[Chazz]

It seems to me that there has been a recent spike in the reporting of fatal motorcycle accidents around TV. Not sure what that can be attributed to, or even if it is real or just my impression. What do you think?

[villagetinker]

Motorcycles scare the living daylights out of me, and I do not ride them for that reason. Over the last 50 plus years of driving, I have had 3 close calls with motorcycles, and in every case, they simply disappeared from view. In each case I saw the motorcycle, and in each case when I looked again, they were GONE! Fortunately, in each of these cases, there were close calls, but no injuries or fatalities. I try to avoid being anywhere in the vicinity of these devices. Now before the flames start, in each and every case, the cycle disappeared behind a mirror, a windshield post, or something similar.....so I do all I can to stay away from them. For the most part I see a lot of responsible cycle drivers here, but there a few that I think have a death wish.
The recent spike appears to be a few of the possible the latter group being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To all of the motorcycle enthusiasts, please remember the average age in this area is probably older then other areas, and the reactions are a little slower, the vision a little bit less than optimal, and almost no one uses turn signals or lane change signals, so ride defensively, so everyone gets home safely.
This is just may humble opinion, not meant to inflame anyone, please be kind when responding.

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Motorcycles scare the living daylights out of me, and I do not ride them for that reason. Over the last 50 plus years of driving, I have had 3 close calls with motorcycles, and in every case, they simply disappeared from view. In each case I saw the motorcycle, and in each case when I looked again, they were GONE! Fortunately, in each of these cases, there were close calls, but no injuries or fatalities. I try to avoid being anywhere in the vicinity of these devices. Now before the flames start, in each and every case, the cycle disappeared behind a mirror, a windshield post, or something similar.....so I do all I can to stay away from them. For the most part I see a lot of responsible cycle drivers here, but there a few that I think have a death wish.
The recent spike appears to be a few of the possible the latter group being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To all of the motorcycle enthusiasts, please remember the average age in this area is probably older then other areas, and the reactions are a little slower, the vision a little bit less than optimal, and almost no one uses turn signals or lane change signals, so ride defensively, so everyone gets home safely.
This is just may humble opinion, not meant to inflame anyone, please be kind when responding.

You post is correct on all accounts. I also do not like driving next to or behind motorcycles, and get away from them as soon as possible. When I use to ride with my husband we had several close calls due to not been seen in the mirror. My husband's tries not to ride next to the side of a car. He staggers when possible.

Motorcycle riders do have to ride defensively at all times, but must use extra caution when riding in this area. I've seen so much crazy driving around here and will not be riding anymore. It's way too dangerous for me.

[Colts Fan]

Originally Posted by Chazz

It seems to me that there has been a recent spike in the reporting of fatal motorcycle accidents around TV. Not sure what that can be attributed to, or even if it is real or just my impression. What do you think?

We haven't been here long enough for me to judge whether there is a spike in motorcycle fatalities, but I have noticed there have been several since we arrived in December. Once a cycle is engaged in an accident, there isn't much protection for the rider. No seat belt, no shoulder harness, no roll cage around the rider. A quality helmet is about the extent of the available safety devices.

I've seen riders put themselves in peril by the way they ride, and as a rider, I've seen auto drivers fail to see me when backing, changing lanes, or pulling out from a stop sign or parking lot. The fault can lie with either or both.

I hope I won't see any more such reports for a good long while. Ride safe, drive safe.

[Ohiogirl]

I handled injury claims for Allstate before I retired. Almost never the motorcyclist's fault. I will never get on one and wish none of my relatives had them also - but some do.

[Bjeanj]

When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, it seems it doesn't matter if it's their fault or not, quite often they end up either badly injured or dead. Your fault, their fault, doesn't matter. If I see a motorcycle, i try to stay away from it.

[MikeV]

I taught motorcycle riding for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). I have been a motorcyclist for 48 years and I still ride. The most important thing we teach students is to make sure they are seen. That means not riding in the blind spots of cars and tucks and to always leave enough space to evade. Unfortunately a lot of motorcyclists don't bother to take the courses offered by the MSF.

[Chi-Town]

$10,000 won't go very far with a head injury in Florida or anywhere.

"A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle."

[Chazz]

Originally Posted by Bjeanj

When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, it seems it doesn't matter if it's their fault or not, quite often they end up either badly injured or dead. Your fault, their fault, doesn't matter. If I see a motorcycle, i try to stay away from it.

That seems reasonable to me, as the most vulnerable person(s) are the ones on the motorcycle.

[2BNTV]

OP was correct in their post.

I try to keep away from motorcycles and leave as much room as possible, for any unexpected turns and or actions.

As always, one must exercise defensive driving skills and be careful at all times.

Today's paper said the driver that was responsible for the accident, turned himself in, as he originally fled the scene of the accident.

Unfortunately, one accident, is one, too many!!!

[Paper1]

Originally Posted by MikeV

I taught motorcycle riding for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). I have been a motorcyclist for 48 years and I still ride. The most important thing we teach students is to make sure they are seen. That means not riding in the blind spots of cars and tucks and to always leave enough space to evade. Unfortunately a lot of motorcyclists don't bother to take the courses offered by the MSF.

I have also been riding motorcycles for over 40 years and lost a close friend when a car pulled out in front of him at an intersection. He had full protective gear on but impact at 55 mph negates all that. Operator of car did not see him. People are programed to look for cars coming not motorcycles or bicycles. There are some hotdogs out there driving motorcycles but like someone else said the motorcycle rider usually is not at fault. I see some of the newer bikes have a flashing headlight that is very hard to miss, great idea.

[MikeV]

Originally Posted by Paper1

I have also been riding motorcycles for over 40 years and lost a close friend when a car pulled out in front of him at an intersection. He had full protective gear on but impact at 55 mph negates all that. Operator of car did not see him. People are programed to look for cars coming not motorcycles or bicycles. There are some hotdogs out there driving motorcycles but like someone else said the motorcycle rider usually is not at fault. I see some of the newer bikes have a flashing headlight that is very hard to miss, great idea.

You can retrofit most motorcycles with the modulated head light. It works with the high beam switch. During the day if you press the high beam switch the headlight modulates but at night it goes back to high beam. Yes good idea because they are hard to miss.

[Radioman41]

I added the modulated headlight to my motorcycle and believe it made me much more visible to approaching traffic and vehicles that may pull out from a side streets. I can't say enough good about the headlight modulator.

Unfortunately, I sold my motorcycle back in Maryland before moving here full time last fall.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by MikeV

I taught motorcycle riding for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). I have been a motorcyclist for 48 years and I still ride. The most important thing we teach students is to make sure they are seen. That means not riding in the blind spots of cars and tucks and to always leave enough space to evade. Unfortunately a lot of motorcyclists don't bother to take the courses offered by the MSF.

And many motorcyclists don't wear a full face helmet, or any helmet at all because Florida doesn't require them. According to a study done in Sweden I believe, you have about a 60% chance of landing on your chin on a spill. After my son had an accident and his full face helmet had a tire track from his bike going over his chin, over his faceshield and then over the forehead I ditched my 3/4 helmet and only use full face.