July 28, 2009
After thinking about the potential for a fatal injury incurred by motorcyclists, we need to first understand where the data is gathered from. The data (for all intense and purpose) is generated by the National Insurance group. Which means, that the number is somewhat distorted, in that, the numbers represent claims made to either vehicle’s insurance broker, so vehicles without insurance (of any kind) that crash in the middle of the woods are not represented by these statistics. Here are the numbers reported via Nancy Brotherton at (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art27693.asp) as of August of 2008.
• Overall motor vehicle occupant fatalities declined by 3.9 percent for 2007 versus 2006.
• Motorcycle fatalities have increased from 4,837 (2006) to 5,154 (2007) up 317 fatalities or 6.6 percent
o Accounted for 13 percent of total motor vehicle fatalities versus 11 percent in 2006.
• Motorcycle injuries have increased from 88,000 (2006) to 103,000 (2007) up 15,000 or 17 percent.
o You probably think the increase in fatalities is because motorcycle registrations have increased by approximately 7 percent from 2005 to 2006. NHSTA data indicates that in most years, fatality rates outpace registration rates. FARS data indicates that from 2005 to 2006, motorcycle registrations actually decreased by 1.6 percent, while fatality rates for motorcyclists increased by 5.7 percent.
• Over one-fourth of motorcycle riders in fatal accidents in 2006 had invalid licenses.
o This leads one to believe that these motorcyclists may not be as skilled or well trained as motorcyclists with a valid license, therefore, more likely to be in an accident.
• In 2007, motorcyclist fatalities increased from 2006 for all age groups with the largest increase in the age 50 and above group, increasing by as much as 16 percent. However, ages 20-29 still have the most fatalities with 1,325 in 2007 versus ages 50-59 with 931 fatalities.
• In 2007, 41 percent of motorcyclists who died in single vehicle crashes had blood alcohol content levels of .08 g/dl or higher. The age groups with the highest percentage of fatal injuries were 35-39 (41 percent) and 40-44 (39%).
• In 2006, vehicle operators with the highest percentage of fatal crashes with blood alcohol content levels of .08 g/dl or more were motorcyclists with 27 percent, passenger cars with 23 percent, light trucks with 24 percent, and larger trucks with one percent.
o The alcohol related fatal crashes data suggests that riding a motorcycle requires more concentration and skill when drinking than driving an automobile. Know your limits and use caution when riding your motorcycle.
• When motorcycles are involved in fatal crashes with another type of vehicle, in 40 percent of the cases, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight. This is a clear indicator that when approaching intersections, motorcyclists should be extra vigilant and be proactive by searching for possible obstacles or situations.
• In 2006, 37 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding compared to 23 percent for passenger vehicles.
To me, the numbers break down the following directions — first, by breaking out the sober from the intoxicated. Then we break out trained (or seasoned) riders versus the rookies, and finally those who think they are better than they really are. One of the factors I have come to have with regards to traveling the state on my motorcycle is that I am nervous when in traffic. This nervousness makes me more aware of my exits and the the other drivers. By maintaining my exits, I allow myself the opportunity to get out of a bad situation.
Reality says the riding and drinking is never a good choice, but then again neither is it a good idea to drive and drink, nor skydive, duh! A little common sense goes a long way here…
Yesterday, I was speaking to some colleagues at work, of which, one had never ridden before. He wants to ride, so he is signed up for the ABATE basic rider course which is the best way to start a lifetime of enjoyment (in the driver’s seat) of motorcycling. As we spoke of the joy of motorcycle riding and the fun of being out on the road I was reminded of a passage of a great book I had read. I wanted to put the passage here for all of us to remember the true joy found when “out on the road”, especially for those of us whom it is the first time.
“You see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different from any other. In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it you don’t realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame.
On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming. That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing, the same stuff you walk on, it’s right there, so blurred you can’t focus on it, yet you can put your foot down and touch it anytime, and the whole thing, the whole experience, is never removed from immediate consciousness.”
Robert M. Pirsig
ZEN and the ART of MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE
Copyright 1974, 1999 – Robert M. Pirsig
This passage struck me stupid when I first read it. This was it! This was why I enjoyed riding my motorcycle so much. In my own little way it was, to me anyway, my little way of being in the driver’s seat. Of being a part of the surrounding, being “out there”. I have had many people ask me why I am so strong a supported of being on motorcycles even though each year, many people are killed on them. I repeat my mantra, “motorcycles don’t kill anyone, people do”. I own dogs, even though dogs are blamed for killing people each year? I own firearms, and guns are blamed for killing people each year? My favorite, my house runs on electricity and electricity kills people every year. These are some of the arguments that I use. By being afraid of everything that kills others each year, we would find ourselves painted into a very small corner. People never cease to amaze me in their ability to use common parts of modern civilization in which to inflict harm or death.
People always tell me that “my friend died on a bike” as if to prevent me from riding anymore. I simply inform them that I haven’t made that mistake (whichever one it was that got them killed). However, I have a friend who drowned in a teaspoon of water… so does that mean I should prevent everyone from drinking? Of course not…
Motorcycling is not for everyone, and that’s great because it means that I can get better deals on the bikes I want. For those of you who feel that the elimination of all motorcyclists is your personal mission in life, let me advise you of your chances here – None! So whether you wear colors or not, ride a Harley-Davidson ®™ or not, absolutely regardless of color, creed, sex or religion, or even social class, ALL are welcome.
July 27, 2009
This past Sunday I was honored to be invited along for a MC run down to Seward for a farewell tribute to a former Naval sailor who recently passed away. The ride started at the Carr’s on Huffman Road, where I joined the Vietnam Veteran’s Motorcycle Club for the pre-ride briefing. The “probies” (probational members) for the club briefed my friend and I that we would ride at the back of the pack as we were not members just in front of the sweeps. While waiting for some of the officers to show up I took some time to get my son a donut and me some coffee to start the day off right. I knew several of the club members from last season and a few others from the local HOG chapter so there were some familiar faces.
Once the group was all assembled, we numbered about 30 or so bikes ready to head down the highway to Seward. All of the bikes present for the ride south were Harley-Davidsons, ranging between the sportsters all the way through the Dynas and Softtails and into the big touring bikes.
As we took to the highway, we formed up in parade columns which meant riding side by side, for just about a quarter mile we stretched out over the roadway. The winds were ferocious as we made our way south of Rabbit Creek road out onto the Potter marsh. By the time we cleared the marsh the rain began. Slowly at first, like being “misted” but slowly, ever so slowly becoming a downpour of epic proportions. Off and on it rained all the way to Seward and the winds beat me to death as the rushed in on our columns from every side (sometimes all at the same time).
We arrived in Seward to a very overcast (but not raining) sky and found the location along the beach where the ceremony would be held. The PA system was set up and the officers of the Vets group assembled for the ceremony. The Sergent of Arms read the script and the officers executed the small drill to place the memorial items in position:
1) The rifle (which replaces the sword) as the weapon.
2) The helmet (which represents armor)
3) The boots and dogtags (which represent the individual)
4) The rose, which blooms with hope…
At the conclusion of the officer’s drill, the group of wet, ragged bikers in the middle of a small town, USA came to attention and saluted the newly created memorial for their fallen comrade. A bagpipes officer was on hand to play “Amazing Graze” for a single verse, then several individuals including the fallen soldier’s daughter sang the next two verses. At the conclusion of the singing, the group returned to a ready position and the officers marched off the make-shift ceremonial pedestal.
Following the small ceremony, the family, and chosen members of the Vet’s club made ready as they boarded a larger charter boat, hired to take them out to sea. This exercise was to place the fallen soldier’s ashes in the sea, welcoming him home forever. Very touching moments throughout as some of the toughened bikers became teary eyed as they watched the procession.
After the group returned from the boat trip, we all gathered again and rode out to the deceased soldier’s families residence where there was a big BBQ and live music (provided by Hobo Jim). One of the probational members was accosted and his vest containing his colors pulled from his body. As the group watched, he was presented with his full “patched” colors vest. For this, it means that his days as a probie are done. Congrats Paul.
As the afternoon passed us by, several of us decided to head back into Anchorage. We saddled up and made our way back up the long highway toward the “big city”. The weather decided to cooperate on the return trip by keeping us guessing with the wind but without any rain. With a stop just past the Hope junction and one in Girdwood so that Bulldog could buy the grand-kids some ice cream, it was an awesome ride back.
There are many times I am proud to own an American motorcycle and honored to ride with the people I do. Whether it be the local 81 of Arizona and/or Washington, the Vet’s of Alaska, or the local Harley Owner’s Group (HOG), I seem to meet the greatest people in America, and have come to know what this country is all about. It’s not about the success, or the money, or the land, or even the lovers, it’s about all of it. Every piece of everything is here in America, the land of the Free, and the home of the Brave!
Peace
Ak Outlaw