sobering read

[Tweek]

Found this posted on another forum and thought it was worth passing on over here: http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/book/butthead2.jpg

I don't usually hold out that other drivers are out to kill me, I just ride like they are, but after reading this......

Rash of motorcycle deaths worry officials
By TRACI SHURLEY
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Star-Telegram/Bruce Maxwell
Motorcycle-car collisions often happen when the car pulls out in front of the biker. A DPS official says drivers often misjudge how far away an approaching motorcycle is. ARLINGTON -- More than a third of the 13 people killed in Arlington traffic this year have been motorcycle riders, a percentage that dwarfs that of previous years.

The trend has police looking for a common thread and trying to find solutions. All five victims were men riding what officers consider "sport bikes," fast, light motorcycles with quick acceleration. Speed was also noted, at least initially, in four of the crashes.

Sport bikes have not been involved in all serious motorcycle collisions this year. But Sgt. Jeff Pugh of the department's traffic unit said sport bike enthusiasts seem more prone to "pushing the motorcycle and themselves to the limit just to see how far they can take it."

Police hope that reaching out to motorcycle riders, especially those with sport bikes, with an offer of training courses will help. They plan to ask area dealers to work with police in encouraging riders to get more training.

"We realize that not all motorcycle operators, let alone all sport bike operators, violate the laws of the road. It just seems that those are the types of motorcycles reported to 911 for reckless behavior at high speeds," Pugh said.

Collision trends

The rise in fatal motorcycle crashes became more clear early Wednesday after a fifth motorcycle-related death. Richard Phelps, 44, was thrown from his 1998 Buell motorcycle after he lost control while trying to merge onto Texas 360 from East Pioneer Parkway. He was then hit by a car.

Police continue to investigate that crash and are still looking for witnesses and the vehicle that hit Phelps.

More details about this year's motorcycle deaths:

Three of the five motorcycle riders killed were wearing helmets.

Three of the crashes involved another vehicle, two of them midsize cars.

Three of the victims were men in their 20s.

Motorcycles have increased in popularity in the past decade, and so has the number of motorcycle-related deaths, according to federal statistics. In Arlington, motorcycle riders or passengers made up about 12 percent of traffic deaths from 2003 through 2006. In Fort Worth, about 15 percent of this year's fatal crashes -- 6 of 39 -- have involved a motorcycle, police said.

Safety training

Robert Leatherwood, general manager at Arlington Motorsports, said he finds the increase distressing. But he said he isn't certain that offering additional safety training would help. Salesmen already strongly encourage every new rider to only buy a bike they can handle and to take training courses administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety, he said.

"So many people today are more interested in just hopping onto a bike and driving off," Leatherwood said. "They just don't cover their bases before they get going."

Pugh said investigators plan to review fatal collisions to find out how much experience the victims had.

Last year, the DPS issued about 41,000 new motorcycle licenses or endorsements. But only 32,000 people took the state-approved riding courses from private vendors or schools in 2006. The basic course focuses on cornering, braking, swerving to avoid hazards and fighting inattention, said Clif Burdette, coordinator of the Motor Safety Unit at the DPS.

Leatherwood said many of the crashes he hears about involve riders who attempt maneuvers they aren't experienced enough to handle.

Sport bikes, which can go 160 miles per hour, give riders "that feeling that they're stronger than they are," Leatherwood said.

Other motorists

Motorcyclists are also easy victims for inattentive drivers.

In 2006, two people on motorcycles died in Haltom City, both because cars pulled out in front of them, said Haltom City Sgt. Terry Stayer.

In Arlington, 22-year-old Andre Booker died April 19 after his motorcycle collided with a Kia Rio in the 7800 block of South Cooper Street. The driver of the Kia, who was turning onto Cooper, was cited for failing to yield the right of way.

Booker was a star running back on the Samuel Clemens High School football team in Schertz. He also played at Texas State University and the University of Houston, relatives said.

Booker had been riding his motorcycle for about a year and a half and had only recently moved to Arlington, said his father, R.L. Booker, who lives in Schertz.

"What we were told is that the lady who hit him just didn't see him. It truly was an accident," said the elder Booker, who now cares for his 4-year-old grandson, Andre Jr.

Burdette said drivers often misjudge how far away an approaching motorcycle is. The Department of Public Safety recently issued a statement urging car and truck drivers to take extra care with motorcycles.

It said that more than half of motorcycle crashes are caused by other drivers and encouraged drivers to give riders the space and respect they need.

"I've honestly had people tell me, 'It's just a rider; he deserved it.' I say, 'Excuse me, that could be your brother, sister, mother or father,'" Burdette said. "Riders are just people. They're on a different mode of transportation because it's something they enjoy."

2007 Arlington motorcycle deaths

June 6: Richard Phelps, 44, of Arlington was killed after losing control of his motorcycle. Arlington police are looking for the driver whose vehicle hit him about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday in the 1900 block of south Texas 360. Phelps' death was Arlington's 13th traffic death this year.

Phelps was trying to enter the ramp to northbound Texas 360 from East Pioneer Parkway at a high speed when he lost control, drove through a grassy median and hit a guardrail. He was thrown from the bike and landed on an entrance ramp, police said. A vehicle hit him and drove off without stopping, according to accident investigators.

Police are looking for the driver and any witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call Safe City Commission Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at Crime Stoppers - Safe City Commission. Tipsters remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

May 31: Dustin Lee Summers, 25, died after he fell off his Kawasaki Ninja in the 900 block of North Collins Street and hit another vehicle. Police said Summers and another motorcycle rider were racing. The accident happened when Summers crested a hill and tried to stop.

May 3: Clinton Gilmore, 22, died after his Kawasaki Ninja hit a median at Northwest Green Oaks Boulevard and North Cooper Street. A bystander told police Gilmore was driving "very fast" north on Cooper Street and had popped a wheelie just before entering the intersection. He was thrown from the motorcycle.

April 19: Andre Booker, 22, was killed when his Yamaha motorcycle hit a Kia at Cooper Street and Commercial Boulevard South. Investigators said the driver of the Kia failed to yield the right of way.

March 16: Marshall Williams, 41, died after wrecking his Suzuki motorcycle in the 6100 block of New York Avenue. Accident investigators cited Williams' "failure to control speed" as a contributing factor. He was unable to negotiate a curb and slid into an iron fence.

Source: Arlington Police Department

Training courses

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers basic classes for $190 and courses for experienced riders for $80. To find one nearby, go to Texas Department of Public Safety - Courtesy, Service, Protection.

Traci Shurley, 817-548-5494
tshurley@star-telegram.com

[PainlessWolf]

"I've honestly had people tell me, 'It's just a rider; he deserved it." Really? Maybe the next time you try to kill someone with your vehicle, he/she'll pull a revolver and put a well deserved shot through your evil heart. Justifed Self Defense for that kind of vicious stupidity.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

2005 Drifter 800

[wylde1]

When I was very young my uncle was in an accident on his M/C a car was backing out of a driveway and very likely just didn't see him. luckily he survived, but barely. he broadsided the car and was ejected right over top of it. I'm sure it was actually accidental, at least I would hope so.

But the story goes on... this driver of the car (this occured in small town rural Southern Ontario) was in a bar a few days later (my uncle still in intensive care) and was telling people how he "got one" and "one less biker to worry about on the streets".... again small town... my uncle was apparently well liked by the people in this establishment... the driver of the car 5 days after he hit my uncle, was now 4 beds down from him in the hospital...

[fretbuzz]

"I've honestly had people tell me, 'It's just a rider; he deserved it."

That's the people that look you strait in the eyes and pull out any way. I just want to drag them out through the window and stomp their a$ . . . , sorry daemon, their face in.

[fretbuzz]

Originally Posted by wylde1

When I was very young my uncle was in an accident on his M/C a car was backing out of a driveway and very likely just didn't see him. luckily he survived, but barely. he broadsided the car and was ejected right over top of it. I'm sure it was actually accidental, at least I would hope so.

But the story goes on... this driver of the car (this occured in small town rural Southern Ontario) was in a bar a few days later (my uncle still in intensive care) and was telling people how he "got one" and "one less biker to worry about on the streets".... again small town... my uncle was apparently well liked by the people in this establishment... the driver of the car 5 days after he hit my uncle, was now 4 beds down from him in the hospital...

Sweet. That's Judge Roy Bean stuff right there.

[jukief]

A good lesson in slowing down and not riding beyond your ability. You can't do anything about people not seeing you and pulling out in front of you, but at least if you aren't speeding you have more time to react.

[Upi]

I recently learned that someone very close to me is very much NOT fond of motorcyclists. And to be honest, I understand why...

During the memorial day weekend we were driving East bound on 66 heading toward Arlington, and so was every motorcyclist in northern VA. We were happily putting along in the HOV lane when a single motorcyclist jumped in front of us and began slowing down.

Now I knew that this was the sweeper making space for the pack ahead of him, but my friend, who doesn't ride, could not understand the behavior. The motorcyclist was driving slower than the speed limit, there were about 40 motorcyclists taking up 3 lanes on a 4 lane highway, and this @zzHat just cut him off and started driving slower then he was going, when there was obviously plenty of room in front of him, and all of his buddies have the other lanes closed off...

It was very apparent that the motorcyclists had an air of entitlement. They were riding to DC for the memorial day rally, and they were the kings of the road. But news flash for all of us (I know not all of us, just bear with me)... Not everyone in the world cares about our *****ing tats, wants to hear our loud pipes over their music or conversations, or care too much about our rides. Really, they have their own lives and hobbies, and don't care about ours. And the fact that motorcyclists inhibit their ability to get from point A to point B on an already congested highway really just ****es them off.

So like I said, putting myself in his shoes, I can kinda understand where he is coming from. Not ALL motorcyclists are rude, but some are. And if we think about it, we don't usually come onto these forums and talk about how nice the cagers are around us and how superific their driving skills are, because the nice ones don't usually stick out as much in our heads as the rude ones.

[Tweek]

Rude is rude regardless the manner of transport. I tend to move fast on the road but I do so in a manner that has the least impact on other drivers. I wont weave or do anything surprising.

I sort of look at what you describe and think that most of those jagoffs are weekend riders who role their shiny piece of buttchrome out occasionally and put around. I've noticed people like that around here and I tend to avoid them. I dont like the way they ride. I do it everyday I can and take the attitude that my life is in jeopardy. I'll be damned if I'll get anywhere near another motorcyclist that doesnt behave in the same manner.

did I have a point or am I just rambling?

[BikerBeagle]

The problem with "pushing the motorcycle and themselves to the limit" is that, eventually, they find it.

My dislike of irresponsible sport bike riders is well known around these parts. I don't have a single compassionate bone in my body for sport bikers who have died because they were being stupid ...but that's just me.

[ImpactG]

Had a big delivery box truck pull out on me today. I had to slow down pretty quick. There was no traffic behind me, so he could have waited a few extra seconds. I put the sourest look on my face as possible as he passed.

In this case, he realized his mistake and leaned out the window to shout an apology. In many cases, like this, it was just inadvertent or poor decision making as opposed to conscious negligence.

I guess it's really our job to look out for ourselves. You just never know!

[fretbuzz]

Originally Posted by ImpactG

Had a big delivery box truck pull out on me today. I had to slow down pretty quick. There was no traffic behind me, so he could have waited a few extra seconds. I put the sourest look on my face as possible as he passed.

In this case, he realized his mistake and leaned out the window to shout an apology. In many cases, like this, it was just inadvertent or poor decision making as opposed to conscious negligence.

I guess it's really our job to look out for ourselves. You just never know!

That's when it really grinds my gears. If they would just wait 3 more seconds it's clear behind me.

[Lomilar]

I still hold the following assumptions when on my bike:

1) I am invisible.
2) I am hated, except by my kin.
3) I am fragile.

I compensate with the knowledge of:

1) I am agile.
2) I am paranoid.
3) I am small.
4) I can accelerate.

[daemon]

Originally Posted by nomad16

"I've honestly had people tell me, 'It's just a rider; he deserved it."

That's the people that look you strait in the eyes and pull out any way. I just want to drag them out through the window and stomp their a$ . . . , sorry daemon, their face in.

i would certainly be taking a hickory stick to him in an old fashioned motherly way