Dear
Motorcyclist
I
know the past few weeks have been hot ones. I know it’s too hot to want to wear
jackets and extra layers over your shorts or jeans. But I also know what
happens when you don’t.
I’m
married to a motor safety instructor. He doesn’t just teach it, he lives on his
motorcycle — all but the days it’s too cold or too much snow or ice to ride.
It’s
economical, and I get it… motorcycles are cool. They bring out the rebel in us
and are attractive because of their daring and dangerous nature.
That’s
why you have to stay safe.
Most
motorcycle accidents are not caused by the motorcyclist but other cars and trucks
out there sharing the roadways. They forget there are two wheels out there on
the roadways along side them. Most times they don’t look. However, it doesn’t
mean as a motorcycle operator that you shouldn’t still use your whits and
protect your best asset. Yes, I’m talking about you.
Motorcycles
can be replaced.
The
people who drive them and ride on them are one of a kind.
Just
because it may not be a law, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself. We
clothe our children with protective gear and helmets for sports and riding a
bicycle, mom and dad you are no different. When you straddle all that
horsepower, be smart. Be safe. You are important.
Wear
a helmet.
Wear
a jacket.
Wear
protective pants.
Have
you ever seen road rash? Go ahead Google it. Not pretty. While you’re at
it, look up the stories of many who have experienced it and survived. Painful?
I don’t know. I don’t want to find out either.
Have
I ever ridden a motorcycle? Absolutely.
Have
I ever driven a motorcycle. Yes, I have.
And
I’ve been blessed to meet so many other men and women who have shared their
joys,fears, and experiences on motorcycles. Not every motorcycle story ends
happy.
Last
May, my husband was driving home from teaching motorcycle safety one evening on
his motorcycle. A young college student pulled out in front of my husband. I
still cringe when I think of this happening. I remind myself how blessed we
were to that my husband was able to walk away from the accident with broken
wrists.
An
ER doctor told my husband if not for his protective gear he would have been
hurt much worst than he was. Another medical specialist, told us that
motorcycles are often referred to a “murder-cycles” in the medical community
due to the fatalities from accidents.
While
summer is not officially over, fall weather still remains for a few more weeks
of good motorcycle weather. I can’t guarantee that like wearing a seat belt it
will always save a life, I do know it’s safer.
And
you, dear motorcyclist are the only one who can make the decision on wearing that
helmet and appropriate coverings to protect yourself for that one time you
weren’t expecting to get in an accident.
If
not for you, think of those who love you.
Feature
photo credit: motorcyclessonsbrisbane.com.au
