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ptgb
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« on: June 27, 2012, 09:27:28 AM » |
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I am usually not real big on the postings about motorcycle crashes... usually feel it's kinda morbid. This one knocks it back home the importance of situational awareness...
Might know, or might not, I am a police officer (20 years). I have been to my share of crashes including motorcycle crashes.
Yesterday we went out on a motorcycle (cruiser) vs. semi at a stop-lighted intersection of a 4 lane divided highway. I won't get real graphic, but the two on the bike were killed instantly. It was the worst crash I have ever been on; it involved dismemberment, impalement, and other assorted horrific events. It is one that will stick with me forever.
It ended up that the motorcycle was going pretty fast and didn't see his red light. Skid marks about 100 feet, then another 30 feet of scrapes as the bike was sliding. They hit the side of the tractor at the fuel tank and got caught up in the truck.
The point of this post is, it was totally avoidable with awareness of the intersection ahead and common sense riding. I am not posting this to lecture... but I know this one opened my eyes.
Ride safe everyone and work constantly to be aware of your surroundings.
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13
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Valker
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Posts: 3061
Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
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« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2012, 09:37:39 AM » |
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+1 on ptgb post AND learn how to stop your motorcycle! "Laying it down" is NOT the answer. 
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
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john
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« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2012, 09:52:14 AM » |
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excessive speed ... inattention ... panic  on two wheels 
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vrcc # 19002
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Thulsa Doom
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« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2012, 09:54:36 AM » |
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Shame the passenger had no control of his destiny. Another point is the driver was responsible for 2 lives that day. His poor judgement was twice as deadly.
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... and as I shifted into second I couldn't remember a thing she said.
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Ice
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Posts: 1223
Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.
On a road less traveled.
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« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2012, 10:14:30 AM » |
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We just had one of those this past month, Idiot running from the cops and his girlfriend on the back haniging on for dear life, well after 8-9 miles the duschbag found the side of a mini van and killed himself and his girlfriend, luckily the baby in the back of the mini van was ok, but I am sure scared for life.
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PAVALKER
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Posts: 4435
Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213
Pittsburgh, Pa
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« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2012, 11:55:51 AM » |
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+1 on ptgb post AND learn how to stop your motorcycle! "Laying it down" is NOT the answer.  Agree.... steel/metal will slide faster, further and in the same direction it was initially headed... whereas rubber has more grip and friction and can be slowed down, or steered into a different direction. However, sometimes panic is a terrible thing and there is no time for rational thinking.... only proper repeated training is engrained and remembered as a more natural response.
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John 
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« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2012, 12:18:57 PM » |
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+1
Practise, practise, practise.
New riders should not be allowed to carry a passenger for 1 year or 5,000 miles.
Too many experienced riders think that because they have ridden for years and tens of thousands of miles that that they know it all.
Every time I ride in a group it pains me to see sloppy riding habits.
youtube has the evidence for all to see.
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Dubsvalk
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« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2012, 12:52:57 PM » |
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Amen, Brothers, Amen! Dubs
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Vietnam Veteran 1968/69 MSF Instructor PGR
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5234
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #8 on: June 27, 2012, 02:56:09 PM » |
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An 1800 Goldwing with a competent solo rider can get stopped from 60MPH in 121 feet*. This rider should have been able to get down to a survivable crash speed, or even stop in time if he wasn't speeding. I'm assuming a speed limit of 60 or less on a road with traffic lights.
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Alien
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Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #9 on: June 27, 2012, 03:13:19 PM » |
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I appreciate the post. I spent a number of years on an ambulance (EMT) and I understand what you mean by "One that will stick with me forever." I have one of those too and like yours, it did not have to happen.
Ride safe,
Scott
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Disco
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Posts: 4918
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #10 on: June 27, 2012, 04:26:43 PM » |
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Thank you for your service, Pete, and thanks for posting.
Sorry you had to go through it...
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2000 Bumblebee Tourer, 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K, 07 Helix 71 MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783
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cookiedough
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« Reply #11 on: June 27, 2012, 06:21:42 PM » |
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this spring witnessed a head on collision ford f150 with newer ford fusion around 60 mph on a straight hwy. road. Somehow the pickup crossed the centerline and wow, what a collision. I ran over across the cornfield to the hwy. and by the time I got there, they had the car covered with a tarp (she was gone instantly) and medflight had to land on the hwy. and use jaws of life to cut the top off the truck to get the pickup driver to hospital in critical condition.
Don't know how, but road is perfectly straight so pickup owner must have been doing something crazy unaware like you said of surroundings. Such a shame these careless accidents are happening more and more. I never have seen or witnessed a collision like that in my life and hopefully never will see another one.
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ValkFlyer
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« Reply #12 on: June 27, 2012, 07:27:22 PM » |
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Thanks for posting this, it's a sad but important reminder about the need for staying focused and real about how quickly something we all love can end abruptly, unpleasantly, and.....permanently.
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