Riding Dangers: 5 Reason Why Bikes Can Be Hazardous
- Proper gear
- Hot-shot riding
- Liquid courage
- Lack of respect – Biker to Motor Vehicle Operator
- Lack of respect – Motor Vehicle Operator to Biker
This post may contain affiliate links for products/services listed. We may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As a affiliate marketer, we earn from qualified purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here.
This article cover 5 reasons why bikes can be hazardous.
In reality, motorcycles offer no protection to riders in the event of a crash.
Yes, some of the tour style bikes (Honda Goldwing) offer airbags; however, that is from from enough protection.
Helite has been introducing wearable airbag jackets and vests for several years.
The cost for such gear starts at around $600 (Helite Turtle 2 Vest) and go for as much as $1,100 (Helite Leather Jacket).
Nonetheless, that is a safety topic. Let’s take a look at other danger for motorcycle riders.
#1 – Proper Riding Gear Is The A Primary Hazard For Motorcycle Riders
Having the correct gear for riding is essential.
With that said, properly fitted, undamaged, and appropriate gear is required to a safe ride.
Meet Randy, a 22 year old hot head!
He a new rider and loves to ride under any condition (rain, heat, and cold).
Randy has a serious life or death problem though. His helmet is a size larger than recommended.
Often while riding his a good gust of wind cause the helmet to shift, covering one side of his face.
At this post Randy is only using one eye as the other is covered. The first few time, he panicked and nearly caused a crash with oncoming traffic.
Are you a Randy? Do you ever inspect your bike and gear for potential failures or damage.
Do NOT be a Randy, you life depends on it.
#2 – Hot-Shot Riding Leads To A High Rate Of Accidents & Deaths
The gang is all here and it is time to show off with a little trick riding, a few wheelies, and perhaps couple of burnouts.
There is one major problem with this activity. They are not at a track or other controlled environment.
Meet Eric, he loves performing stunts while on I-285 circling Atlanta, GA before, during, and after rush hour traffic..
Traditionally, they block off traffic at the section of I-285 where the runway at HartsField International Airport crosses the highway.
They have 15 minutes at best to turn it into about 200 yards of playground. Wheelies performed back and forth by stray rider and evo cars.
Nonetheless, on this day, Eric apparently is the main attraction. He has been stunting for years; however, it is something new for the crowd.
Brazenly, Eric rode the playground in anticipation, the crowd roaring and chanting his name.
This stunt required wheelie and handstands at a high rate of speed. Up he went with a wheelie at 65 MPH.
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass: it’s about learning how to ride in the rain!” Anonymous
After dropping the front tire, he climbed pinto a handstand before the speed dropped to 55 MPH.
Balance and form were good, the pictures will look great.
Did I say this was a new stunt?
Eric ran out of playground and was decapitated upon impact with an 12 Inch lifted F250 4×4.
It did not have to end that way.
Do NOT be an Eric!
#3 – Liquid Courage (Liquor & Alcohol) Fills A Lot of Graves And Insurance Claims
The term liquid courage translates to “I would not be doing this had I not had a few drinks in my system.”
Not all, but a good number of bikers drink some type of alcohol when riding.
Knowing your limit is the first key. Alcohol cause things to move faster or at least make you think thing are faster.
Riders tend to take riskier chances when drinking. Darting in and out of traffic, passing between cars on the lines or being and weaving in and out of traffic.
Meet Sam, the drinker. Or should I say the non-drinker? Sam seems drunk after a half a beer. Would not dare give him shot of Tequila.
Sam is the type that does reckless things while drinking.
On a day ride through the Georgia/Tennessee mountains, Sam decided that he was going to check his panties at the door and drink with the big boys.
He was steady as long as he was standing. Once he mounted his bike, the truth came out.
He became totally reckless on the roadway and had no regard for other traffic. He was a menace.
We parked him and loaded his bike and him on the trailer to haul back. Fortunately, nothing too life threatening occurred.
Do NOT be a Sam!
#4 – Lack of Respect Given To Automobile Operators
Some riders believe that they always have the right of way. Contrary to how they ride, the road is theirs.
It is already hard for vehicle operator cannot see 360°; therefore it is a rider’s responsibility to help with visibility issues.
Meet Paul, he is an impatience rider.
Traffic is never moving fast enough. So Paul is known for taking matters into his own hands.
Flipping off drivers for going too slow in the fast lane, refusing to get over and let faster traffic pass, or cars that ride too close from behind.
Paul was a real wildcard! Until one faithful day when he was bounced between two (2) tractor trailers.
Frustrated that the trucks were riding side by side and not allowing traffic to pass, Paul opted to go between them.
Straight up the middle, he went. Paul made it about 3/4 of the length of the trucks with their trailers before tragedy struck.
As he approached the rear wheels of the rigs, he encountered turbulence between the trucks.
The updraft grabbed him and the bike in an instance and began banging them against each trailer.
The weight of the bike caused it to fall and be crushed by the rear trailer tires. Paul Was not so lucky.
The turbulence wedged him between the rear rig tires and trailer near the trailer hitch. Eric definitely endured a lot of pain before his death.
Do NOT be a Paul!
#5 – Lack of Respect Received From Automobile Operators
Motorcycle have apparently become less visible to motor vehicle operators. Thousands of accidents occur and drivers claim they did not see the bike.
However, with all of the distractions inside automobiles today, it stands to reason why a lot of bikers are not seen.
Changing radio stations, sending text messages, or tending to other occupants are common explanations for not seeing the rider.
In addition, respect towards bikers has diminished greatly over the last 20 years. Common courtesies that were once extended are all but forgotten.
Operators of motor vehicle have less patience for bikers. I appears as though motorcycles are not respected as vehicle.
Meet Lisa, a dedicated weekend group rider. She and some of her club member ride sensibly on every ride.
However, one of her neighbors despise motorcycle riders. Or he has a lot of dislike for female bikers.
Each time Lisa encountered this guy, let’s call him Dave, would find a reason to be on the street when they were leaving the area.
Dave has also been seen following them 5 – 10 miles out on their rides. He would brake check them after passing them.
This past weekend was the final straw. Dave took it upon himself to enforce his law by running Lisa and another rider off the road into a ditch.
Other than hurt prides, the girls fortunately were okay. Dave’s excuse to the police was that he was tired of them blowing a STOP sign in the neighborhood.
Do NOT be a Dave!
In Conclusion
Riding motorcycles safely is not a given. It is necessary to contribute effort to be as safe as possible.
It is certainly possible to miss something from time to time; however, it you your responsibility to ensure you are riding safe.
Maintaining proper and safe equipment is a great start to being a safe rider. Do not take anything dealing with your health for granted.
Hot-shot riding is apparently her to stay; therefore, riders should utilize the proper or designated areas to do tricks and stunt riding.
Highways and surface streets are not the place for that. Of course, riders are going to will get a little gas on their chest from time to time.
They are prone to burning a little rubber on take off, a wheelie when they think it is safe to do so.
Recklessly riding behavior is a different beast all together.
Liquid courage (alcohol) is a true killer of bikers and motor vehicle operators alike; however, the survival rate is higher for automobiles.
Only the rider can gauge their level of intoxication and be conscious enough to park and not ride.
Finally, respect goes both ways, biker to motor vehicle operator and vise versa. The sentiment of causing harm has been long acknowledged.
There are no solutions to the lack of compassion readily available.
Common courtesy is taught through actions, then other emulate that behavior both good or bad.
And I close out by saying, we need what we need!
If we keep our minds right, we can keep our bodies tight!
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive activities, events, and updates. Information is free, come enjoy some with me.
Join me and let us make sense of it all! We can do it together.
If you have not done so already, please read the previous topics to benefit from the information.
Feel free to reach out in the space below. I welcome the opportunity to have a discussion with you.
To your success and growth,
Canty
Founder of The Squirrelly Biker
squirrellybiker.com
Sponsored By:
If you have found value within what you have read, share it with your bestie!