He Said, “I’ll Never Ride a Motorcycle Again”

Motorcycle AccidentFELLOW MOTORCYCLISTS GET SMASHED ON THE PAVEMENT EVERY DAY. And many live to tell about it.  This morning I learned that one of my neighbors, a young 21-year-old rider, has been in the hospital for several days and is expected to remain there for another 2 weeks, before he can go home for a projected 6-month recovery.

Due to the severity of his road rash and mangled flesh, he is being treated as a burn victim.

The incident resulted from a hit-and-run driver. Witnesses say the offending vehicle violated this rider’s right-of-way and sped off after smashing into this motorcyclist and catapulting him through the air. The rider was brought to the Intensive Care Unit of the local hospital and placed in a temporarily induced coma while they cleaned and removed the dirt and gravel embedded into the abrasions and lacerated flesh that encompassed 25% of his body.

Because the contents of his pockets were strewn widely upon impact, and therefore no identification was with him when he arrived at the hospital, he was admitted as a John Doe (unknown person).

Accordingly, family could not be notified of his circumstances.

When he didn’t arrive home that night or to work the next day, it took over 24 hours for family to track him down via phone calls to police and area hospitals. (They were looking for a specific person, not a “John Doe.”)

To make matters more interesting, it turns out he does not have a motorcycle license or insurance (both required by law in California) and he had been drinking beer.

He was issued a citation for Driving under the Influence (DUI).

Based upon the severity of flesh damage, a reader might wonder what this young rider was wearing when he went down.

The answer: not much.

He was riding in shorts and a T-shirt. (Although he was wearing his helmet, which is also required by law in California).

The hospital care he is receiving costs $25,000 per day.

It should be noted that he owns a leather jacket with armor reinforcements and other riding gear and I usually observed him wearing such when riding. (Although I had also seen him riding in short pants).

One more interesting fact: He had just purchased his street motorcycle a few weeks earlier. (Although he did have prior dirt-bike riding experience).

When aroused from his morphine sleep, he said “I’ll never ride a motorcycle again.” The future will prove that true or not, but I would guess that if he does take to two wheels again, he will wear his gear.

Except in states that require helmets, any motorcyclist has the privilege to choose to wear whatever he or she deems appropriate. But I think the risk is high for any new riders, and especially young riders, who may not have gained the necessary respect that should be accorded to the potential dangers of street riding, and instead are solely intoxicated by its pleasures.

This rider made a number of mistakes.  Among them, one could speculate that had he not been drinking in the first place, he might have been able to avoid the accident, even though the official responsibility is imputed to the driver who left the scene of the accident.

Although the circumstances surrounding this incident may provoke varied perspectives, it should be emphasized that this rider did survive and in time, he is expected to recover and he will likely be wiser in the future.

This event reminds me of the numerous mistakes I made as a young rider.  At  times I have wondered how I survived those early years.  Regardless, I do have a more respectful attitude than back then and as much as I still enjoy riding, and could not imagine giving it up for anything, I have much more experience and better gear than when I was a kid.  (And I’ve survived a few accidents myself).

Wishing you safe riding!

(Click “Leave a Reply” below to contribute your comments, insights and experience.)

 

52 thoughts on “He Said, “I’ll Never Ride a Motorcycle Again”

  • In a cage or on your bike, only difference is while on the bike you can NEVER stop paying attention to your surroundings, and never not know your escape route at every stop sign or light, every traffic slow down. Be aware of any vehicle they maybe going to pass you, be ready to just let off and tap you brake a tad bit and get it by you ASAP. I’ve been riding since I was 5 yrs. old, now 59 I’ve had tons of close calls, but I was taught very young, if I hadn’t practiced a few safe like above I probably would be breathing now to type this. You will get piss at times especially in today’s time with cell phones being used like someone trying to light that cigarette, a brief moment in time can cause such collateral damage. So just let them get by watch for the ones as I call “looky lou’s” coming your way wanting to pass the vehicle ahead of them, They are usually in such a hurry they probably won’t see you. Don;t be afraid to flip you high beams a few times to help them to see you. Ride safe brothers and sisters, Remember to wave !!

  • I was hit twice on a bike once by in idiot that passed me then cut right in front of me knocking me off the bike, he just kept going never stopped. I ended up with a fracture femur and was out of work two months. The second time I was stopped in traffic on a expressway and a driver not paying attention decided to switch lanes and rear ended me. The result of that was a sprained back and loss of work for 6 weeks. I had a my necessary safety equipment on. I still ride today with the though that every driver out there is out to get you.

  • I always ride with full leather jacket,pants ,gloves,and boots. Perforated in the warm weather, and of course a helmet.. When I see riders and there passengers dressed in cutoff jeans ,tank tops and sneakers, I shake my head and wonder what they’re thinking. You are asking for trouble.

  • Right ON, Chrissy. It’s my my job to watch out for the cagers — I stand to lose a lot more than they do! Also, I dress for the weather just as you stated. I ride for the pleasure of it. Yeah, it’s a risk, everything in life is a risk.
    In Liberty, Bikabill.

  • I keep reading that ‘the car was at fault’ which somehow is supposed to matter. I do a lot of city riding and almost all my near-misses have been because the driver was ‘at fault’. It is our responsibility, as riders, to avoid these would-be crashes. I’m always on the lookout for cagers who are not paying attention and I figure that into my riding experience. If I’m turning left, I’m looking at the guy opposite me and if he starts to come across traffic, my brain is ALREADY in gear to hit the brakes. I don’t do anything fast…unless I’m going straight and even then my eyes are constantly scanning for cars pulling out in front of me. I’ve only been riding 7 years and I’m old (65) so it is my natural caution as an old person that has saved my skin several times. Also, I don’t drink. One thing I don’t do: wear heavy gear in 80 degree weather. I ride in a T-shirt if it’s bloody hot, otherwise I can’t enjoy the experience. It’s a calculated risk. On the other hand, my brother who’s been riding all his life dresses up like he’s going to war. Smart man.

  • Young riders are high on the list. I know one that is in the hospital right now. Riding his crotch rocket started raining got too close to the painted lines (slick in dry days) rear broke loose and threw him into the retaining wall. If younger folks don’t ask or even just talk to older riders ( I know it’s like talking with your parents, but it’ll probably safe your skin or life) that have learned the little secrets of riding free info. won’t hurt ya. My best to you brother, and just take it one day at a time. I’m sure the bike didn’t do it.

  • Wish him a speedy recovery. But, the alcohol may have did him in, slowing his responce time. No one will ever know. Don’t drink even one drink if your on your bike. And never where nothing, gezzz I see some of these girls riding on the back of those crotch rockets, in bikinis, and have rolled up on a few accidents a couple (single bike accident.) and the girl is laid out nakid, because she slide/rolled and it doesn’t take much to pop stings off. Even loss my leather jacket using it to cover one girl up so every passer-by wouldn’t be getting a look at a teenage girl laying nakid in on the shoulder of the road. That one her driver/boy friend wasn’t so lucky. No lids, and might as well say riding nude. Put some close on people standard jeans only last less than three (3) seconds and an average speed wreck sliding last almost seven(7) seconds or more . Do the math.

  • 3 months and 3 days ago I did the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. Been riding since I was 14 and am now 67, so I should have know better. Left the road at 85 coming out of a corner and did manage to ride it some 60-70 feet in the ditch before the front wheel hit a rock. The bike (an ’05 Harley Ultra Classic) and I parted ways and I went through a barb wire fence. I was wearing body armor and a NEW helmet. The good Lord was watching me that morning as the only damage to me was a broken rib, 3 broken lumbar vertebra (bone tips only – nothing structural) and a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain). Am still recovering – left ankle still slightly swollen, right knee now giving me problems (walking downhill) and my neck and right shoulder are still ‘sore’. It was ALL rider error and this rider will remember it as long as I ride. And, yes, I WILL ride again – the bike’s being repaired.

  • Here I am 6 weeks into my recovery of perhaps 6 months. Two broken legs, shoulder and ribs. 30 mph, skidded on pebbles and went down Hard. But absolutely no lesions because I was wearing the right gear. No scars just broken bones that will mend. Been riding for 40 years and walked away from worse. Unfortunate but lucky, they say.

    Will I ride again? In the morning if I could. I love the road. But I’ll never forget the sheer look of terror on my wife’s face when she was called to the accident site and saw me in a heap. I don’t really want to put her through that again. So I’ve decided to stick to my car racing which is less dangerous! Anyone want to buy a slightly scratched GS 1200 or a Ducati ST4S?

    Jack from Ireland.

  • Had an accident once on a track day, and straight after my recovery I was determined to get riding again. If not, I would have spend my entire life being affected by the accident, so the best mental recovery is to get back on the motorcycle and get some great rides.

  • I have friend who have died of cancer, car crashes, bicycle crashes (trails), bicycle crashes (street), mountain climbing, and motorcycling…..and alzheimer’s and heart failure. Death Happens – it’s how you live that makes life special. I’ve been riding for 42 years – numerous crashes ranging from minor to moderate and a couple which were minor but could have been final. I select various routes, time of day, and ride like it is a video game where everything out there (trucks, cars, gravel in the corners) is trying to kill me. The focus and connection to the bike seems to be the thing that keeps me coming back.

    I do believe this young man made some poor decisions, but the fact is the driver was at fault. If I was leading an insurance company I would not insure people who didn’t wear gear – or seat belts – or who didn’t have fire detectors. If people want to take risks, I believe they should have that choice. The challenge is who pays for the outcome. If someone incurs $25k per day in medical bills and can’t pay – the doctors, nurses, hospital and others don’t get paid, and ultimately taxpayers carry the financial downside of the risk they took.

    ATTGATT? sure – but what about bicyclists? I’ve had two friends killed on bicycles – both in shorts, shoes, thin jerseys and very light duty helmets. The fall off a bicycle at 25mph after getting hit by a car isn’t that different from a motorcycle – so why not the same admonition to wear full armor for bicyclists?

    check out the Leatt neck brace adapted for street riders- I’ve used one for several months and when I don’t have it I feel as naked as I would without gloves or a helmet.

    I say make your personal choice, be thoughtful about the risks and pay your own bills. If you can’t live with (and pay for) the downside – then don’t take the risk.

  • I would add only one more electronic device to the pile, that being stereos, mp3’s, etc. of distracting accessories that should not be allowed on a motorcycle. Riding safely requires 100% concentration all the time, and if your mind is on your favorite tune, you can miss the knothead in the next lane about to cut you off or the oncoming that will to an intersection turn without seeing you. The brain cannot hold or react to or concentrate on more than one thing at a time, so having these blaring out of stereo speakers takes away one of your most important safety skills – paying attention to your surroundings. Also, the noise is very annoying to those riding with you, especially at stop lights. Going down the road with the proper 1-2 second spacing between bikes, you will be listening to their radio, almost. It comes back a garbled sound which interferes with your own enjoyment of your surrounding. So, turn ’em off guys and gals and we will have less accidents that are our fault. The cage drivers have the same problem with a boom box at ear splitting levels with their windows up….they don’t see or hear or even notice you and that is an accident waiting to happen. If both of you aren’t paying 100% attention, BANG!

  • I have two things to say: 1) when I was in my 20’s, I rode my motorcycle with proper gear but II would drink and then ride home. I thought that was fun; it was so relaxing. The am again riding in my 50’s, have been for a few years now. I still wear full gear but these days I don’t drink and ride. I still enjoy riding; it’s very relaxing. Notice the difference between then and now? No alcohol. I respect myself, my bike, and the dangers that riding incur. 2) I am a Truckers. High above those 18 wheels I see a lot. I see the 4 wheelers that don’t see my BIG ASS Truck because they are not paying attention. If they don’t see me in my truck there’s nothing that can convince me that they would see me on a motorcycle.

    Drunk, drugs, cell phones, etc all add to accident potential. Be as safe as possible out there by eliminating all distractions and watch out for the other guy. Also, ALWAYS ALWAYS. Wear all your gear all the time ( ATGATT). Be safe and God Bless.

  • After 40 years of riding a hit-and run driver (soon idedntified) knocked me down on a beautiful warm day. Fully cothed including fabric pants and leather jacket. No injury. All the gear all the time, even in summer heat is my advice!

  • Still riding at 77 and just started wearing an armored jacket. Not perfect in our hot Florida summers, but then road rash is always much hotter than the sun. Been down a coupla times, both my fault…once at 70 mph on a KY backroad curve and again on a street intersection with gravel. On the first one it was zero degrees outside when we left Indy so I was bundled up to the teeth with many layers of clothing which saved my skin and my bones. Second time was a slow fall but again, a leather jacket & heavy pants saved the skin. Of course, helmets are the main savior in any crash or fall – that should be obvious (except to our FL legislators). I was acting stupidly trying to take a curve too fast in the first and wasn’t paying attention to the road surface during the second. Been lucky since, but I have learned to keep my head on a swivel at all times, and to “listen” to all the sounds around to give me that additional advantage of the 6 senses (1 Touch 2 Taste 3 Sight 4 Smell 5 hearing 6 your mind. I have never had a radio on a bike and never will as that takes away one our best motorcycling defenses, and that is being aware of the knothead in a car with the windows rolled up and the boom box blaring. The driver doesn’t have a clue I am anywhere around. Also, I am not that good that I can ride after drinking. Even one beer changes your reaction time, so save it for the end of the day. If you can’t wait to have one…maybe you shouldn’t have any kind of license. Backroad riding is my choice when I have a choice, as I would rather contend with that one errant deer a coupla times a year than to have to deal with the thousands of cars coming within 3 feet of me every minute I am in town or on an Xway. That is not fun! … and motorcycling is supposed to be fun not a chore. Enuff said….

  • Unfortunately, I have to say: Dumbass. It is riders like these that cause problems for more responsible riders. Now, I am sorry to read that the rider was injured so severely, but like many insane riders rocketing down the freeway with a T-shirt and shorts or maybe a “protective” vest, a lot of his injuries could have been avoided had he been wearing proper gear. I was involved in an accident and was wearing ~$1000 in protective gear, minus protective pants, and I got a good bit of road rash on my leg as well as a broken ankle because I landed foot first on the road–but then again, blue jeans are not protective gear, and no amount of boot can protect from an impact at high speeds. Aside from that, I was completely unharmed despite bouncing and rolling about 30 feet shoulder to shoulder. I mean heck, my jacket is as pristine as the day I bought it, I even wear it now as a cold weather jacket. Now, I’m not going to say that I am Mr. Perfect, but when I would drive or ride out to a friend’s house to knock back a drink or two, I would park myself on their couch until I was good and sober before I even thought of looking at my car or bike. A motorcycle requires a lot more attention than a car but both are equally dangerous in the hands of a drunk.

    The moral of the story: Invest in your safety if you are going to be riding a motorcycle, gear up to crash, not to ride, and lastly (but most important) never, ever ride (or drive) under the influence.

  • I’m an ER nurse and a biker. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many motorcycle MVC patients. Our chief trauma surgeon likes to tell people, “Dress for the fall, not for the ride” – or in other words, wear what you’d wish you were wearing if you knew you were going to crash! Wise advice.

  • I’m amazed at how many of us bikers claim to “ride free” but then criticize those who don’t dress as we do. We note that those who don’t ride just “don’t understand,” but we call riders stupid if they don’t wear safety gear. So, tell me again how much you love freedom, how we should live and let live…

  • Riding is a gamble! To some degree, I agree. It is up to you and you only as the operator of whatever craft or thing you do, you’re taking a chance with it. It’s a Challenge and is a Responsibility all in one. You operate a boat, fly a plane, drive a car, throw a bowling ball, or go hiking etc….. Learn the correct way. It’s usually the safest way. It easy to blame someone else for a mishap than it is to consider that I might have been in the clear if I took a little time and read the situation better. If your bag is to challenge yourself, go to the proper arena, on the race track for example where there are others like you and have the same level of skill. (Blue Heads) Don’t expect granny to see you if you do a surprise pass at 80 in a 55 mph zone. There is a good chance she only looked once in her rear view and is going to forget to put on her left blinker. Keep an eye in your marrows for the young girl or boy on Facebook. Instead of driving daddies bid 4X4 responsibly they drive over the top of you at a red light because that’s what important in their life. What is important is for you to enjoy your experience and survive it to do it again and again. Take the time to discipline yourself by reading or take a safety course.

  • This kid is a stupid ass. I hope he learned his lesson but probably not.I’m sure if there hadn’t been a helmet law he would have had his head cracked open as well.Kid do us all a favor and don’t ride anymore. Thanks

  • Simple fact – drivers actually DON’T see motorcycles. Apparently, the brain filters input from the eyes, and only allows what it deems significant to reach your consciousness. Consider the multitude of objects crossing your line of site, and naturally you can’t register every single one. I was once sat in my car with my Mum in teh passenger seat and I observed a Honda RC1100 waiting at the opposite light. It had an enormous red, white & blue fairing and the headlighth was on high beam. I pointed at it and told my Mum “That’s a lovely bike there – I’d love one”. She looked straight at it, and said “What bike where ?”

    Bikers in cars find this hard to comprehend; as bikers, their filters are calibrated differently (may I say more comprehensively ?) from folk that only ride cages. I think if all road users spent 6 months on a bike before getting a licence, the roads would be a much safer place.

    To survive on a bike, you have to accept this fact, and be aware that drivers don’t see you. Expect them to pull out in front of you (especially if you are riding more “vigorously” than the law permits) and you may survive a lot longer …

  • Wow, after reading some of these comments, it’s a wonder I still get out there and ride. Scary! I am old enough to have years of driving experience behind me and am aware of all the stupid moves drivers make. I am constantly scanning, predicting the worst. I take my time at intersections and make myself come to a full stop when I really want to just sail around the corner. I slow down with preparation to brake when I see a driver approaching from the opposite lane ready to turn left. Has he SEEN me and will he wait for me to pass him?? When I am sure he has seen me, then I accelerate.

    When a driver is waiting to pull out from a side road, I do the same and make a bit wider arc around the front of his car to allow for more space between us. Etc, Etc! I ride in bright colors…not the usual Harley black. Not cool, but I want to be seen. I seldom go out after dark cuz my night vision isn’t that great. I prefer city driving over country driving. I’ve had to dodge too many chickens and dogs and deal with gravel in the country plus we have a lot of deer in Western NY! I guess it’s a calculated risk and one can never be 100% safe but can reduce the odds by paying attention, not speeding and not drinking. One area I need to improve on is wearing protective clothing…when it’s 90 degrees out, the LAST thing I want to do is put on chaps and a leather jacket!! Riding, then, is not fun…it’s hell.

  • It’s interesting that he said “I’ll never ride a motorcycle again”, and not “I’ll never drink a beer again”, or “I’ll never forget my safety gear again”.

    I wonder if we’ll hear about him repeating the exercise in a few years, only with a car, and perhaps without a seatbelt.

  • My oldest friend and I, both 80, have been riding motorcycles since 1948. In that first year, I had a minor “scrape” when the front wheel dropped into a pothole at slow speed and flipped me into the cinders and gravel berm. No serious damage to me or the bike, mostly ripped pants and shirt. I got up and rode the bike home.

    In my observation, motorcycle accidents seem to happen to: 1) enthusiastic young riders speeding each spring; 2) riders who are cut off or broadsided by automobile drivers; 3) inattention to surrounding traffic or road conditions; 4) any other reason you can imagine.

    Mostly, though, I think accidents happen due to speed, often combined with alcohol, whether the fault of the motorcyclist or the automobile driver. Very few accidents just “happen”; there’s usually a reason.

    Driving to Indianapolis a few years ago, I was passed by a young blond biker wearing nothing but jeans, flip-flops and tee shirt, no helmet. I estimated his speed at 85 mph, as I was driving at the legal speed limit on the Interstate. I shuddered as I imagined him in an accident a few miles ahead. Thankfully, I had not come upon such a scene when I finally arrived at my destination, but I have always wondered if the young man survived that summer.

    It’s sad that in 2012 Western New York has seen a spike in the number of biker accidents and deaths.

    All that the individual can do is to learn from the experiences of others and practice safe and defensive driving/riding.

  • Never ride again ? learn from your mistakes but I’ve been riding for 40 years and yes I’ve been hurt but I never thought I’d stop riding it hard to explain to some one body armor is not a hassle For to this day I’ve never planed on crashing. But I’m prepared for it. and on the other hand there are some that should never ride or for that fact be aloud around any machinery. But for us who live to ride and ride to live it’s just a part of life like death and taxes

  • I met a 19 year old lad at a caravan Park years ago who was the victim of another person’s stupidity as the other person failed to stop at the sign and cleaned up the kid!! who sad to say a few months later committed suicide and his families business also suffered as they were counting on him to help them build the business and what disgusted me even more about all this is that his so called MATES would take him off to the PUB to help him spend his money on Booze when his doctor wanted him to take time out to HEAL the broken bones and not only that they were experimenting with one of those Fibreglass casts on his leg which was broken in 11 places ……like what a mess and what eventually drove the kid over the edge was the “ITCHING from the Fibreglass casting which was driving him crazy as he couldn’t scratch that and his so calls mates wouldn’t take him over to the hospital to get that cast replaced with a different type. The kid needed vegetables and other decent health promoting food not BOOZE…….gee that was unfair man……..all because of 1 idiot that ran a Stop sign….SAD. I think the saying goes……..with friends like that you wouldn’t need enemies. brought to you by a person who has had 7 attempts on his life and well ……..they didn’t so good…….Australia and now they’ve just gone pubic with all the FAGGOT poofters hiding out in the Military………..sick

  • The car violated his “right of way”. My wise father once said referring to drving defensively, “His gravestone stated, ‘But I had the right of way!!'”
    Think, “What if?”.
    Read, learn, take MSF safety course, do all you can to PREVENT any accident because it most likely will be serious.
    When someone hasn’t experienced a truly traumatic experience or seen it with his own eyes first hand, it really doesn’t sink in…….
    With any adventure, there is some risk and motorcycling is definitely an adventure every time a take my cruiser out. I’m 64 years old and have been riding since I was 20 on & off. Been to Colorado, New Mexico, 3 sisters Texas and live in Friendswood, Tx.
    100RT BMW for 15 years. New Kawasaki 900 classic. Luv it!
    My kids and all grown and left home and it’s really time for me on this bike. Planning a camping bike tour of Beartooth Mts. Wyoming/Montana this summer.
    I love America, the freedom we shouldn’t take for granted and being able to “take off” when and where we want. What a beautiful country we live in.
    I pray for all bikers for their safe and enjoyable riding experiences.

    ted
    aka “Ahpoo” (grandkids nickname)

  • In 1973 when I was 22 years old a young boy Randy, age 16, won a 1973 Kawasaki 900. Two weeks later he was killed instantly driving through an intersection when he was hit by a large flatbed truck. I have never forgotten the accident. Another boy who was the High School athlete of the year was taking a pal for a ride around the block in front of the school failed to stop in time because the truck in front of him had no brake lights. For the rest of his life he was in a wheel chair.
    Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, it is exciting, but it can get you into serious physical trouble. I have always seen bike riders as stallions on the roadways while all other vehicles are cows and can be dangerous when you grow impatient. Drivers today are more impatient, less understanding, aggressive, and stressed due to the volume of cars. I only do my riding on country back roads where the air is fresh and the visibility is vast and even then it can be dangerous. You always have to prepared for the unexpected. Even though we have heard grim stories of bike accidents for some reason it doesn’t stop us, the feeling of riding a bike, the power between your legs is a difficult high to kick.

  • I hope you make a full recovery. That said. Drinking even 1 beer and then riding is NOT expectable! I know, I did it and spent several mounts recovering from a very stupid thing that I did. Not the bast idea I have ever had. Now I have ridden for 35 years, the rule is…
    ATGATT! all the gear all the time! Please don’t ride with out it!
    just my two cents!

  • i know this is a late reply but felt the need to say it.

    Good luck with the recovery should be nearing the end and if you do decided to ride again this should be a lesson.

    I’m 18 years old and have a Lexmoto Vixen 125, not a fast bike but gets me from A to B in comfort. i’ve only been riding for about 6 months so haven’t got much experiences and i know i haven’t but i do respect the road, and other vehicles on the road.

    i had a crash about 3-4months ago where i took a corner to fast and it sharpened up at the end, i went over the double white lines and ran in to the side of a van, i ruined my foot peg, bent my break leaver in half and ripped the exhaust of my bike. thankfully i didn’t fall off the bike. but i did suffer a injury on my foot, the boot i was wearing “Blytz Raching” (http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/167/52/Blytz-Race-Motorbike-Boot-White-1.jpg) saved my foot, they were snapped in half and the fiberglass base in the sole was snapped clean in half, i couldn’t put any weight on the foot for around 5 days, went to hospital and it was just severe muscle damage, the doctor said if i wasn’t wearing my boots i would of lost the foot.

    this has taught me the most valuable lesson of all: “Fuck the other drivers I’m riding my way at a speed I feel safe taking the corner”

    i wear ALL of my gear when i’m going 5mins up to my nan’s house, you NEVER know what kind of driver is going to me on the road

    Hope this helps young and more experienced riders out there.

  • I shudder when I see some kid in shorts and a T-shirt on a Hayabusa – especially when I see him heading into a bar.

    Still, I did some pretty damn stupid things when I was younger, and occasionally still do. I’ve been lucky a few times, otherwise I might have ended up like this guy.

  • Wishing the chap a quick and complete recovery. He certainly did a foolish thing. Riding unprotected is asking for even more injury. I always ride protected, yet still I know or am at least hoping that I am minimizing my risk. Defense riding is the only logical way to ride. I am often looking behind me. Always want to know what’s behind me. I am as well a big believer in the 12 second rule throttling ahead. You never know what surprises await. Never assume drivers will always respond correctly.
    As for the SOB who left him lying there, I do not wish him well.
    Ride as defensively as possible, and wishing all a safe, healthy and prosperous new year.

  • Hope he makes a full recovery, and then understands how he should have been riding. A funny thing happened to me last fall. Heading south to north on the interstate in Atlanta, Ga. Was rearended by a stoned driver. Police downloaded his onboard computer, at the moment of impact he was under full acceleration and traveling at 108 mph. I was probably traveling 65-75 mph. End result, broken pelvis, broken T-12 vertabra, 16 broken ribs, collapsed lung, couple of big divits on skull from bouncing around in the helment. Absolutly zero road rash. Was wearing full leathers from Fox Creek Leather. HD boots, overpants, heavy jacket, premium full coverage gloves, and a new HJC helment. Spent 2 months in an induced coma, another 2 months in a different facility, and a final month in a rehab facitlity. Can walk with issues, and serious back problems, but still alive and in one piece. Save the beers for after the ride, get the best gear possible, and wear the damn stuff. Sure some folks will tease ya, but theirs nothing like a second chance at being alive.

  • To Johnny. I am a Nationwide agent and in PA and DE at least , you simply must have “unrestricted” PIP or personal injury protection. These insurance companies will not cover a single vehicle off the roadway unless that is in place. I see these youngens walk into my office all the time wanting to ride a hayabusa as their first streetbike. After showing them just how expensive it can be, I show them low cost cruisers on craigslist. I also have an e-mail I send out with the state rider courses , the NHTSB bike study and of course MOTORCYCLE Intel with all the good book suggestions. The life I help save just may be theirs. Motorcycling is the best video game in the world but you only get one guy . chance.

  • Come on boys, we basically only stay alive if/because we ride defensively. Protection doesn’t detract from fun and it doesn’t take long to wear, why not use it?
    I always do, and I would feel naked if Idon’t. I am always surprised at how many riders don’t even wear gloves, and that’s the only way to save your hans in case of a fall. Of course everybody thinks: “won’t happen to me…” But with so many blundering idiot let loose on the road, it might, no, it will not depend on you… Safe riding to ALL

  • Firstly, I would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery. Secondly, I would like to say it serves him right. Sorry if that sounds harsh but he was rather the master of his own destiny. Maybe better he does stay off motorcycles.
    Here in UK, every new rider has to take a Certificate of Basic Training before they are let loose on an unsuspecting Public. During this training it is stressed how important the correct clothing, footwear and gloves are for safety and limitation of damage to themselves. Turn up in t-shirt, shorts and trainers and they are finished before they start. Five minutes after they are out on their own, particularly the youngsters will be seen riding around in shortsleeved t-shirts, shorts, trainers and no gloves. Knees and elbows out as far as they can be to impress the young girls. On warm days even some older “should know better” riders on larger faster motorcycles can be seen in the same attire.
    While there are a lot of instances where car and other four wheeled vehicles drivers do not see a motorcyclist, and there are those hit and run scenarios ( what a thing to have to live with ), we all as motorcyclists have a huge responsibility for our own welfare. If we think of ourselves as invisible as mentioned above, and treat every other road user as an idiot, though largely unfair, we stand a chance of surviving. There are a lot of speed freaks and public highway wheelie boys asking for gravel rash. I say all this as somebody who has seen the sensible maimed because of the stupidity of the few.

  • At least he lived to tell!
    If he ever gets back on a bike he’ll be like many of us, remember your mistakes and NEVER repeat them if at all possible!

  • Nature has a wonderful way of cleansing itself.
    Street riding on a motorcycle fits into the plan rather nicely.
    Ride smart and you’ll be fine. . .
    Ride stupid and Mother Nature will eventually “cleanse” you form the environment.

    Also. . .
    Rick in an earlier post asks; “who’s paying his hospital bill?”.
    That’s easy Rick, you and I are.
    -Ej-

  • I agree with someone who commented that his response – “I will never ride a motorcycle again” – shows that he has not learned anything from his accident. This guy did everything wrong, and when he wakes up, he blames it on motorcycles, not on himself.
    He sounds like the cab driver I was talking to once, who said he had been in five motorcycle accidents. In all of them he was under the influence of alcohol and without a helmet. He passed four of them with minor injuries, but in the fifth, he badly broke his jaw and had to eat ouf of a straw for months, let alone a broken arm and road rash.
    “After that” said him with a somber voice “I’ll never ride a motorcycle again”.
    Not “I’ll never ride without a helmet or under the influence”, but “I’ll never ride again”.
    My father always told me that you shouldn’t go into a discussion with stupid people, so I said nothing.

  • On July 4, 2010 my uncle and a friend were riding back home from a day trip when we think my uncle saw something and hit the brakes. Both bikes ended up in the opposite ditch facing the way they were coming from. Both my uncle and friend were med flighted to MCV Hospital. My uncle took the worst of the accident, ruptured liver, 9 broken ribs, punctured lung, concussion, laceration of his head where his helmet was digging in asphalt, grit and dirt ground into his right knee and numerous places of road rash over his body. Our friend had a broken wrist, broken foot, road rash, and a hurt back. Both of these fellows are very lucky people and I care for both of them greatly. Our friend got out of the hospital within one week and my uncle was in the hospital for over a month and both of them have/are healing nicely. Our friend got a ticket in the hospital for following to close. Neither one can remember what happened that afternoon. No alchohol/drugs were involved. Our friend appealed the charges against him and won. When the shop started repairing my uncle’s bike it was evident that it had been hit from behind. This has put a strain on their friendship! All this being said they had all their gear on thank goodness for that. Insurance is another deboggle that I still don’t understand because I don’t know what limitations are needed and would love for someone to educate me, because following this incident the insurance company paid none of the medflight, no medical payments, would have not payed one dime for a passenger medical, or loss of income, etc! I hope everyone will do some research into their insurance coverages and make sure you know what types of coverages you really have and not just trust because the insurance company quoted the lowest price and hope for the best coverage. I would really like to talk to somebody about insurance coverage/requiremnts that can explain in detail to me and help me understand to make better insurance decisions. I bet there are a lot of people out here thinking they are covered but are not and won’t find out until there is a catastrophy!

  • So who is paying the hospital bill if he doesn’t have insurance?! This is why the non-motorcycling community gets so up in arms about helmet laws (and, for that matter, any restrictive motorcycle laws). They understandably don’t want to foot the bill. Those who don’t carry legally required insurance, whether by choice or negligence, need to be held financially responsible for their own care. It would be nice if the police catch the driver of the car, who at minimum should also be held financially liable.

  • On morning of May 13, 1978 I brought my wife and newborn son home from the hospital, later that afternoon, I borrowed a friends bike and went for a ride. I was wearing jeans, t-shirt, and probably tennis shoes. A few minutes into the ride a car stopped in front of me, only I was distracted. I rearended the car, put the rear window out with my head, tumbled over the car and landed head first in the street. Had a concussion, and roadrash on my back. I woke up in the hospital, on a gurney in the hallway, wearing only my underwear.

    My wife asked me to refrain from riding until the kids grew up. Five years ago we purchased a touring bike and we both attended a MSF BRC. I was so impressed, I requested to be a coach. I began wearing proper gear, and riding like I was invisible.

    I had another accident in 2009, and was protected by my gear, with minimal rash, and a broken tibula, after recovery I am back on a new bike..
    I am now a ridercoach, and I PREACH wearing gear, I show my jacket, helmet, that saved my flesh and my life.

    I pray this youngman recovers, but learns from his experience!

  • Thanks for this story. It has helped me already because sometimes I think about wearing only part of my gear…a dangerous and stupid rationalization — it’s hot to ride down here in FL in the summer all suited up — so, I hope you can help him learn from this incident. Take all the insurance premimums and spend them on the best riding gear and read and practice all the safety you can and “Ride On” down here to the FL Keys.

  • We have a saying in England.”You can’t put an old head on young shoulders.Hopefully he will be ok,but the repercussions are likely to remain with him for a long time.His main misdemeanour as far as I am concerned is the lack of insurance which unfortunately his a real problem to other persons affected on the roads.On the other side the hit and run driver is a symptom of our times.

  • first of all, i wish him a speed recovery. now i wanna let you know my story regarding accidents. i was involved in a hit and run accident too like 8-9 months ago, trust me i wore all the proper gear as always. (full face helmet/leather jacket with elbow, shoulder and back protector and leather gloves). i don`t like to give more details about my recovery because i `ve been blessed. my question for all of you is this. how do i demand all my rights after that incident?. local police didnt get any info of that offender. i am worried at everybody else out there,

  • His saying that he will never ride a motorcycle again demonstrates that he hasn’t really learned from his experience. He should be saying “I won’t ride again without a license”, “I won’t ride again without insurance”, “I won’t ride again while under the influence”, and “I won’t ride again without wearing the proper gear.” I sure don’t want him out on the road with me, whether he is riding or driving, until he takes responsibility for his actions.

  • Don’t ride impaired
    Don’t ride angry
    Don’t ride tired.
    Don’t ride hungry
    Wear your gear… ALL OF IT ALL THE TIME!!!

    This young man was being a dumbass and got bitten. I hope he heals fast and well and that he learns something from this.

    “Witnesses say the offending vehicle violated this rider’s right-of-way and sped off after smashing into this motorcyclist and catapulting him through the air”

    There is no right of way when riding. It is NOT a contact sport.

    RIDER FAIL!!!

  • Oh, my! What a way to learn a lesson! Perhaps some good can come from it, as what happened with Brittany Morrow. She came off the back of a sport bike traveling at an excessive amount of speed without all her gear on, slid on pavement for over 500 feet and became known as the “Road Rash Queen”.

    Brittany has used that experience to help others learn the importance of wearing protective gear by teaming up with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and starting a website dedicated to educate others, http://www.rockthegear.org/. She’s put together a video as well about her experience,

    A lady after my own heart, Brittany has taken the ultimate step and became an MSF RiderCoach to help others to learn how to ride safely. All of that’s taking a bad experience and turning it around for good. Please tell your neighbor that he can help others as well.

    SE

  • Thank the Lord he is expected to make a full recovery. That said he will hopefully act more wisely in the future. Will not drink and ride, or drive. I have had near misses myself, and shudder to think what could have happened if reflexes were unimpaired. Growing up is learning to be responsible for your actions, and the consequences. As the writer said we have all made mistakes. The trick is to apply what you learned. Heal quickly, and ride again.

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