Are motorcycles worth the risk?
Are Motorcycles Worth the Risk? What You Need to Consider
Occasionally, the question “Are motorcycles worth the risk?” comes up when someone wants to buy one. It’s rather topical in our family, so I wanted to share a story for the benefit of other families having this discussion.
It was Monday morning and I had just taken my 7-year-old daughter to school. On the way back, I passed my son’s high school. As usual, the high school intersection was full of parents dropping their kids off.
I turned left after a motorcycle. A parked car started making a U-turn and hit the motorcycle! The rider flew in the air over 30 meters and his motorcycle dragged on the ground after him.
It looked like a scene from a stunt movie but this time it was real – no stunts, no practice – a young man was on the ground, next to the traffic light, surrounded by dozens of high school students who had crossed the street to go to school.
My heart was pumping, as if I was involved in the accident myself. I was the one driving behind the motorcycle and while the rider was in the air, I was screaming in my car in shock, screaming and praying. He was so high in the air he needed a miracle.
Teachers from the high school heard about the accident and rushed to help. The deputy principal arrived and asked the kids to go to school and leave the scene and I thought I would have let them stay and watch.
When I was very young, I read an article about a kid who wanted a motorcycle so much he convinced his mother to let him get his license. At that time, before the age of 18, kids needed parental consent to ride a motorcycle.
Because he was an only child, his mother refused at first, but he finally managed to get her consent to ride. One year later, he was killed in a motorcycle accident. In the article, the mother talked about the arguments she had had with him about riding safely, when in fact, her son had died because of someone else’s mistake.
So there I was, watching this young man lying on the floor and saying, “I can’t feel my legs” and I thought about his mother. I thought about that mother in the article, trapped in the cage of regret called “if only”.
A tow truck arrived first, an ambulance came after half an hour and the police arrived over an hour later. The car driver was a young man too. He was standing there, trying to make the motorcycle rider comfortable, looking pale and worried to death.
I looked around at all the high school students hurried by the deputy principal to get to their classes. People talk to them about speeding but this only makes them think it is cool to speed.
I wanted them to know that when they go to their moms and say, “But Mom, I’m a good driver”, “But I drive safely” or “But I can take care of myself” they do not know that in accidents, there is usually only one driver making a mistake, while the others just suffer the consequences.
I wanted them to stand there and look at both of them – the car driver and the motorcycle rider – and think which one of them was in the best position. Which one risked paying with his pocket and which one risked paying with his life?
I wanted them to understand that if the guy on the floor, not feeling his legs, had driven a car, the dent or even a totally smashed car would not hurt him that much.
Two of my sisters were involved in scooter accidents at low speed and there was no one to blame.
My nephew died while riding a motorcycle because a car driver came out of a street and could not see him. He was only 21. He was a safe driver, having been a rider in the military police for 3 years and he did not speed either. He was well known as a responsible young man. If only he drove a car instead…
I looked at the car driver, who was shaking all over. I was shaking too. I looked at the young man on the floor and imagined my nephew lying there on the floor.
My heart broke. If he had driven a car, instead of a motorcycle, it would be something that could probably be fixed with money.
Because some things cannot be fixed!
Stay safe,
Ronit
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Is Riding A Motorcycle Worth The Risk?
There are a lot of reasons to ride a motorcycle. They’re fun, stylish, and can be a great way to get around town. But is riding a motorcycle worth the risk?
Riding a motorcycle is a beautiful experience, even with all the dangers of an accident. So if you’re considering riding a motorcycle, it’s important to weigh the risks against the rewards.
Is the thrill of the ride worth the risk of an accident? Only you can answer that question.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the risks and benefits of riding a motorcycle so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Is Riding A Motorcycle Fun?
Absolutely! Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun things you can do. The wind in your hair, the feeling of freedom, and the sense of adventure are all part of the appeal.
Plus, motorcycles are just plain cool. They turn heads and get attention. If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, riding a motorcycle is definitely one way to do it.
What Are The Risks Of Riding A Motorcycle?
Of course, there are risks associated with riding a motorcycle. The most obvious risk is that of an accident.
Motorcycles are much less stable than cars and trucks, which means they’re more likely to tip over in a crash. And because motorcycles don’t have seat belts or airbags, riders are more likely to be ejected from the bike and seriously injured or killed in an accident.
Another risk of riding a motorcycle is that of being hit by a car. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, they’re often overlooked by drivers.
This can lead to dangerous situations, such as when a driver turns left in front of a motorcycle without seeing it.
In addition to the risks of an accident or being hit by a car, there are also the risks associated with weather conditions. Motorcycles can be more difficult to control in high winds and on slippery surfaces.
And finally, there’s the risk of theft. Motorcycles are popular targets for thieves because they’re easy to steal and can be sold for parts.
What Are The Benefits Of Riding A Motorcycle?
So now that we’ve discussed some of the risks of riding a motorcycle, let’s talk about the benefits. One of the biggest benefits of riding a motorcycle is that it’s much cheaper than driving a car. Motorcycles get great gas mileage, so you’ll save money on gas.
Plus, motorcycles are usually cheaper to insure than cars. And if you’re looking for a way to save money on transportation, riding a motorcycle is definitely worth considering.
Another benefit of riding a motorcycle is that it’s easier to find parking and maneuver in traffic than it is with a car. Motorcycles can zip in and out of traffic and fit into smaller spaces, which can save you time and frustration.
And finally, riding a motorcycle is just plain fun! As we mentioned before, the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with riding a motorcycle is hard to beat.
Can Riding A Motorcycle Help With Stress?
Riding a motorcycle can help with stress in a few different ways. First of all, it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air. And secondly, it can be a great form of exercise. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.
How Can You Lower The Risks Of Riding A Motorcycle?
If you’ve decided that riding a motorcycle is right for you, there are some things you can do to lower the risks. Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than people in cars, so it’s important to take some precautions.
Here are some tips for how you can lower the risks of riding a motorcycle:
Wear the right gear.
Make sure you’re wearing a helmet that fits properly, as well as other protective clothing like gloves and boots. This will help protect you if you do have an accident.
Get training.
Before you head out on the road, make sure you’re properly trained in how to ride a motorcycle. This will help you be more confident and avoid accidents.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Make sure you’re always aware of what’s going on around you while you’re riding, so you can react quickly if necessary.
Follow the rules of the road.
Obey all traffic laws and regulations to help ensure everyone’s safety.
Ride defensively.
Assume that other people on the road may not see you, and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. By following these tips, you can help lower the risks of riding a motorcycle. However, it’s important to remember that there is always some risk involved in any type of motor vehicle travel.
Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
How To Pick Your Motorcycle Gear?
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If you’ve decided to take the plunge and start riding a motorcycle, you’re going to need some gear. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
- A helmet is the most important piece of gear for a motorcycle rider. It’s important to find a helmet that fits properly and offers good visibility.
- Other important pieces of gear include gloves, boots, and protective clothing. These items will help protect you if you do have an accident.
When choosing your gear, it’s important to pick items that are comfortable and won’t distract you while you’re riding.
How To Pick The Right Motorcycle Jacket?
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When it comes to choosing a motorcycle jacket, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. First, you’ll need to decide what type of jacket you want. There are leather jackets, textile jackets, and mesh jackets, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
You’ll also need to consider the climate you’ll be riding in. If you live in a warm climate, you may want a lighter jacket that won’t make you too hot while you’re riding.
Finally, make sure to pick a jacket that fits properly. A good fit is important for both comfort and safety.
How To Pick The Right Motorcycle Boots?
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Your choice of motorcycle boots can have a big impact on your riding experience. First, you’ll need to decide what type of boots you want. There are racing boots, touring boots, and cruiser boots, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
You’ll also need to consider the climate you’ll be riding in. If you live in a warm climate, you may want a lighter boot that won’t make you too hot while you’re riding.
Finally, make sure to pick a boot that fits properly. A good fit is important for both comfort and safety.
How To Pick Motorcycle Gloves?
When it comes to motorcycle gloves, there are a few things you need to consider in order to make sure you pick the right pair. First and foremost, you need to think about the climate you’ll be riding in.
If you live in an area with warm weather year-round, then you probably won’t need a heated pair of gloves. However, if you find yourself riding in cold weather often, then it’s worth investing in a good pair of heated gloves.
Another thing to consider is the level of protection you need. If you’re someone who takes their riding seriously and goes on long rides often, then you’ll want a glove that offers more protection than the average rider.
Look for gloves that have reinforced palms and fingers, as well as knuckle protection.
Finally, you need to think about the style of your gloves. Do you want something that’s simple and understated, or do you want a glove that makes a statement? It’s entirely up to you, but it’s worth considering since you’ll be wearing them every time you ride.
Take all of these factors into consideration and then head to your local motorcycle shop to try on some gloves and see what feels best. With a little bit of trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of motorcycle gloves for your needs.
How To Pick Motorcycle Pants?
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Like boots, the type of motorcycle pants you choose can have a big impact on your riding experience. First, you’ll need to decide what type of pants you want. There are leather pants, textile pants, and mesh pants, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
You’ll also need to consider the climate you’ll be riding in. If you live in a warm climate, you may want lighter pants that won’t make you too hot while you’re riding. Still, add additional protectors if the pants aren’t padded enough.
How To Ride Defensively?
One of the best ways to stay safe on a motorcycle is to ride defensively. This means always being aware of what’s going on around you and being prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
It also means following the rules of the road and obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
By riding defensively, you can help lower the risks of riding a motorcycle. However, it’s important to remember that there is always some risk involved in any type of motor vehicle travel.
How To Get Noticed In Traffic?
One of the challenges of riding a motorcycle is that other drivers may not see you. This is why it’s important to take some steps to make yourself more visible in traffic.
Some things you can do include wearing bright clothing, using reflective tape on your bike, and making sure your headlights are always in good working order. By taking these steps, you can help make sure other drivers see you and avoid accidents.