When trying to convince a spouse, friend or relative that you want to ride a motorcycle, beware that the first thing that is liable to come out of their mouth will be something related to motorcycle crashes and how bad they are. This is the largest hurdle that most riders face when trying to convince people that riding is good. Of course we know its good, in fact its GREAT, but getting the rest of the world to figure that one out is kind of tricky. The stats are pretty simple, and without reciting any numbers you can logically think this one through.
Lets just say that there are x amount of crashes in this state of the Union this year. A portion of those accidents are going to be because of operator error and then some because of a second party and fewer still are because of bike malfunction or road conditions. There are many variables to all of these types of crashes, but there are a few variables that you can easily control. Of the crashes that were the driver’s fault, believe me when I say alcohol was involved in a good chunk of them. If you don’t drink and drive, that won’t be a problem. If you don’t drink period then there is one less thing to worry about. If its not alcohol related, its experience or safety related. These problems are also fixable, but just not after-the-fact.
Multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are a little trickier. You are not usually in control of the factors when it comes to these accidents. A sizable number of them have alcohol tied to the other vehicle, whether it is a drunk swerving and hitting a driver, or causing another accident that was unavoidable by the motorcyclist. There are relatively few things you can do apart from practicing avoidance maneuvers that will save you from the stupidity of another driver. Defensive driving is key, even on a motorcycle.
It all comes down to this, and the numbers are with me on this one, safety training and experience are the two most important factors in avoiding accidents. We already discussed not drinking and riding, that one was very obvious. Less obvious is the motorcycle safety classes that are offered everywhere for you to learn how to better ride your bike if you already have one, or to learn how to start riding if you don’t have one right now. Either way, going to class is a great help even if it is just for a refresher at the beginning of the season. After awhile, you get used to the stupidity of the other drivers on the road and you will start to learn what they look like and how they drive. This comes with time and miles.
First things first, if you tell them that you won’t drink and ride and that you are signed up for a motorcycle safety class, you will be better off in the argument that motorcycling is good for you instead of saying that it just is. You have accepted the risks, you have or will shortly have learned to manage them, and that is the edge you need to be a great rider. Having a great support structure around you is a plus, and it starts with training and building trust in others around you.
Source: www.motocycles.net
