The last place you want to see a motorcycle-buddy is in the hospital. And yet that's just where I came from. My friend Jaime got in an accident last night on his way home from dinner.
Riding his Zero (electric motorcycle), Jaime was only a block from home when a car turned suddenly, without looking, and struck his motorcycle on the left side. The impact broke Jaime's leg below the knee; fortunately his top-notch gear protected him from other injury. Due to the location of the break, the doctors aren't going to put the leg in a cast; instead, they'll do surgery to install metal equipment.
A witness told police that the motorist was 100% at fault, which is fortunate because New York's no-fault law doesn't cover motorcyclists.
This event is ironic because Jaime is the safest rider I know. In addition to being highly-skilled (qualified as an instructor), Jaime rides more miles than anyone else I know (averaging over 20,000/year). Jaime is the last person I'd expect to be in an accident but, as happened in my accident on the Goethal's Bridge a decade ago, sometimes you're simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nothing you can do about that.
I'm wishing him well.
I am so sorry about your friend! OUCH ! I would imagine if you wasn’t so well protected with his scared that the injury would be worse. Is it me, or are drivers getting worse and worse, as in more distracted?
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Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Drivers are definitely getting worse and being distracted by their phones is common. I see it every day.
DeleteSo sorry to learn about your friend's accident. I hope he heals quickly.
ReplyDeleteRiding motorcycles is dangerous because you can't control the other drivers.
Suzanne
No, all you can do is try to stay out of the dangerous zones they create. That's an active activity I engage in all the time. We try to predict what stupid thing they will do next and not be there.
DeleteSo scary.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I hold my breath when my boys express interest. Their uncle had a serious accident that wiped him out for a while. However bicycles can be dangerous too. My hubby had a creature run through his wheels at dusk and he ended up over the handlebars knocked out. Only just missed breaking his neck on a brick wall by doing a somersault. I didn't know he had it in him!
ReplyDeletexo Jazzy Jack
Yes, bicycles are dangerous, too. They don't normally move as fast as motorcycles but that sometimes makes them more vulnerable.
DeleteIs the electric motorcycle silent? One reason some bikers run their machines at excessive volume is to increase their conspicuity. They think that drivers in cars with closed windows and a radio blasting will hear them coming.
ReplyDeleteMy wife lives if fear for our son. He rides a rice burner and his partner has a Harley.
Yes, the electric motorcycle is silent. Some bikers, mostly Harley riders, believe "loud pipes save lives" -- but they are mistaken. Studies show that motorists don't hear exhaust noise until after a bike passes by, so loud pipes don't increase safety. To the contrary, the AMA says "loud pipes risk rights" because loud exhausts annoy people and motivate them to legislate against motorcycles.
DeleteI know you're well-intended, Pat, but please don't use the term "rice burner" when conversing with me. Thanks.
I am praying for your friend's speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn.
DeleteOh your poor friend! Wishing him well too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what it is like as a Motor cyclist here in Essex (near London) but there is a LOT of hatred for cyclists where I live- drivers just want us to get out of the way- there was a massive rant on our local town Facebook which was so mean and horrible. My husband went and left a very nice measured message on there to try and calm down the ranters!x