Nationwide, motorcycle deaths rose 10% and some researchers say that mandatory helmet laws in the 32 states that don't have them will save lives.

The researchers are most likely insurance companies that want to try to save $$.

Why not make longer sentencing for cagers that drive drunk/distracted and hit bikers?

What driving techniques do you use to ensure a safe ride?

One of mine is I never pass anyone on a two lane near an intersection. A brother biker tried to pass a grain truck, the truck had his right turn signal on and was probably the only one that worked During the pass, the truck turned left and he laid the bike down,,, lost his leg.

The other is when approaching an intersection, if in the right lane and a car is waiting to pull out, I glance at the front tire of the cager to see if it starts moving and cover the brake.

 

Not sure about your state, but in Wisconsin it's illegal to pass at an intersection.

 

I really hope Ohio doesn't do this, I really enjoy a back road ride with no helmet, When we travel i wear one most of the time anyway but i like the option..

 

Nevada has a helmet law, plus no lane splitting, and we still lose riders. People in cars &
pickups just don't look for Motorcycles. What I try to do is not ride beside a car or pickup,
18 wheelers I pass as quickly as I can, when I can see the drivers face in their rear view
mirror. I try to ride "Offensively Defensive" --- There are two types of Riders those of us
who gone down, and the ones that will go down, be safe out there Riders.

 

On the news today in Wa State. way too many people riding that should take the bus instead.

 

10% increase in fatalities - I wonder what the increase in texting drivers is?

You could be wearing a suit of armor and a 4000 pound car is still going to take you out...

 

I wear my helmet by choice but I really don't see how mandatory helmet laws are going to make that much difference. Each wreck is unique and the circumstances are different. Some wrecks the helmet might make a difference other wrecks nothing is going to save the rider.

I'd rather see harsher penalties for people who are texting while driving. A $100 fine just isn't enough. The punishment should be equal to DUI since the driver is making a conscious decision to endanger others with their selfish act of texting. Jail time loss of license, large fines. That will make a difference in a hurry.

 

Texting w/driving should be a primary stop by the LEO's., a larger fine and points on the insurance.

 

Our system doesn't work that way. Steal a stop sign and you get fined. Steal a stop sign and someone's dies due to a collision at that intersection and you get charged with manslaughter.

Our system responds more to the result of what you did than the act itself.

 

Definitely need to have much more severe penalties for asshats texting and driving.