Safety, helmets, simulators and stories from accident survivors

[saddlesore]

There were several motorcycle fatalities in SE Wisconsin over the last week; drunk, speed, no helmets.
The media makes a point when no helmet is worn and result is death.  I am afraid that if the trend continues there will be a push for mandatory helmet use.   
I wear a helmet all the time but I don't want to be told I have to wear one.
.......Anyway the following article talks of efforts to stop the deaths including simulators. There are also some stories from bikers ( like you and me ) who survived. Stories we all hear too often.
Please take the time to go through the artical and ride safe. 

http://fox6now.com/2015/05/25/its-an-eye-opener-three-motorcycle-riders-killed-in-milwaukee-area-dot-simulator-encourages-safety/

[wiggydotcom]

I hate to see all these accidents and death. I'm not sure we can ever win the battle of convincing cage drivers to practice motorcycle awareness. I'm also not implying that every accident is the fault of a cage driver.
As for the simulator, I'd love to have a crack at one and think, if properly set up, could be an awesome learning tool for beginning cyclists.

[art]

When I crashed a year and half ago I was wearing my open face helmet with face shield,full leathers and boots.  I usually rode with just the minimum and a skull cap. It was somewhat cold and I dressed for it ,ever electric vest and gloves. I got thrown off onto the shoulder gravel. Not a scratch on my body and my head did hit the ground with no head injury. Broken bones,rib and muscle injuries. I would not ride without a good helmet again if I did ride. I was very lucky.

[8Track]

Here in Australia its law to wear a helmet, even on a bicycle. I understand that people don't like being told what to do, but, in my opinion the human and social costs of not wearing helmets are too high to allow individual choice in the matter.

Wearing seatbelts in cars is mandatory here also.

[dreamaker]

There were several motorcycle fatalities in SE Wisconsin over the last week; drunk, speed, no helmets.
The media makes a point when no helmet is worn and result is death.  I am afraid that if the trend continues there will be a push for mandatory helmet use.   
I wear a helmet all the time but I don't want to be told I have to wear one.
.......Anyway the following article talks of efforts to stop the deaths including simulators. There are also some stories from bikers ( like you and me ) who survived. Stories we all hear too often.
Please take the time to go through the artical and ride safe. 

http://fox6now.com/2015/05/25/its-an-eye-opener-three-motorcycle-riders-killed-in-milwaukee-area-dot-simulator-encourages-safety/

I am with you on that!! I wear a carbon fiber helmet, even if I test ride the bike, I wear seatbelt, I wear eyewear. I just don't like people that have more faults than me, telling me how to live. They are not concerned for our safety, they are concerned with their profit.

[da prez]

 I understand personal rights. I choose to wear a helmet (tho I do ride without one on occasion) .
I have been in more than my share of accidents on the road. I do not count the race tracks. I have been hurt , but I will ride as long as I am able to do it safely. I just bought a lime green hi-viz mesh jacket with padding. I like it and it has caused some people to rethink turning in front of me.
  Not long ago I was talking to a guy and he said to me ,"the first time you crash , you will never ride again".  I informed him I have been riding for over 52 years and was just involved in my 9th accident. He just walked away.
  Bikers need to be educated as the morons in the cages are to pre-occupied with doing everything but driving. Illinois has a hands free law and  if I was a LEO , I could write a dozen or more tickets a day. 

                                                     da prez

[Patrick]

I've mentioned this before, so, I'll do it again anyway.
Back before the helmet law in this state, my father made go buy a new Bell 500. What 16 yr old had $70 back then for something as mundane as a helmet. He even made me wear the damn thing.
I was coming back from a girl friends house on the state highway and was stretched right out on the little Bultaco with my feet on the rear axle. This grey haired lady in her blue '61 Mercury convertible pulled out if front of me.
I thought I had made it around behind her when the peg jumped out and caught her bumper. That put me down and spinning. I saw the guide rail coming rather quickly and I laid right back and went under it. The road was probably 5-6 ft higher than the parking lot below it and I was airborne. The parking lot was coarse gravel so I figured a mark or two would be left shortly. I hit and slid right up to the barber shop door. My feet hit the door stoop and that sat me upright instantly. The fellas in the barber shop were all looking with wide eyes.
Well, anyway, that brand spanking new Bell helmet was in 3 pieces and I don't remember my head ever touching anything.
I've worn a helmet ever since. But, I'm not about to try and convince you to do so nor do I want someone to tell me I have to. Thats about the safety gear I wear though, skin grows back. I've never been down [ pavement] since.

[dreamaker]

I understand personal rights. I choose to wear a helmet (tho I do ride without one on occasion) .
I have been in more than my share of accidents on the road. I do not count the race tracks. I have been hurt , but I will ride as long as I am able to do it safely. I just bought a lime green hi-viz mesh jacket with padding. I like it and it has caused some people to rethink turning in front of me.
  Not long ago I was talking to a guy and he said to me ,"the first time you crash , you will never ride again".  I informed him I have been riding for over 52 years and was just involved in my 9th accident. He just walked away.
  Bikers need to be educated as the morons in the cages are to pre-occupied with doing everything but driving. Illinois has a hands free law and  if I was a LEO , I could write a dozen or more tickets a day.  

                                                     da prez

Don't say IF!!!  Just a thought!! Go to your LEA, and ask them if it would be legal, and if they could fine offenders for hands on a phone while driving???  You just get someone to drive your vehicle, you go shot gun, with a form of camera or video device.  You shoot the hand on the phone offender, than back off and shoot the license plate.  Give your evidence, to your LEO or LEA and let them pass out the fines!!  What do you think!!!!  They have income, and you can drive safer!!!

[czuch]

I separated a Bell Tour Star from the styrofoam liner. Hit a puddle and hydroplaned.
Totally ruined a niiice leather jacket. I was untouched, kinda.
Bell had an ad in the 80's, "If you have a $10.00 head, wear a $10.00 dollar helmet".