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PROLOGUE: The questions I'm asking are general questions and are not designed to call into question the people who have died in the last week. My condolences to their families.
There's been a rash of motorcycle fatalities in the last week, and of course it's led to the APP asking, "are motorcycles safe?"
And there will always be a ton of people that come out and say, "Yes! Motorcycles are safe!"
But here's the logistical problem:
We live in a world with idiots. Idiots with driver's licenses. And you have a much better chance walking away from an accident in a car then an accident with a motorcycle. So by that logic, how can anyone say that a motorcycle is safe?
Yes, it's safe if you're properly trained, you're on a straight-line road with no curbs or impaling objects, and there's no other cars. But the world doesn't work that way.
Full disclosure: I wanted to try a motorcycle when I was younger. Ideas and thoughts like that changed when I had a kid. So I just don't understand the "biker mentality" of getting on a motorcycle. It seems that you're almost trying to poke death with a stick.
I just wish they'd figure out how to make them less loud.
It's one sign of spring/summer I hate--that godawful sound of a bunch of motorcycles infesting the roads. Fortunately, the novelty seems to wear off quickly and they put them back into the garage.
And yes, OP, they are dangerous. As you point out, anyone can have an accident but head injuries, missing limbs, and death seem more likely on a bike.
I just wish they'd figure out how to make them less loud.
It's one sign of spring/summer I hate--that godawful sound of a bunch of motorcycles infesting the roads. Fortunately, the novelty seems to wear off quickly and they put them back into the garage.
And yes, OP, they are dangerous. As you point out, anyone can have an accident but head injuries, missing limbs, and death seem more likely on a bike.
I think some people like motorcycles as a symbol of youth rebelllion...they may feel like a real bad boy/girl like back in high school. I guess that is part of the attraction. The other part is the thrill of doing something dangerous; they like the feel of going 35mph and feel like its 70mph. I do see the attraction to it, though, I am more driven by my head. Hence, I never even rode one and never will! Life is just too precious.
Had an ex-boyfriend with a bike and I would never get on it with him - it was one of those Ninja speed death machines. The only time I have ever ridden was with friends who mostly had those low rider Harleys (with the back rest - very comfy) through parks (like Van Saun or scenic back roads) and never on highways or busy roads. I just felt way too vulnerable if there were cars around me. It's a nice, free feeling but not worth the risk with other drivers around IMO.
And there will always be a ton of people that come out and say, "Yes! Motorcycles are safe!"
Define safe.
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