| When trying to convince a spouse, friend or relative | | | | driver, or causing another accident that was |
| that you want to ride a motorcycle, beware that the | | | | unavoidable by the motorcyclist. There are relatively |
| first thing that is liable to come out of their mouth will | | | | few things you can do apart from practicing |
| be something related to motorcycle crashes and how | | | | avoidance maneuvers that will save you from the |
| bad they are. This is the largest hurdle that most | | | | stupidity of another driver. Defensive driving is key, |
| riders face when trying to convince people that riding | | | | even on a motorcycle. |
| is good. Of course we know its good, in fact its | | | | It all comes down to this, and the numbers are with |
| GREAT, but getting the rest of the world to figure | | | | me on this one, safety training and experience are |
| that one out is kind of tricky. The stats are pretty | | | | the two most important factors in avoiding accidents. |
| simple, and without reciting any numbers you can | | | | We already discussed not drinking and riding, that one |
| logically think this one through. | | | | was very obvious. Less obvious is the motorcycle |
| Lets just say that there are x amount of crashes in | | | | safety classes that are offered everywhere for you |
| this state of the Union this year. A portion of those | | | | to learn how to better ride your bike if you already |
| accidents are going to be because of operator error | | | | have one, or to learn how to start riding if you don't |
| and then some because of a second party and | | | | have one right now. Either way, going to class is a |
| fewer still are because of bike malfunction or road | | | | great help even if it is just for a refresher at the |
| conditions. There are many variables to all of these | | | | beginning of the season. After awhile, you get used |
| types of crashes, but there are a few variables that | | | | to the stupidity of the other drivers on the road and |
| you can easily control. Of the crashes that were the | | | | you will start to learn what they look like and how |
| driver's fault, believe me when I say alcohol was | | | | they drive. This comes with time and miles. |
| involved in a good chunk of them. If you don't drink | | | | First things first, if you tell them that you won't drink |
| and drive, that won't be a problem. If you don't drink | | | | and ride and that you are signed up for a motorcycle |
| period then there is one less thing to worry about. If | | | | safety class, you will be better off in the argument |
| its not alcohol related, its experience or safety | | | | that motorcycling is good for you instead of saying |
| related. These problems are also fixable, but just not | | | | that it just is. You have accepted the risks, you have |
| after-the-fact. | | | | or will shortly have learned to manage them, and that |
| Multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are a | | | | is the edge you need to be a great rider. Having a |
| little trickier. You are not usually in control of the | | | | great support structure around you is a plus, and it |
| factors when it comes to these accidents. A sizable | | | | starts with training and building trust in others around |
| number of them have alcohol tied to the other | | | | you. |
| vehicle, whether it is a drunk swerving and hitting a | | | | |