Start Driving Like You Don't Have A Deathwish

I really hate those motorcycle bumper stickers that say "Start Seeing Motorcycles" as if it is a conscious thing that we do when driving to ignore motorcycles. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against motorcycles in general nor do I feel like most of the motorcyclists are this way, but some motorcyclists seem to have a death-wish or something.

First of all, there are 3 types of motorcyclists. I call them the Nanooks, the Skinners, and the Tweeners. The Nanooks are those that wear helmets, gloves, long pants, real shoes (not sandals), the padded jackets and other safety wear. They drive like they want to be around for a long time. They signal, they are courteous, and they do lane changes like a car would, instead of zipping in and out of traffic. I am very impressed with these people, especially during the summer, as it is probably very hot to wear all of that gear. The Skinners are usually quite young, wearing shorts, short sleeved shirts, sandals, etc. and no helmet. If they crash or have to put their bike down, they are going to get seriously hurt if not killed. They are the ones who zip in and out of traffic, take routes that only bikes can go, and they are young because they probably will be killed in a motorcycle accident (although we all hope not). The Tweeners are just that. They wear their helmet, but are also wearing shorts or sandals, etc. So they are trying to be safety conscious, but leaving some body parts unprotected. If I were a motorcyclist, I'd probably be in this category. Here are some tips for clothing for motorcycle riders.

I bring this up because there was a motorcyclist that was hit by a car the other day in the local news. The driver cut the motorcyclist out, saw that he went down, and fled the scene. The motorcyclist was paying attention, wore his helmet and other leather protection. He had to put his bike down and was not seriously hurt (just a few bruises). I was really glad (almost proud) that he wore the protective gear and was reasonably safe. I was also really angry at the car driver for not watching out and then leaving the guy when he was down.

Come on people, lets all start watching better, whether it is 2 wheels or 4. Drive safely and remember that you are not the only one on the road. When you get on the freeway, here's a concept, try to match the speed of those already on the freeway. Look and try to fit in instead of just assuming that the others will let you in.

Now, there are also bicyclists out there. I grew up during a time when we just hopped on our bikes and rode anywhere. The only safety precautions we took were reflectors, obeying traffic rules, and a rubber band around the pants cuff so your cuff wouldn't get caught in the gears/chain. Helmets? I don't even think they were available for bicyclists, then.

A good friend of mine, from work, was biking with her husband. She crashed into her husband who had slowed to look at something. She flipped over him and landed on her face. If she hadn't had her helmet on, then she would probably be dead. She was still seriously hurt and is slowly on the road to recovery. I really appreciate the importance of wearing a helmet when biking.

And, so as not to leave anyone out, wear your seat belt. Unless you are just too big to get it around you, put your danged seat belt on. Put your burger down. Pull over if you need to talk to that person on your cell phone. What are you even thinking, trying to shave or put makeup on while driving? And what? Reading a book or newspaper? Give me a break. Start driving like YOU don't have a death wish.