Everyone has random thoughts, but very few people are willing to share those thoughts with the world. We are fortunate that our president is willing to share a piece of his random mind.
I have been thinking about motorcycle safety lately. I've not been able to ride much due to the cold weather, so what else can a older gentleman do to prepare to a fun, safe cycle season?
Compared to driving a car; one is 16 times more likely to die while riding a cycle and 3 times more likely to be injured. This statistic motivates me to be sharp mentally and skill wise, while riding. It also inspires my friends and acquaintances to say stuff like " you drive an organ donor?"
If such comments anger you or perhaps cause you to respond in a defensive manner, I have some advice. You never need to defend your decision to ride a cycle, because it is not an irresponsible decision. I do believe you need to do everything to minimize your risk of injury.
Sixty percent of all motorcycle fatalities occur at night and sixty - six percent of all motorcycle fatalities occur when the operator is speeding. Hmm, I have avoided driving at night mainly because of all the deer in our area at night, but other factors such as the ability to see the road and to be seen are to be considered during night riding. I've never gotten very excited about speeding. There have been a few times that I have gone faster than wisdom would dictate, but I'm 58 years old and realize that I indeed am mortal in the "physical on this earth sense". I believe it is best to stick to the speed limit and often better to go below the speed limit. My motorcycle mentor Prezel has taught me that there are many times that going below the speed limit is prudent. For example in the city where one never knows what dangers may be lurking at the next intersection. Another static states that riders only have an average of 2 seconds to react prior to their accident. If I am going a little slower, two seconds may be enough time to avoid an accident. I is surprising how many feet one travels in one second on a speeding motorcycle. Here is the formula: mph x 1.5= feet per second. So if you are traveling at 40 mph, you will cover 60 feet in one second. If you do not have your hand on your front hand brake lever, it will take you one second to get your hand in position to apply your brake. It is smart be wary at intersection and even have your hand and foot in the ready position on your bike's brakes.
How can you be as safe as possible? Keep developing your cycle skills, riding habits and wear quality safety gear. Wear a helmet it will reduce your chance being killed in an accident by 50 % and will effectively eliminate the chance of a traumatic brain injury. Wear eye wear, leather gloves, leather jacket or some ride wear jacket, good pants and boots. Visibility is a big issue in safety. The brighter your clothing and helmet the more likely you will be seen by other motorists. Here is a good website to visit:
http://www.motorcyclesafety.org/ Hey, look smart, ride smart, keep your tires on the road, your butt on your cycle and enjoy riding.
