May 6, 2013
Motorcycle riding season is here again. Unfortunately, the joy of the riding season is often tempered by the agony of tragedy arising from serious injuries or death. I have handled too many serious injury and death cases arising from motorcycle accidents to allow my enthusiasm for the joys of flying down the highway with the wind in your hair to lose sight of the fact that riding a motorcycle can be risky.
Many motorcycle accidents result from “operator error”; too much speed, too much alcohol, too many drugs and too little luck. But, not all motorcycle accidents are the rider’s fault. As we all know, other drivers often just do not see motorcycles. If only, these other motorists would “look and see”, the lives of many motorcycle riders and their families would be spared loss and anguish.
So, to my friends who are motorcyclists, please follow these common sense rules. First, don’t be an idiot (not that any of my friends would do otherwise.) Second, practice your defensive driving skills and do your absolute best to make yourself visible to the others with whom you share of the roadway. Third, carry your lucky rabbit’s foot in your pocket.
May you have a safe and fun riding season.