carson wrote: I saw an article the other day I have to agree with. It stated the in 40 percent of motorcycle accidents alcohol is involved, in another 25 percent it is riders who they were in a word calling inexperienced such as middle aged guys who just start riding again or have never rode.....and something else that I forget.
I think that excessive speed by motorcyclists is another leading cause of accidents.
Chuck
____________________
Walk on Water http://www.miracleword.net
-----------------------
Current Bikes:
1983 Goldwing Interstate
1978 Honda CX 500
Past Bikes:
1980 Honda XLS 80
1970 Honda Trail 70
Current Toy:
1968 Correct Craft Ski Nautique (318 Chrysler)
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Endwell_Tim
Guru
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 12:56 pm | 6th Post |
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While I can't say I completely agree with Kit, I lean strongly toward his way of thinking. Whenever I teach someone how to ride, I emphasize the following: "If you get in an accident, you can spend the rest of your life pointing the finger at the other guy - From your wheelchair, if you're that lucky."
We have seen some unfortunate things happen to good people. Rudy and AzGL1500 had two prime examples of accidents that they could not avoid. Most, however, are the result of poor judgement, skills, or observation. IMHO, the guy in that first video should have seen it coming, and had plenty of room to get around him.
____________________
Endwell_Tim
81 GL1100I
"Opportunity is most often missed because it shows up in overalls, lookin' like work..."
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LilJack
Senior Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 02:07 pm | 7th Post |
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| And sometimes stupid crap just happens. Last year a group were riding thru a small town just north of here on their way to lunch. As they are passing a parking lot this lady pulls out on top of them and slams into the middle of the pack. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. 4 bikes had already passed her, they were in a good staggered position, no trees to block views etc.. she just pulled out on top of the middle of the pack. Her excuse? "they shouldn't have been there blocking my exit" WTH?????????
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1978 GL1000 (returning to stock)
1998 GL1500SE in Pearl White.
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ob1quixote
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 02:23 pm | 8th Post |
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Re: the drunk vid.
Deviations from the norm cause accidents. The bike seemed to be traveling no faster than the other cars in the scene, with one exception; the white car in question cutting across multiple lanes of traffic at a very slow speed.
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 03:28 pm | 9th Post |
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About the group ride situation. I love to ride in a small group especially with people that I know and trust. We always make sure everyone has full knowledge of where we are all going, then no one pushes it. The one thing you can fully expect to happen without fail is some idiot to pull out in the middle of the group, just learn to expect it, take it in stride and just slow down and let it happen. They will pass part of the group and cut back into the middle of the group, slam on their brakes and make a turn into somewhere within 50 feet. This is the now society......they want to get there in a hurry, and they will all the time they are passing part of the group and cutting into another part, they have a cell phone glued to both ears.
I have just learned to expect it, in fact count on it. Never get mad, just take it easy, slow down avoid it and continue on. There is no hurry to catch up with the rest of the group, we all know where we are going.......it may be five or six miles before the rest of us catch up with them in heavy traffic, we just do it easy and safe.....slowly just a bit at a time, merge back together. Under experienced riders to tend to sweat the fact the group is getting out of sight and tend to push it too hard to catch up.......I prevent all that with just a grin and a ten minute talk before we all take off. They know I am watching for them....if someone is missing for more than a few minutes....we will come find you. Just learn to expect drivers to be totally out to ruin your day........because that is one thing that is not a maybe......it is simply something you can count on them to do.
There is also the occasional person that is mentally imbalanced. Last Christmas we had a Charity ride and we had a little over 3000 bikes in it. We had police escorts through town and all that stuff......but it does take a bit of time for that many bikes to pass through an intersection. In several places the police had blocked off the side roads with barriers for us. This one fellow got mad, and ran a barrier and ran over two bikes, yelling and cussing the whole time, so that kind of person is out there too.
They even occasionally get mad at another car and road rage takes over and they ram another car........it is such a shame that the law will not let me just shoot those kinds of people.....I feel I could pretty much prevent 99 percent of it Kit
____________________
Most of the time, the cure for the Goldwing wobble is a set of Bridgestone Tires.
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Dubswing
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 04:37 pm | 10th Post |
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We teach a riding strategy in our BRC called SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute). It works and it saves lives. It is just what Kit is telling you to do; always be looking for situations that could deteriorate and cause an accident. Another thing to do is always check your rear view mirror when stopped, it could allow you to move and avoid someone who is approaching you from the rear and not paying attention. I flash my brake lights as cars approaching from the rear and watch to see if they respond; and I always leave enough room in front of me to pull away. This is also a good reason to keep you bike in gear at stops; being able to pull away could help avoid being hit. There are never enough good comments on ways to avoid accidents and they all could be avoided if bikers and cagers paid attention to the task at hand. Ride Safe!
Bernie
____________________
Work for tomorrow, live for today.
Live life like you mean it!
GWRRA, Tenn. Chapter T
Patriot Guard Rider Member
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LilJack
Senior Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 04:41 pm | 11th Post |
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Well put KitCarson and Dubswing, I tell my riding partners to leave an "out" when they are stopped by leaving enough room in front of them to allow them to pull out in case a situation arises. Also tell them to have an exit plan in mind when they come to a stop. And lastly, tell them to ride as if you have a target on you.
Not trying to scare them out of enjoying the ride just trying to instill in them they need to ride aware.
____________________
1978 GL1000 (returning to stock)
1998 GL1500SE in Pearl White.
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Dubswing
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 05:23 pm | 12th Post |
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Lil'Jack,
The last thing I want is for any of us to be a stastic. If we can help others be safe riders, we need to do that. The MSF charges $225.00 per person for me to teach people to ride and ride safely. I try to practice what I preach and appreciate that God has blessed me that I can enjoy this great hobby and help others in the process.
This forum promotes safe riding more than any other and all the guys jump in to offer good saftey practices. Wing riders, in particular, know the importance of safe riding; probably because we log many many more miles than the average rider.
Bernie
____________________
Work for tomorrow, live for today.
Live life like you mean it!
GWRRA, Tenn. Chapter T
Patriot Guard Rider Member
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Popeye
Senior Member
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Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 07:53 pm | 13th Post |
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I used to think folks were out to get me when I was on my bike.
But, I come across the exact, same dumb stuff in my 'roofed' vehicles. Especially, the tailgaters.
Like Kit said, I'd like to just smoke a few...it would be very justified [but the law won't allow that]. However, some justice is found when I'm in my old "iron-bumpered" pickup....when being tailgated, cats & squirrels seem to come out of nowhere. 
When I see the tailgater's huge Slurpy hit the dash & the cell phone go sailin'...I laugh....and I laugh hard. [good, honest, payback for the times I couldn't do that on the bike.]
We always hear about bike accident stats, but I wonder what Goldwing stats 'alone' would be. Why do I think it would be below the average non-bike stat ?
____________________
____________________
Patriot Guard.
Patriot Guard Riders.
KANWINGS [Rhinos] of KS
GWRRA
'97 1500SE Black/Chrome
'84 Shadow 500 Red
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extrawrinkle
Member
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Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:03 am | 14th Post |
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| The Gas Prices are up and the Houston Idiots now are riding scooters, and full-sized bikes on the road. Now, I did phrase that right when I said "Idiots".. When you see them in the morning and afternoon doing some of the most unsafe acts that I would have never even thought of doing. ie..drinkin coffee & talking on the cell at the same time. Then when you see the same guy pull out a smoke and fire it up. All that in rush hour traffic. I have so many horror stories, too many to tell.
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knute
Member
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Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:10 am | 15th Post |
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In the summer of 89', I worked at a motorcycle dealership in Fargo as a partsman, and in the 3 months I was there we had approximatley 2 dozen bikes come in for estimates for repair, every one of the bikes was a crotch-rocket (or what some refer to as 'donor-bikes'). Not one of the bikes was a crusier bike, an enduro, touring bike, or moped. My point is certainly not to rip on the sport bike riders(I had 2- v65 magnas and got crazy a time or 2), as I know many of them are good courtious riders, nor am I saying an experienced rider can't get in an accident, what I'm saying is ALL RIDERS MUST DRIVE AS IF SOMEONE IS AIMING TO RUN YOU OVER, I don't want to scare anyone, but statistics show that you are not nearly as safe on a motorcycle as you are in a car, and I don't need those stats to tell me that either!!! I know when I'm driving my bike, I am way more cautious as opposed to driving my pickup, I slow slightly(being ready to stop) and look quickly whenever I go through a green light at an intersection. If I know a certain route is going to be congested with traffic, I will take a less busy route, even if it takes a bit longer, and the list goes on and on, and I know most of you out there know exactly what I'm saying. Some one mentioned earlier about booze and/or excessive speed being a big cause of accidents, they are absolutley right!!! I have been a Firefighter/Emt for 18 yrs and in our city limits, EVERY accident involving a motorcycle had high speed and/or intoxication as the main factor of the accident(a couple accidents involved just plain ol' stupidity). I hope I never get in a bad accident on my bike, just as anyone wouldn't, mainly because I LOVE to ride my bike! I will admit that I do feel quite safe riding it due to the fact that I try to do it as safely as possible(hope I'm not jinxing myself here  ?!?!?!). Stay safe everyone and ride happily for a long,long time  .--Knute.
____________________
My Father always told me,"Don't sweat the little shi*." Words to truly live by. My past-80'GS 750L(not bad),85'V65 Magna(WOW!),81'750 Nighthawk(YUK!carbs kept goofin'up),84'V65 Magna(once again,WOW!),81 Maxim(GREAT BIKE!),and lastly,89'GL 1500.
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axelwik
Guru
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Posted: Sun May 11th, 2008 06:49 pm | 16th Post |
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Kit Carson wrote: I am not trying to pick a fight.....but I see statements like this about bikes all the time on a forum. Unavoidable accident. I know of only one. This particular filmed accident was totally avoidable, the biker was speeding and also not paying attention to what was going on.
I myself feel that if I ever run into another vehicle it is only my own fault. I should be doing the speed limit and paying attention. You do not ride ten feet in front of your front wheel.....you take in all the road and side roads as far as the eye can see, you start looking down side roads early and in small towns where the intersections are blocked by a building even when the light is green, you should ease out carefully.
You teach yourself to watch the front wheels of a car......and above all things you teach yourself to be observant all the time.
I saw an article the other day I have to agree with. It stated the in 40 percent of motorcycle accidents alcohol is involved, in another 25 percent it is riders who they were in a word calling inexperienced such as middle aged guys who just start riding again or have never rode.....and something else that I forget. I remember thinking if I add the zoomsplat's to this....my chances are pretty good.
Riding a motorcycle is only as dangerous as we make it. As for the only one unavoidable thing is being hit from behind in certain situations......no one can control that one....if the luck of the draw comes your way....that one is I feel sometimes not avoidable......but anything in front of me......or from the side....it is my own stupid fault if I run into them. Respectfully Kit
Agreed... we have to have the attitude that no matter what the stupid drivers do, we will avoid an accident. If you don't have that attitude you shouldn't be riding. There are too many who ride motorcycles who say, "if it's my time it's my time," or , "I'll just sue them." You can't sue them if you're dead, and regardless, I'd rather have an intact body than a bunch of money.
Avoiding accidents on a motorycle starts with taking a safety class where they teach the basic tactics needed to stay safe.
If you decide not to take a safety class and don't wear a helmet or gear I sure as hell won't feel sorry for you. You invite accidents and injury by not being proactive in this regard.
____________________
Marco,
Albuquerque, NM
'77 GL1000 (sold)
'08 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
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Dubswing
Very Active Member
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Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008 12:08 pm | 17th Post |
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A very important part of riding is your gear. Don't leave home without it!
Bernie
____________________
Work for tomorrow, live for today.
Live life like you mean it!
GWRRA, Tenn. Chapter T
Patriot Guard Rider Member
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Tue May 13th, 2008 12:27 pm | 18th Post |
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About protective gear. Jackets with protective armor in them can be really hot in the summer, especially in traffic. Where I live we have extremely high humidity to go along with 100 degree days, protective gear becomes a real endurance contest.
Technology has however finally answered this one. I have a couple vests called MiraCool, Made by OccuNomix. I really do not remember where I got them, but the one in the package has a phone number on it of 631-474-0071. I do remember I ordered them from a forestry supply place, as firefighters use them during the battles with fires. The vest is orange, you wear it over a cotton t-shirt under one of the new mesh jackets. I know it was very reasonably priced, this same vest purchased from a motorcycle supply place was like 40 plus dollars at the time and I think I only gave like 10 bucks each for them.....simply because it did not come from a motorcycle place.
It is filled with some type of polymer crystals. You soak the vest in water for about 30 minutes and it absorbs lots of water and swells up about 1/2 inch thick. First time you use it you have to push the crystals around.....distribute them a bit......The vest acts just like air conditioning. The flow of air through the modern mesh jacket works just like the old air flow water cooled chillers used to work. It really does do a great job.
I have found this allows me to ride fully protected , and stay cool, so I am in fact better protected from the sun and heat than if I stripped off to my t-shirt.
I used it last year for about two months.......you do still have to drink plenty of fluids, and make yourself do that, as long term it will dehydrate you, so you do need to simply be aware of that.....especially when temps are up to 100, you still sweat some, and do have to still keep yourself hydrated.
The vest will however turn an endurance contest of wearing protective gear in very hot weather into a bearable one in heavy traffic and an enjoyable one when you can stay moving. Kit
____________________
Most of the time, the cure for the Goldwing wobble is a set of Bridgestone Tires.
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axelwik
Guru
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 09:27 pm | 19th Post |
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Kit Carson wrote: About protective gear. Jackets with protective armor in them can be really hot in the summer, especially in traffic. Where I live we have extremely high humidity to go along with 100 degree days, protective gear becomes a real endurance contest.
Technology has however finally answered this one. I have a couple vests called MiraCool, Made by OccuNomix. I really do not remember where I got them, but the one in the package has a phone number on it of 631-474-0071. I do remember I ordered them from a forestry supply place, as firefighters use them during the battles with fires. The vest is orange, you wear it over a cotton t-shirt under one of the new mesh jackets. I know it was very reasonably priced, this same vest purchased from a motorcycle supply place was like 40 plus dollars at the time and I think I only gave like 10 bucks each for them.....simply because it did not come from a motorcycle place.
It is filled with some type of polymer crystals. You soak the vest in water for about 30 minutes and it absorbs lots of water and swells up about 1/2 inch thick. First time you use it you have to push the crystals around.....distribute them a bit......The vest acts just like air conditioning. The flow of air through the modern mesh jacket works just like the old air flow water cooled chillers used to work. It really does do a great job.
I have found this allows me to ride fully protected , and stay cool, so I am in fact better protected from the sun and heat than if I stripped off to my t-shirt.
I used it last year for about two months.......you do still have to drink plenty of fluids, and make yourself do that, as long term it will dehydrate you, so you do need to simply be aware of that.....especially when temps are up to 100, you still sweat some, and do have to still keep yourself hydrated.
The vest will however turn an endurance contest of wearing protective gear in very hot weather into a bearable one in heavy traffic and an enjoyable one when you can stay moving. Kit
Yep, they're called evaporative cooling vests. They're filled with silica gel material. I wear one under my mesh gear when it's over 100 F or so. I've found that wearing a mesh jacket actually keeps me cooler on those really hot days than not wearing any protection - it keeps the sun off of my skin. Yes, I get a little sweaty at stops, but instantly get cooled down when the light turns green.
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Marco,
Albuquerque, NM
'77 GL1000 (sold)
'08 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
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Snorebaby
Senior Member
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Posted: Thu May 15th, 2008 08:16 am | 20th Post |
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Kit Carson wrote: nightwizard40 wrote: Kit Carson wrote:
Riding a motorcycle is only as dangerous as we make it. As for the only one unavoidable thing is being hit from behind in certain situations......no one can control that one....if the luck of the draw comes your way....that one is I feel sometimes not avoidable......
I think Rudy fits in that catagory!!
If you are talking about the small furry ferret......did he not hit a deer....yes I would put that in the unavoidable circumstance also.....that happens so fast along a wooded road......no warning you cannot see them.....they just appear......we need more hunters!!. Kit
Actually Rudy was hit from behind by a lady who had actually stopped behind him. She was looking at traffic and got tunnel vision, lost sight of Rudy even though he had not moved, and hit him on the left saddle bag as she was turning left.
The simplest thing for me to do to stay safe while I ride is to ride like I am invisible. This way of thinking incorporates all the discussion here. It's the easiest to explain and most people understand it.
____________________
Snorey
 '85 GL1200 LTD
'86 CMX450 Rebel
"You meet the nicest people on a HONDA"
PGR#137660 http://www.patriotguard.org
SERRASJ Ride Photos http://annualssgwrally.us/coppermine
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