Read this in the news paper today. Whadda ya'all think?
Motorcycle deaths soar : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News
Motorcycle deaths soar : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News
Motorcycle deaths soar.........
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
The last time this happened was around 1980, when gas was actually more expensive (on a time-adjusted basis) than it is now. Lots of inexperienced people bought motorcycles to save on gas expenses, and a lot of them got killed or injured. The rate has slowly fallen back to what it was before then, but this latest run-up in gas prices has had the same effect again.
What we need is better rules for cages. Those morons don't pay attention to their driving. Ask many truck drivers. Everyone says cages don't see us, well they don't see trucks, buses, or other cars either. Too busy on their phones or yelling at the kids in the back seat.
Joined
·
1,360 Posts
you never see the cagers comapared like that.... or the people that ride the bus, walk, etc they just think that motorcycles are more dangerous!! i agree
with captn above. i am in a truck 24/7 and i see idoit cagers talking on the phone, eating, putting make up on or even reading the news paper while driving!!! they just don't give a crap about other people had one person tell me that we was bigger so we can stop sooner lol told them to guess again
takes forever for us to stop as most truck drivers know.
with captn above. i am in a truck 24/7 and i see idoit cagers talking on the phone, eating, putting make up on or even reading the news paper while driving!!! they just don't give a crap about other people had one person tell me that we was bigger so we can stop sooner lol told them to guess again
takes forever for us to stop as most truck drivers know.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]!!
Had a few idiot try telling me that about stopping when I was trucking. I said ok your chest is the brakes. Lets say a tennis ball is a car. I throw it at you and no problem stopping right? Now this 12# bowling ball is a truck. How about I throw that at you? I don't know if they actually understood but they did shut up.you never see the cagers comapared like that.... or the people that ride the bus, walk, etc they just think that motorcycles are more dangerous!! i agree
with captn above. i am in a truck 24/7 and i see idoit cagers talking on the phone, eating, putting make up on or even reading the news paper while driving!!! they just don't give a crap about other people had one person tell me that we was bigger so we can stop sooner lol told them to guess again
Joined
·
1,360 Posts
have to remember that one. we had a car stop in front of us last night. no warning. and we are in chicago where its icey. luckly tommy knows how to drive lol
Be careful up there! Keep talking and keep Tommy alert. He's a lucky guy having a wife who'll live with him in the truck! Give me a holler if you get anywhere near the WV panhandle. My wife's a great cook!
Cagers can be nuts sure but I think we're kidding ourselves if we think motorcyclists don't share a lot, if not most of the blame. It's easy for us to hang out in this forum and in our riding clubs surrounded by experienced, safe riders and forget how many squids and dopes there are out there. In my opinion the MSF should be mandatory; it's way too easy to get an endorsement, and go out and get a 'Busa with no experience at all. That person is a statistic waiting to happen.
Joined
·
3,446 Posts
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.
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.
Joined
·
4,688 Posts
+1 I think your right on the money. Most bikers are watching very carefully. You'll always have your dumb 16 year old that thinks he is a hot shot. but on average I would say bikers are a lot more careful.
Kinda wonder if the # of deaths increased at a coparable rate tot he # of bikes on the road in the past couple of years.
A good statistician can "spin" the #'s to say pretty much anything their handlers want them to.
Everything the artical pointed out in the increase makes sense. More cars, cycles and traffic congestion. We go through much more training which makes us better drivers and riders. I was encouraged that CDOT is going to start a campaign for motorcycle safety this spring. Hopefully it will focus on the car drivers and not just helmet usage. Helmet usage only goes so far in prevention (its prevention after the fact). True prevention will be car driver awareness and basic courtesy. As far as helmets go, either you believe in wearing one or you don't and are going to wear one or not. No real need to harp on it IMO. Go after what it takes to prevent accidents in the first place.
I agree with seadog, LEO need to crack down on all the things car drivers do that are distractions.
I agree with seadog, LEO need to crack down on all the things car drivers do that are distractions.
I WISH that were the case here. My neighbor is a retired driving instructor and WADOT tester. In essence the DOT here (in his opinion) has structured the program to get you your license -- as opposed to actually helping you learn the HOW's of safe and courteous driving.
After over 20 years on WA roads all over the state in car, big-truck and now bike I tend to agree.
Yep, I think the majority of bike riders are . . . but there are still a few idiots on bikes too.
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.
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.
Joined
·
1,360 Posts
yes there are good truckers and there are bad truckers.... i like to think that my husband is one of the good ones lol he has ove a million and a half safe driving miles iwht no accidents. but i see the idiots first hand out here. like the group of girls in a car with music too loud and cell phones to their ear. even seen them putting on makeup lol or the business man playing on a laptop or talking on the phone or reading the paper.or the group of crotch rocket riders that take the curves at 100 plus and not giving you any room to manouver. theres good and bad everywhere all you can do is to do the best that YOU CAN DO
I will have to say that the truck drivers are starting to worry me. I had two pass me the other day, less than 2 miles from a truck stop entrance. I was only going 5 miles under the speed limit and they came up on me slowly. Then they sped up, swerved in front of me and got off the exit.
It's the same crap cagers do, and it surprised me.
I can't wait to get back on my bike again, driving my pick-up is making me a nervous wreck anymore. I had a woman tailgate me for 5 miles. I slowed down so she could go around me. Instead of passing in the left lane (interstate), she passed me on the shoulder, then stayed there for half a mile and then got off the exit.
It's the same crap cagers do, and it surprised me.
I can't wait to get back on my bike again, driving my pick-up is making me a nervous wreck anymore. I had a woman tailgate me for 5 miles. I slowed down so she could go around me. Instead of passing in the left lane (interstate), she passed me on the shoulder, then stayed there for half a mile and then got off the exit.
Joined
·
1,360 Posts
yeah i can't wait for him to come off the road lol we had a cager last night ride our butt for a hr and never whould pass us. then when they did, they was playing a video game!! while driving!!! makes so sense to me... there are good truck drivers and bad ones good cagers and bad ones and good bikers and bad ones how do we weed the bad ones out?
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!