Motorcycle safety depends on the operator, too

Thursday, July 3, 2008 10:15 PM EDT

Your article in Sunday's edition regarding motorcycle safety was on target. Motorcycle riders should wear the proper safety apparel.
I don't know her personally, but have great respect for the courage that Hailey demonstrated in coming forward to talk about her ordeal. She has gone through a lot.

I've been riding motorcycles for over 30 years, and I am fortunate to not have had that experience. I am deeply sorry that Hailey has to live with that.

When the article revealed that the speed was 97 mph, on a country road clearly not designed for that speed, I continued to read the article looking for one very crucial point - rider/operator responsibility.

All I could think of was, “What was that person thinking?” I've heard of too may motorcycle “accidents” where the speed was too great for conditions, the road unknown, etc.

Many accidents are caused by drivers and operators doing irresponsible things. These don't have to happen, lives don't have to be ruined. Think about the choices you are making, then think again if you have a passenger. Then think once more about the innocent bystanders that could be affected by your actions.

All the leather and gloves and helmets in the world won't cure stupid.

Ray Schussler

Auburn

The Citizens' Say

Post your comment - click here

There are 3 comment(s)

AJ wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:56 PM:

" I agree with you FG that it was not very smart perhaps, OTOH, like the writer said, "All the leather and gloves and helmets in the world won't cure stupid."

This wouldn't have even been an issue had the driver not been so reckless and idiotic in the first place. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:21 AM:

" It wasn't too bright of her to get on the bike wearing nothing but cut-offs, a tank top and flip-flops either. My stepfather used to take me to soccer games on his motorcycle when I was in junior and senior high, and he always made me wear long pants and long sleeves no matter the weather, as did he, as well as the helmet.

He was a good man, may he rest in peace -- started running marathons at the age of 54, and had run one just a week previous to his doctor telling him he had a brain tumor and 3 months to live at the age of 67. He passed away with more dignity than anyone I ever knew. "

AJ wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Good letter Ray. I too have been riding motorcycles for about 30 years, and I have had some close calls even though I am a very defensive driver and rarely exceed the speed limit,

For someone to be doing 97 MPH on a country road with a passenger is criminal recklessness to me. AS no mention was made of any legal action against the driver, I have to ask why? Putting that girls life on the line the way he did was unconscionable. I just hope that this incident taught him a lesson he'll never forget. "

REGISTRATION IS FREE.
Registered users sign in here:
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
 
Unregistered users can register here:

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
 
E-Citizen
E-Edition
Wheels Etc.
Find a vehicle
Hot Jobs
Find a Job
Homes Etc.
Find a Home
TV Week
Find a program
Search Classifieds
Find, Buy
Place a Classified Ad
Sell
Skaneateles Journal
The Journal
New! Best Bridal
Here comes the bride. . .
Liven Up the Holidays
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaa
Logo HereNew! Off the Menu
Good Eatin'!
Newspaper Ads
See it again
CNY Boats Etc.
Achors aweigh!
New! School Project
A breakdown of the new school project.
Sections
Special Sections

Top Jobs

The Citizen Copyright ©2009
A division of Lee Publications, Inc.
25 Dill Street
Auburn, NY 13021

Contact Us

Add to My Yahoo!