Book on Safety

[Dan_Ashley]

As many (some?) of you know, I decided to write a book on Motorcycle Safety. I asked if any of you would send, or post descriptions of accidents, and/or near misses. Many of you have. Thank you.

I've been doing a little research in preparing the basic outline for the book, and that is proceeding. Please be aware that this exercise will take me months to finish, and I am just now getting started.

I have one question, which I need some ideas on:
every one knows that it is safer to gear up before riding. To not know that is like not knowing where to put the gasoline. It is basic. Yet some people still refuse to even acknowlege that by not gearing up, they are increasing their risk of injury. My question is: why does all that denial exist? If someone could give me an idea, I can research it futher, but right now I am stumped. Can you help me out on that? :chat:

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

Much like most accidents happen within a few miles from home, many feel nothing will happen in that short ryde. To those with the good luck of not having an accident those distances get greater all the time. An interesting study would be how many started gearing up after an accident. I have ridden barefoot in a bathing suit all the way up to full suited. I can say the difference is not that much as to heat/cool but most surely a lot less painful. Rocks, sand, bugs, rain etc at high speed is very uncomfortable. What it may be is not cool, and to much time to get ready, to much to carry or store. Well I would rather be sweaty and over dressed than looking like a strawberry...jmo...:dontknow:

 

[Well Hell]

Safety

Dan: :agree: with you, however with that said I find that I put on less gear since getting my SPYDER that I did when I had my Electra-Glide. I guess I just feel safer on thishyea:. I still wear my helmet, long pants, gloves and face shield, but I only put on a jacket if its cool out and I wear short sleeves. My foot wear is tennis shoes. I shudder with fear when I see the young person go by me on a crotch rocket with a helmet, and flip flops, shorts and tee shirt. :yikes: :joke:I have a friend how is an EMT in Houston and he calls those type of riders "DONORS" since if they go down thats probably all they will be good for.:banghead:

 

[quickster47]

Part of it is that inborn human nature "It will never happen to me" syndrome.

Carl

 

[CyncySpyder]

This is just one persons perspective on the matter in question.... mine ............ & I don't want to be chastized for helping a fellow SpyderLover out.

But for some of us, like myself, the Spyder isn't exactly what most would consider a motorcycle. When I was 16, I had a buddy that was 19 who had a crotch-rocket. I had never ridden a motorcycle & was inthrawed by my buddies ability to manage the beast the way he did. That is, til one day when he was showing off, and he was doing some high speed manuevers & ended up wiping out at 60mph. At 19, my buddy had to have his left leg amputated right below the knee cap....... changing his life forever along with my perception of 2 wheeled motorcycles. I swore right then & there, I'd never be on one a day in my life, and I never have, but the desire never left me.

Til one day I saw a 3 wheeled reverse trike leaving the parking lot at work & was instantly taken. I had no clue what it was I had seen, but knew I HAD TO HAVE ONE. Why? Because, you can't lay it down like you could a two wheeler. Over the next few months, you would've thought I had an internet porn addiction or something cause every night I went home, I'd research everything I could about what I finally knew to become a Spyder.

Never having the bad experience that most 2 wheel motorcycle riders have had in learning to ryde a 2 wheeler, I was coming into the sport without having that respect, that fear. Taking my MSF class, I hated it, had no desire to be on a :cus:'n 2 wheeler, but back in 2010, they still didn't know what the Spyder was, and didn't offer any other classes in my area, except for 2 wheeler classes. I even had to go out & buy boots, otherwise they wouldn't let me take the class. In class, I kept getting frustrated, cause in doing my research, I was prepaired for ryding a Spyder, and a 2 wheeler is very different. So of course, I was the black sheep of the class, bringing up topics to my instructor like, "Well, I won't have a hand brake, nor a clutch, nor have to worry about balance

TBC ..... work work work

 

[jwulf74]

The denial part is a tough one to crack. We were talking to a younger guy, but old enough to be out of highschool, and he had seen a couple of his friends wreck on bikes and lots of other accidents (he drives a tow truck). Even though his friend lived, he was really messed up for a long time. This kid still refuses to wear a helmet.

A guy that I work with started in pathology way back when and he drank and rode and did all kinds of crazy stuff and his realization came when training in the pathology area one of the guys told him to "go grab that helmet andbring it here"... it still had a head in it... he actually gave up riding altogether.

Those are story of two extremes, but dome people get it and some never will. I just keep reminding my wife that it is the riders choice and if they choose to go without, well, there are plenty of people waiting on transplant lists.

 

[Topshotta]

I continue to use the same level of protection on my spyder like I used on 2wheel. While the spyder is safer than a two wheel, you are still exposed to the elements and idiots on the road. A rear end collision of the spyder can yield the same results as a rear end collision on a 2 wheel. IMHO, it is a false sense of security to simply think because the spyder has 3 wheels you are safer from idiots.
I wear a jacket, mesh pants or jeans, gloves, full face, riding boots on every ride. If I am leaving the garage I wear it all.

 

[NancysToy]

You are going to need a doctorate in psychology to explore that question. Why do people do anything that is risky or ill-advised? Why do others not understand? Whay are some people accountants but others are race car drivers? These kinds of questions have probably been asked since man first trod the earth...with no definitive answers yet. JMHO

 

[Dan_Ashley]

This helps me some. But could someone who does not normally gear up respond to this fact: 39% of motor sports injuries are to toes, feet, and ankles. (End of fact. Beginning of question). So, why not at least wear boots....mesh boots perhaps, but boots never-the-less.

no attacks. No condemnation. Just want to know what you are thinking....or feeling...or wanting.
:chat:

 

[Magdave]

All my "accidents" happened 25-30 years ago when I was invincible like Superman. We all thought that way in our youth. Most were caused by driving impaired or just showing off riding wheelies. I remember one in particular on Duval St in Key West riding my 125 Honda doing wheelies for the boys inside till I went over backwards. Had everyone in stiches after they helped me up. Never wore a helmet till I ran off the road "impaired" and was out cold for over 30 min. The home owner said he would never have called the police but he thought I was dead...and probably should have been. I always wore helmets after that and suffer the neck pain to this day from the whiplash you ought to see my X-Rays. It is a good reminder but a crappy way to learn. Always wore at least leather shoes I still don't feel boots are really needed unless it is freezing. I do wear RJ Colt heavy duty shoes though. Always wore long pants till the Spyder due to muffler burns. I am guilty of shorts riding with farmer socks and shoes my wife says I look goofy like that but my feet do not get hot. I only wear leather jackets when colder but do wear a vest over my mesh jacket at night. It gets hot around here ya know?

 

[ARtraveler]

I note two scenarios.

Winter Driving: In AK, we see all kinds of four wheel drive vehicles upside down in the ditch. My thought--prior to happening--they were singing "I am invincible, I have a four wheel drive and studded tires". We even have a name for them--Ditch Divers. The unfortunate drivers seem to think that they can drive like they do in summer and nothing will happen.

Motorcyclists: No helmets or other gear. The song changes to "I am invincible, I have a HD". Don't mean to pick on the brand--but many know what I am talking about there.

I guess it boils down to a false sense of security. I have also seen the same with many :spyder2: owner pictures and in a lot of comments. I have three wheels and a nanny so am not likely to end up "wheels up". The big problem in a lot of crashes is ejection from the machine. I do not criticize others who choose to wear less than full gear, I did so when I was in HI because of heat and availability. I did drive with a heightend sense of caution though.

Gear is a conscious decision that we all make. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes not.

 

[wyliec]

Two words:

proactive (vs) reactive

 

[AbNormy]

Lost my left leg above knee October 27 1987 from a drunk driver. Finally sobered up December 17 1993! Some folks learn better before they die. Back riding since 02 always wear mesh gear actually cooler in this heat. Let us know when you publish

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2

 

[Yazz]

This helps me some. But could someone who does not normally gear up respond to this fact: 39% of motor sports injuries are to toes, feet, and ankles. (End of fact. Beginning of question). So, why not at least wear boots....mesh boots perhaps, but boots never-the-less.

no attacks. No condemnation. Just want to know what you are thinking....or feeling...or wanting.
:chat:

I'm not a ATGATT type gal. But I always wear full leather lace-up biker boots. Came off riding two wheels and was told that those boots could act as a brace if you broke your ankle. How true that is...

Hubby and I were riding in the Hinterlands, he was parking the fully loaded bagger when the tire hit a rock. The bike started going down and Hubby tried without luck to pull it back up. Will never forget the sight of him standing up, and his left ankle flat on the ground under the bike.

Luckily, there was a small practice doc next door. The doc didn't even take off the boot, just unlaced it and felt the bone poking where it shouldn't be. Laced his boot back up and told us there was an x-ray about an hour from there.

So off we go to the x-ray place. Get the picture taken, sure enough, it's broke. It'll need surgery to put pins in. Have to go to the big town with a proper hospital two hours away. They wrapped his ankle back up, shoved his foot back in the boot, and off we went.

Things weren't all that rosey. One thing in his favor was the bike had a heel-toe shift. He was able to shift up and down using his heel, not flexing the foot. Going through towns, as a passenger, I would put my feet down and hold up the bike when stopped. Gave Hubby a little break that way.

Oh yeah, we weren't in the USA and we were on a rental bike. Had to return the bike, and get the other luggage they were holding for us. We showed them the x-ray, everyone was properly impressed except the secretary who screamed and ran away. LOL

Morgan & Wacker is a great dealership. They gave Hubby a scotch blessing about not calling them after the incident. They would have driven out and got us. They then called a cab for us, got all our luggage loaded in and off to hospital.

Then there's the drama about flying back to USA with a cast on, but I won't get into that.

Yes the incident was avoidable, but it did happen. If Hubby had been wearing any other foot gear, just don't want to think about it because the outcome would be so different...

Yeah, I believe in full leather lace-up boots. They go nice with Levi's...

 

[Cruzr Joe]

sometimes you can sum it up in one word ................................................................. Comfort

Cruzr Joe

 

[Oldmanzues]

A lot of good thoughts on here, but missing one, I think is real. Peer pressure/conformity. I have seen/heard "posts/stories" abouty a person wearing Safety gear when riding by themself, but not when in the club/group.
Oldmanzues

 

[Dan_Ashley]

These stories REALLY help. Thank you. Seriously. Thanks:thumbup: Perhaps I can come up with a couple of chapters like:Ride You Own Ride", and "Bad A## On the Outside, Damaged On The In"

I've discovered a lot of info from Europe, not so much from the USA. We have good data on fatalities--apparently we always investigate and report fatalities, but not so much on injury only or property damage only. Maybe I can get some data from some insurance companies.

Interestingly, data quoted in MSF ( Motorcycle Safety Foundation) courses says that 34% of MC fatalities had a motorcyclist who had been drinking. Normalizing the NTHSA data for type of bike shows two things: 1) The blood alcohol level in MC fatalities was greater than .01 in 41% of the fatalities, and that cruisers/touring bikes over 1,000 cc were significantly under represented in the crash data. This means if we don't drink and drive, and if we don't drive sport bikes (sqiuds) we may be a lot safer.

 

[SllimG]

When you decide to ride, you are accepting a certain level of risk. How much gear you wear is a good indication of how much risk you are willing to take. Some are willing to accept more than others. I wear a helmet to minimize the risks, but all the gear in hot weather makes it too uncomfortable for me to enjoy. For me, it is about weighing the risks vs. comfort and enjoyment of the ride. When it is hot, I am willing to accept more risk to be comfortable.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

When you decide to ride, you are accepting a certain level of risk. How much gear you wear is a good indication of how much risk you are willing to take. Some are willing to accept more than others. I wear a helmet to minimize the risks, but all the gear in hot weather makes it too uncomfortable for me to enjoy. For me, it is about weighing the risks vs. comfort and enjoyment of the ride. When it is hot, I am willing to accept more risk to be comfortable.

.

Thanks for sharing....there is just no way around it when safety becomes too uncomfortable. I wish there were, but there isn't. Today was104, and 73% humidity. I just didn't ride. Dummy me--no riding = clinical depression!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Ignorance, Immortality or Comfort?

This helps me some. But could someone who does not normally gear up respond to this fact: 39% of motor sports injuries are to toes, feet, and ankles. (End of fact. Beginning of question). So, why not at least wear boots....mesh boots perhaps, but boots never-the-less.

no attacks. No condemnation. Just want to know what you are thinking....or feeling...or wanting.
:chat:

Dan,

Glad to see you being "productive" in your retirement!

My thoughts are based purely on my observations while riding for the past 35 years. I see more young riders (typically the crotch rocket variety) wearing inappropriate footwear than older riders. This segment also seems to be the same group who ride in cut-offs, tank tops and shorts. I think many of these riders feel that they are impervious to injury or simply are not familiar with the statistics (or do not care about them). I also see a number of younger riders who appear to use their bikes as daily transportation to/from work and dress for their jobs, not for the ride.

I also suspect that many riders wear footwear that can double as normal walking/work shoes due to the perception that motorcycle specific shoes/boots do not provide adequate comfort for non-cycling activities. There is certainly some validity to this as many boots are not very comfortable off a bike and certainly not for all-day wearing. I'd bet that there are a number of riders who are unwilling to invest in a pair of expensive motorcycle specific shoes/boots (relative to the cost of a pair of sneakers) that are comfortable and suitable for all-day activities. In my case, I have four pair of boots (O.K., I may be a bit anal) that I wear depending upon what I anticipate doing when I am off my Spyder. The level of protection varies as does the relative level of comfort.

It would be interesting to know how many riders who have 'baggers" or touring bikes carry an extra pair of shoes for use off their bikes. There may be a factor of storage space that enters into the equation. I'd also like to know what type of street footgear is worn by riders who also own (or ride) off-road bikes. One would think that they would have a higher sense of awareness regarding the need for protective clothing/boots due to the perils associated with off-road riding.

In any event, good luck with the book and I'll be in line at the local Barnes & Noble for your first book signing!!