Author Topic: Sobering site.... (Read 8883 times)

putnaja1 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 24, 2006, 02:05:20 PM »

What I'd love to see are statistics on accidents broken down on catagories like type of motorcycle. And of those accidents, a breakdown of causes (alcohol/drugs, inexperience, riding beyond ability, weather, etc), how serious the accident was, safety rider course taken, safety equipment worn..

For example: Total accidents in USA involving motorcycles this year: nnn

   Total from Harley/"Nostalgia" type Cruiser riders:
   Total from Sportbike riders:
   Total from BMW riders:
   Total from road trip/"Gold Wing" type Cruiser riders:
   Total from UJM standard riders:
   Total from scooter/moped riders:

Of these, my guess is that the majority would come from the sportbikers. My guess for the minority would be either "gold wingers" or BMW riders, but all of this I admit is based on my own stereotypes.. My guess would also be that the accidents caused by riding beyond abilities would tend to be more serious, maybe drug/alcohol related just as serious, but perhaps weather related mostly minor accidents.

Hopefully MSF has these figures already? Anyone know? I'm gonna take a peek. Scarey pictures on that site for sure though.. Makes you think. As much as I guess there is a negative bias, if it makes people more cautious (hopefully car drivers read that site too!) then it is for a positive purpose.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #26 on:** August 24, 2006, 02:19:12 PM »

even more interesting to me would be the breakdown of percentages within each category. compare apples to apples.

nickjtc · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2006, 03:21:33 PM »

It's a website to make you stop and think, and yes it may be construed as anti-bike. But those are real accidents my friends.

I appreciate that in a catastrophic accident there is nothing that you can put on your head or body to protect yourself. The reality is that most accidents are not catastrophic, but still potentially life altering to those who are inappropriately dressed/helmeted.

So here's the question, people:

How can anybody even think about riding in anything other than approved motorcycle gear with an approved, full face helmet? And please don't give me the "oh it's so hot" line.........? And don't even talk to me about alcohol.

GHOF will now stand back and let the tirades begin....!!

ElCheapo · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:22:57 PM »

I have been down twice, so..... you guys are completely right that not all crashes are fatal. Be safe and be ready. You know, be ready to go...... Do yourself a favor and not have embarassing things for your family to dig through when you go.

nickjtc · « **Reply #29 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:52:40 PM »

Quote from: nickjtc on August 24, 2006, 03:21:33 PM

How can anybody even think about riding in anything other than approved motorcycle gear with an approved, full face helmet? And please don't give me the "oh it's so hot" line.........? And don't even talk to me about alcohol.

GHOF will now stand back and let the tirades begin....!!

I was having a think about this post on my daily walk home from work, and I think I have a possible answer to my own question.

You can show a smoker pictures of festering, cancer ridden lungs, or images of the poor sods who are commited to a life on oxygen because of the ravages of emphysema, and it will not make one whit of a difference to the fact that they smoke. Why? Because they are addicted, in this case to nicotine.

Motorcyclists are addicted too. To the pleasures of motorcycle ownership, to the thrill of a perfect ride, to the enjoyment (well, for some of us) of fettling the bike and making it run well. And because of their particular addiction they sometimes make questionable decisions about the way they protect themselves against the possibility of an accident. So, for example, the majority of cruiser riders will choose to wear an ashtray on their heads, because that is what you do when riding a cruiser. Sport bike types will sometimes ride around in a T shirt and shorts with sandals on their feet.

Common sense doesn't prevail because common sense doesn't fit with the addiction.....

cbjunkie · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:58:29 PM »

that is an interesting point of view. my grandad quit smoking in the early 50's after he started pulling gooy black lungs out of people...he made the connection several decades before the gov't forced big tobakky to fess up to the truth.

i guess he was smarter than the average bear.

you may be right about the addiction, though. i have occasionally ridden my bike helmetless up and down the street when testing the new throttle, or carb adjustment or the brake tension or whatever it is and it IS A GREAT FEELING AND SO FREE AND NICE AND I'LL BE THE FIRST ONE TO ADMIT THAT I WISH TO GOD I FELT LIKE I COULD GET AWAY WITH IT AND NOT END UP WITH MY BRAINS SMEARED ALL OVER SOME #$%*HEAD'S WINDSHIELD...okay?

i admit it. it feels good.

am i gonna start driving the 15 minutes over the river to illinois to ride around without a brain bucket?

no.

junkie out...

nickjtc · « **Reply #31 on:** August 24, 2006, 06:06:07 PM »

Quote from: cbjunkie on August 24, 2006, 05:58:29 PM

you may be right about the addiction, though. i have occasionally ridden my bike helmetless up and down the street when testing the new throttle, or carb adjustment or the brake tension or whatever it is and it IS A GREAT FEELING AND SO FREE AND NICE AND I'LL BE THE FIRST ONE TO ADMIT THAT I WISH TO GOD I FELT LIKE I COULD GET AWAY WITH IT AND NOT END UP WITH MY BRAINS SMEARED ALL OVER SOME #$%*HEAD'S WINDSHIELD...okay?

i admit it. it feels good.

am i gonna start driving the 15 minutes over the river to illinois to ride around without a brain bucket?

no.

junkie out...

I agree. Lest everyone think that I am truly a GHOF I too have a shorty, chin less, helmet. I bought it because it is the colour I want the Norton to end up, and it looks 'cool'. But I have to admit I only wear it puttering around town.....but even that is no excuse because you can remove your chin as easily at 20mph as you can at 50mph. Aaaargh I'm talking myself out of wearing it even around town......

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #32 on:** August 24, 2006, 06:26:35 PM »

My home (when I'm not stuck in Louisiana), is a hangar on a small airport. It's really perfect for car/bike/plane junkies. Imagine a 3000 sq/ft house with a 7500 sq/ft Garage.

Awesome.

I too admit to running without a helmet when testing a new setting or part replacement. It's only at low speeds and generally just around the field. There is little to no traffic and the speed limits are low, so barring a major mechanical failure, the bike shouldn't go down.

And like CBjunkie, it IS an awesome feeling. I REALLY like the wind, the freedom, the everything.

Of course, I suit-up for "serious" rides, because as someone told me: "You don't dress for the ride, you dress for the crash."

crp_iii · « **Reply #33 on:** August 24, 2006, 06:38:05 PM »

Makes me want to get some riding pants. I wear a helmet, steel toes, gloves, and a jacket. Reminds me I need some pants.......and better gloves.

All about minimizing risk.

bowhunter · « **Reply #34 on:** August 24, 2006, 06:42:07 PM »

Best Reason I've heard yet! And yes, I do dress for the crash!

Bowhunter

Buber · « **Reply #35 on:** August 24, 2006, 11:49:34 PM »

Oh well, let me drop my 2 cents.....
This webiste is very good. The bottom of teh page is downright nasty and i didn't really like it. But for me the purpose of it is to let us think some more. Simply think about it and "who is without fault can throw the stone". How many times YOU were riding without jacket or helmet? Well i did this summer many times without jacket, because it was SCORCHING hot, but helmet here is obligatory (and I really think it should be everywhere).
But then - what did this site did to me? Well, I will be stinky and sweaty, but the jacket stays on. No, it won't give me back my life in serious crash - this is the "my number called" category" But during a slide it will make HUGE difference, say whatever you want.
Now as per "calling number" theory - i have a brother. When he finally became member of Polish National Paragliding team, he broke his spine on a paraglide, and now is on the wheelchair. But you know what? He still competes, because once you are airborne you don't need legs. So, what counts is the spirit and will and love for your passion, so let's simply enjoy riding WHILE wearing protective gear, so we will feel better afterwards. What the heck, i just bought my wife a nice little Virago, and now driving together is real fun (although very slow driving at the moment

)

And last - I posted this link on main Polish bike chat, and it seems that people are reading it right - as a warning for us, bikers to take care of ourselves.

So, let's ride safely and with LOTS of luck! We all need it.....

nickjtc · « **Reply #36 on:** August 25, 2006, 08:17:58 AM »

Quote from: Buber on August 24, 2006, 11:49:34 PM

Oh well, let me drop my 2 cents.....
This webiste is very good. The bottom of teh page is downright nasty and i didn't really like it. But for me the purpose of it is to let us think some more. Simply think about it and "who is without fault can throw the stone". How many times YOU were riding without jacket or helmet? Well i did this summer many times without jacket, because it was SCORCHING hot, but helmet here is obligatory (and I really think it should be everywhere).
But then - what did this site did to me? Well, I will be stinky and sweaty, but the jacket stays on. No, it won't give me back my life in serious crash - this is the "my number called" category" But during a slide it will make HUGE difference, say whatever you want.
Now as per "calling number" theory - i have a brother. When he finally became member of Polish National Paragliding team, he broke his spine on a paraglide, and now is on the wheelchair. But you know what? He still competes, because once you are airborne you don't need legs. So, what counts is the spirit and will and love for your passion, so let's simply enjoy riding WHILE wearing protective gear, so we will feel better afterwards. What the heck, i just bought my wife a nice little Virago, and now driving together is real fun (although very slow driving at the moment )

And last - I posted this link on main Polish bike chat, and it seems that people are reading it right - as a warning for us, bikers to take care of ourselves.

So, let's ride safely and with LOTS of luck! We all need it.....

Fantastically well said. Thank you!!

seaweb11 · « **Reply #37 on:** August 25, 2006, 09:29:46 PM »

This was one of the links from page 1 of this post.

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/my-journey.mpg no bike carnage. (Kind of funny)

crp_iii · « **Reply #38 on:** August 26, 2006, 05:49:43 AM »

That clip is a modified German Caffeine drink ad. I sacred the hell out of some co workers with it a few years back.

nickjtc · « **Reply #39 on:** August 26, 2006, 12:41:29 PM »

Had dinner last night with some old friends I hadn't seen in a few years. He has a Firefighter Special Road King. I'm not a Harley fan, but this is a beautiful bike imho. Anyhoo, he is a beanie wearer. We got talking about the whole "what if" thing...... and he admitted that he has never had first hand experience of the ravages of a get-off, and therefore it'll never happen to him.

I just sighed.....

DarkRider · « **Reply #40 on:** August 26, 2006, 09:01:27 PM »

Quote from: seaweb11 on August 25, 2006, 09:29:46 PM

This was one of the links from page 1 of this post.

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/my-journey.mpg no bike carnage. (Kind of funny)

Heh found that one to be a little messed up you cant even hear the car let alone a bike lol.

bill440cars · « **Reply #41 on:** August 26, 2006, 09:50:21 PM »

I looked at some of it and from what I saw, a percentage of the bikes were sportbikes and who knows what they were doing just before the crash. Some were hit by people either not paying attention or just not caring. I don't know, just speculating. When I go my 1st bike, my Dad told me to always keep an eye on the other people and try to anticipate what they were going to do. In other words, Drive Defensively! So it looks to me like that if you get careless while riding or don't keep up with what the other drivers are doing, then you stand a better chance of getting nailed. Me, I'll keep on riding and try to keep an eye out for the other guy while I'm riding. Hopefully none of us will end up a statistic. Later on, Bill

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #42 on:** August 27, 2006, 02:03:30 AM »

Quote from: bill440cars on August 26, 2006, 09:50:21 PM

I looked at some of it and from what I saw, a percentage of the bikes were sportbikes and who knows what they were doing just before the crash. Some were hit by people either not paying attention or just not caring. I don't know, just speculating. When I go my 1st bike, my Dad told me to always keep an eye on the other people and try to anticipate what they were going to do. In other words, Drive Defensively! So it looks to me like that if you get careless while riding or don't keep up with what the other drivers are doing, then you stand a better chance of getting nailed. Me, I'll keep on riding and try to keep an eye out for the other guy while I'm riding. Hopefully none of us will end up a statistic. Later on, Bill

Good advice whether you have two wheels under you, or four.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #43 on:** August 27, 2006, 02:13:37 AM »

Those sites are just for "voyeurs" who like to gaze upon someone else's misery while advocating the "sobering" benefits of these pictures somehow making them a safer rider/driver/skater/whatever.

I'd prefer that those people's (and their families) suffering was given some privacy and not broadcast worldwide, but if you enjoy looking, don't bull#$%* about why, just admit you're a ghoul, and enjoy...........

nickjtc · « **Reply #44 on:** August 27, 2006, 09:48:01 AM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on August 27, 2006, 02:13:37 AM

Those sites are just for "voyeurs" who like to gaze upon someone else's misery while advocating the "sobering" benefits of these pictures somehow making them a safer rider/driver/skater/whatever.

I'd prefer that those people's (and their families) suffering was given some privacy and not broadcast worldwide, but if you enjoy looking, don't buls#$%* about why, just admit you're a ghoul, and enjoy...........

I think you are right, Terry. As already discussed here the images will not change the way most people have decided to do their thing whilst riding, so why show other peoples misery??

Rocking-M · « **Reply #45 on:** August 27, 2006, 09:58:22 AM »

Oh, no! I agreed with Terry on this one

Lord hep me!

Bodi · « **Reply #46 on:** August 29, 2006, 01:23:53 PM »

OK, I wonder what manner of twisted f*ck collects these images?
I could put up a page of birth defect images that would make most peoiple ill, but would they decide never to try having a child?
Do kids in drivers ed still get shown the crispy critter movies to scare them into driving carefully? It didn't work for anyone I know.
Seriously, this person has a big problem. If someone he knew died on a bike he needs to get over it. If not, wow.

Gordon · « **Reply #47 on:** August 29, 2006, 01:52:15 PM »

Quote from: Bodi on August 29, 2006, 01:23:53 PM

Do kids in drivers ed still get shown the crispy critter movies to scare them into driving carefully? It didn't work for anyone I know.

Actually, one of the things I saw in those movies has stuck with me. I think it was called "Red Asphalt", there was one clip with a couple in their car in the left turn lane, stopped and waiting to turn. The driver had the front wheels pointed to the left and somebody rear-ended them, pushing them into oncoming traffic, where they were subsequently creamed by a truck. The next scene they showed was fire-fighters pulling the charred bodies out of the car by their exposed spines.

I could have done without that last part, but the moral has stuck with me to this day. When I'm sitting in my car in an exposed left turn lane, I keep my wheels aimed forward until I'm actually ready to move.

DarkRider · « **Reply #48 on:** August 30, 2006, 08:43:32 PM »

Maybe its just the ghoul in me but does anyone have any links to any of those drivers ed vids?

bill440cars · « **Reply #49 on:** August 31, 2006, 04:29:59 AM »

I went to a Technical High School, which was all boys (we had to visit Mount St. Mary's to visit the girls but that's another story). Every so often, they'd stick us in a very humid room and show us "Accident Films" from the Ohio State Patrol and every now and then someone would start getting sick and go outside to throwup. They also showed accidents in a machine shop like a guy getting some metal shavings in his eye because he didn't wear safety glasses and so on. I still remember those films but, I have been know to be a bit reckless in my past.

Later on, Bill

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Author Topic: Sobering site.... (Read 8883 times)

ElCheapo

bowhunter

Rocking-M