Motorcyclists, be careful out there

[hankster]

I received some sad news this weekend. A married couple I've been friends with since high school were out for an evening ride when a deer ran onto the highway. The collision killed the husband and his wife is in critical condition. Both in their early 50s. Two of the genuinely nicest people I've ever known. They've biked all over the country for decades, and then this happens 10 miles from home. I guess I just felt the need to post this in the hope that others who love to ride will be extra vigilant when riding on rural roads.

[Walt34]

A guy at work also hit a deer on a Honda Goldwing. It tore up the bike and left him lying in a field for four hours until somebody found him. He was fortunate and made a full recovery.

One of the issues that makes me pause before buying a motorcycle.

[Notmuchlonger]

Its the other drivers on the road that make me pause.

[cantlogin]

I’ve never been in a collision with a deer but that isn’t my fault. I have had some close calls and I think it’s a little like Russian roulette. I avoid riding in the evening and at night. I try to be extra alert in deer territory.

Just like any activity in life there are risks that must be accepted in order to enjoy the rewards.

[bbbamI]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Perhaps the statistics have changed, but I believe most accidents happen within 25 miles of your home.

[Moemg]

So sorry for your loss !

[CCdaCE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbamI I am so sorry for your loss. Perhaps the statistics have changed, but I believe most accidents happen within 25 miles of your home.

That's why I moved!

I know two people that have died within about the last year riding a cycle. The first one - there was a boat on a trailer, in front of him. There was a towable tube in the boat (usually pulled behind the boat in the water) fly off the boat and hit him. They were on a bridge/causeway. He slid into the guardrail. This was at night. Used to deer hunt with the guy.

The other was drunk, and going too fast. He was a distant relative.

-CC

[RunningBum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbamI I am so sorry for your loss. Perhaps the statistics have changed, but I believe most accidents happen within 25 miles of your home.

Most driving is done within 25 miles of one's home.

[bbbamI]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningBum Most driving is done within 25 miles of one's home.

Thanks for pointing that out RunningBum.

Just saying that you are more likely to get in a major accident when driving familiar roads as you may not be paying enough attention.

[RunningBum]

Sorry, that's just one of those "amazing statistics" that always bothers me when people quote it.

You're more likely to get in an accident close to home because nearly all of your driving is close to home if you are the typical driver.

Hankster, sorry to hear about your friends. My brother had a bad motorcycle accident in his teens. I wasn't allowed to have one, and still don't have much of a desire to.

[DblDoc]

Sorry to hear about your friends.

I ride in deer country and at night. I find looking up a little higher then you normally would and watching for the light reflection from their eyes on the sides of the road helps alot. When I spot one I slow wayyyyy down until I pass as the direction they will flee is so unpredictable.

DD

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankster I received some sad news this weekend. A married couple I've been friends with since high school were out for an evening ride when a deer ran onto the highway. The collision killed the husband and his wife is in critical condition. Both in their early 50s. Two of the genuinely nicest people I've ever known. They've biked all over the country for decades, and then this happens 10 miles from home. I guess I just felt the need to post this in the hope that others who love to ride will be extra vigilant when riding on rural roads.

A local event:



The story behind it:

Quote:

Denied:1up! Software Riding his cycle, Rusty was on his way home the morning of July 21, 1991 when a deer jumped out from the brush. There were no survivors.

[Goonie]

I've had several (6 or 7) friends and acquaintances killed in motorcycle accidents over the last 10-15 years. None involving deer, but 2 involving beer, and most of the rest involving other motorists who weren't paying attention to their driving.....blowing through stop signs, passing on curves, turning out in front of the cyclist, etc. There was only one that I remember to be a single vehicle accident.....the guy hit a freak slick/oily patch on an otherwise clean and drythe interstate, and crashed his bike killing his DW.

I'd kinda like to have a bike......but every time I give it serious consideration, I decide it's too risky riding around here with all the other idiots on the road these days.
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My condolences on the loss of your friends, Hankster.