To motivate other bikers and concerned people to get on their lawmakers and make laws tougher.

It gets old seeing the attitude that "motorcycles are dangerous, they should have known better". Then the driver of the car gets a walk.

 

You'r right, sometimes chit just happens. But there are also other times that reading about an accident, and how it happened, just might save a forum member's life if he learned something from it.

The terrible accident in Arizona is a perfect example. For me, it was a grim reminder to watch the rear view mirror, keep it in gear, and have an escape route.

 

I'm not a fan of obits and bandages. I've been around long enough to know s**t happens. I don't particularly need to be reminded of it. Yet at times, I do find myself curious of the circumstances that led to the accident. Was it the biker's fault? Cage? When I went through the MSF, it taught me a few tricks for survival I didn't know. It's already paid off. Ask me how I know... Ride safe my fellow forum members!

 

My personal opinion is they have their place. I for one feel it's important when one of the brotherhood has lost their life for what ever reason. The key is the threads need to have their place. I do not go to the engine section to read about the loss of some one.
I believe the section they are posted in should apply to the content of the message.

 

Many great replies and points of view. I believe for me, it is about balance in life. As sad as it is to hear stories like this, for me, it puts into perspective just how valuable each moment is. Prior to the accident, I am sure the folks were enjoying each other and had not a care in the world but just living the moment. When I hear of things like this, I hope I can take away just one small bit of information that will help me be a better rider.
Take from it what you will and share what you learn.

 

One thing is for sure, ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

 

enough said

 

It helps us be mindful of the risks we take every day, thankful for the enjoyment we get riding our motorcycles, and compassionate for those who suffered tragedy or loss in this community of ours.

 

It's like any other community.....you care about what happens to its members even when you've never met.

If the report is detailed enough I can maybe learn enough to avoid such a fate. I used to climb mountains quite a bit....the American Alpine Club publishes reports of climbing fatalities every year....not be morbid, but to help people survive.

It keeps me on my toes, and perhaps more appreciative of the time I have left here. I don't dwell on it a great deal, but when you've ridden for quite awhile you will probably lose a few friends and acquaintances to motorcycle crashes.....I have...some crashes were easily avoidable, and others just couldn't have been predicted. I aim to avoid the preventable ones. This is a thrilling, and dangerous activity.

 

I've only been riding for about a year now (it's my only mode of transportation, so I ride everyday). I'll be honest, when I first started riding and heard these stories, I would wonder what the hell I was doing riding. I mean if bad things can happen to riders with a buttload more experience than me, I've got no chance. But I took the MSF courses, I continue to practice and seek knowledge from those with more experience. And now I am confident in my abilities. If something bad ever does happen to me, at least it happened doing something I love.....