Motorcycle deaths soar.........

The police need to start cracking down on cagers talking on cells, reading etc. I drive truck also and see it on a daily basis. What cracks me up though is in the states where it's against the law to talk on cells while driving (hand held that is) is seeing the leo's blow by me on the cell phone also. WTF
Also in that article is said "alcohol use by a motorist or rider" It kind makes me nervous when I see a bunch of bikes parked infront of or near a bar. My cousin rides and suggested we take a ride together. Said he knew this cool road that has this nice restaurant. Said he stops there all the time and has a few!!!! Sorry ain't gonna ride with you. I know everyone handles alcohol differently due to body composition, health etc. but I myself will not have a drink then ride let alone several drinks. It's just a me thing. I see too many accidents on the highway in my truck to take that chance.
Also like the others stated there has been a surge in bike ownership. Of course the numbers are going to increase. More bikes and more cars.

Originally Posted by davidcl
articles that site statistics always make me nervous... it is apparent that there are more bikers and more accidents...but, I think that the average rider is much better trained and aware ... then the average cage [email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected]!!

I don't think so.
As we are all aware of there are plenty of idiot bikers out there riding all types of bikes. And I am sure it would be with rare exception that their bike is their only means of transportation. But I am sure when they get in their cars and trucks they become friendly and courteous drivers...sure they do. It takes almost nothing to knock us down and when our head hits pavement, concrete and other hard things we die or to often we would be better off dead.

MSF training is not required in my state, perhaps it is in others I don't know. I chose to take it. It was 2 days of good instruction by 2 knowledgeable and compitent women. It cost about $25.00 and I am glad I did that. Two days is all. And that in no way made me remotely close to being a better trained motorcycle rider than the years of knowledge and experience I have gained behind the wheel of a car. But in just those 2 days it did give me more appreciation for and helped to raise my awareness for bikers.

Personally I wish more, LOTS more people rode motorcycles, replacing several million cars on the road, but it is not going to happen. In spite of gas prices big cars, trucks, RV's, boats and all sorts of other extras are still selling and the good ole US of A will never give up their cars and trucks for bikes. Now our government wants to step in and help millions of us continue to enjoy our overextended lifestyles so we can put our play toys in that garage attatched to that expensive home. Most bikes are play toys, mine included. But I rent a small house...lol.

But if I was to single out a group of those on the highways it would not be the cagers or the bikers, it would be the truckers. Like any other group, most are good. Most show little respect for others and I have none for them. I have met some nice folks that drove for a living. It was a long time ago. Every time I see one of them riding someone's a$$ and all that person can see in their rear view mirror is death looming over them I honestly wonder if I would ever offer my assistance to one that was upside down in a ditch. My first call as an EMT years ago involved a truck and a Jeep. 3 dead and the fourth critical. I don't believe the trucker was at fault. But when we dug our way into the deep snowbank the truck drivers door had come open and he was thrown headfirst into the snow. He was half in the truck and half out, but down on the floorboard. A seatbelt would have easily saved his life...he suffocated in the snow. The truck was upright. I said that just to say this...I would rather think of that as a trajedy and not just one less trucker on the road.