Motorcyclist Fatality Close to Home

[metalyguitarded]

I debated sharing this because I imagine there are some motorcyclist who'd rather not hear about crashes. We all know there are risks to what we do. On the other hand, I always read with interest reports of motorcycle accidents. I'm always hopeful that the motorcyclists was not seriously hurt and my interest lies with trying to learn something from the report. What went wrong? Was it avoidable? How do you all feel about these kinds of posts? I read this one today:

7:56 a.m. October 18, 2006

SAN DIEGO – A motorcyclist was killed when he slammed into a tree, fell into traffic and was struck by a vehicle on a Mission Valley roadway, police said Wednesday.

[PHOTO]
ALBERT JOHNSON for SignOnSanDiego
Accident investigators survey the scene on Friars Road just west of Highway 163 where a motorcyclist died Tuesday night.

The victim was eastbound on Friars Road near state Route 163 about 10:10 Tuesday night when he lost control of the motorcycle after he allegedly sped between two vehicles, San Diego police said.

The motorcycle struck a curb, sending the victim and his motorcycle into a tree, San Diego police Sgt. Diane Wendell said.

The victim bounced off the tree and landed on Friars, where he was struck by one of the vehicles he had passed, she said, adding that he died at the scene.

The victim's name was withheld pending family notification.

[wvKawBoy]

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I always hate to hear of these things, but they remind you of the risk, ride safe out there people.

[2WheelFun]

+1^

[N3FOLN3FOL]

That is very unfortunate to hear about the accident. Guys, be very careful out there. Always remember, do not speed beyond your controllable skills. Be safe.

[fastball]

Nothing wrong with being reminded to ride safely!

[relli]

yeah biktoberfest here. had the lead biker in a grp last weekend slam into the back of an 18 wheeler. gotta be on your game as im teaching my wife!!!

[RichLockyer]

If I die riding or scuba diving or whatever and it's because I did something stupid or did NOT do something smart, I would hope that details would be shared with the community to help others avoid the same thing.

[relli]

if nothing else its important as a reminder that "if we snooze we lose". we can be as vigilant as a bear but all it takes is that one careless moment to change everything.sad

[Billy D.]

I don't think anyone wants to hear about afellow biker getting killed, we except it because its a hard fact that we have got to deal with. It never hurts to be reminded that defencive riding applies to us twice as much. When I hear of accidents, I try to find out what happened, sad thing is that 90% of bike fatalities could have somehow been avoided.

[msa1956]

I am Truly scared of what some people do sometimes because they have there head where the sun does nto shine. I just got off the phone with my wife and she told me she almost hit a Biker because he was follwing so close to another car she could not see him when she pulled out on to the road , he changed lanes just as she was pulling out. It scared her because Of what almost happened to me the other morning, it has made her very observant to bike riders. Needless to say she did not him or her

[Slowride]

if nothing else its important as a reminder that "if we snooze we lose". we can be as vigilant as a bear but all it takes is that one careless moment to change everything.sad

That's the truth. After riding for many years I don't usually look to see who blows the horn at me 'cause they know me "But" the other day I strayed from the norm and looked and waved and when I looked back at the road the truck in front of me had stopped. All went fine but left a portion of my tire on the road. Great brakes and tires are always nice.

[darkwolf29a]

That's a bad stretch of raod right there. It's too easy to do something dumb.

I never like hearing about it, but thanks for sharing it.

I read them, I just like it.

It's always a good idea to think ahead. There's a thing, called a brain, between your ears. Cage drivers don't use them too foten, but us riders...we have too.

I was against that whole bike in between lane law, when it came out...And Cali has been paying for that ever since.

[vulcancgc]

One of the things my MSF instructor said really stuck... There are no such things as accidents. Not that there aren't freak things that couldn't have been avoided, but most incidents could be. Whether you're talking about leaving a little greater distance to the vehicle or paying closer attention to the traffic around you. You gotta stay alert and ride safe.

[GreenJello]

When I hear of accidents, I try to find out what happened, sad thing is that 90% of bike fatalities could have somehow been avoided.

I find it encouraging that 90% of biker fatalities can be avoided, I'd like to avoid them.

[ervins]

Always ride smart...You control a big portion of your future...Which hold true for everything you do.

[LuckyArmpit]

Agree with everything everyone has said. Just about all of the bike accidents I've heard of in my area has to do with booze. Few months ago, a guy celebrated his b-day but getting trashed at the local watering joint. Promptly mounted his harley and did 80 mph down the road going the wrong way.
He hit a car head on. After they picked up pieces of him, he was dead at scene. No helmet either although he wouldn't have survived anyways.
Booze and bikes don't mix! Even more so if you ride like an a-hole to begin with.
This includes all bikes from cruisers and sport bikes down to the cross dressers (half road and half off-road). Most of the riders I've seen ride responsibly.

Lucky...

[Minuend]

"One of the things my MSF instructor said really stuck... There are no such things as accidents."

Spot on. Other than the occasional mechanical failure, all accidents were preventable. They are usually a cascading series of events involving poor judgement somewhere in the chain. Message: drive defensively with your helmeted head on a swivel.

[SLSChic]

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I always hate to hear of these things, but they remind you of the risk, ride safe out there people.

X2
better to learn from others mistakes or misfortunes than to find out for yourself first hand!

[Slowride]

X2
better to learn from others mistakes or misfortunes than to find out for yourself first hand!

Agreed. I lost a long time bud about 4 months ago who was running late getting back to work. A great guy and a true 1%er but was in a hurry. While rounding one of the bends on the backroads he got caught in a blind spot and and old man pulled across his lane to turn into a side street and they hit head on. He was killed instantly and may he rest in peace.

[sdbrit68]

i know that area, as you come off the 163 highway, its kind of a long sweeping turn, people come off the exit ramp and gun it

what someone said about accidents being preventable, very good chance in this case with witnesses saying he was speeding between 2 cars