A learning opportunity

[cactusjack]

I just saw this in the local new online:

Motorcyclist critically injured in collision on 60

19 comments by Jessica Andrews - Jul. 20, 2009 11:15 AM
The Arizona Republic

U.S. 60 is back open after a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck near the McClintock exit Monday morning. The motorcyclist was in critical condition after being hit by the pickup on the U.S. 60 near the McClintock exit, Department of Public Safety spokesman Robert Bailey said.

A Ford Explorer Sport Trac was westbound around 8:15 a.m. when it swerved to avoid slowing traffic, Bailey said.

The truck clipped a motorcycle in the far left lane, causing the motorcycle operator to hit the ground. Bailey said the motorcyclist was wearing protective gear, including a helmet, but was transported to the hospital with very serious injuries.

The truck rolled and slid on its driver's side across four lanes of traffic, ending up in the far right lane. The truck driver also was transported to the hospital, but is expected to be OK, Bailey said.

There were no other major injuries.

All westbound traffic was being diverted onto Loop 101 North and South. It is expected to be closed for at least another hour, Bailey said.

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I see this all the time. Traffic is slowing down and instead of braking, some self-absorbed jerk behind the wheel makes a hasty move without checking who may already be in the space he's trying to get into.

At least the rider was wearing gear, which may have made the difference between serious injuries and another rider death.

[dantama]

yup Cactus, that one is high on my watch out list. When there are multiple lanes, and I'm in a faster flow, I'm always on the lookout for jerks that try to lane jump to a better lane.

Same with red lights where I'm in a lane with less cars. Someone is bound to want the lane with less cars, whether you are next to them or not.

It's too bad that they aren't aware enough, and a good enough driver to see all of this kind of stuff way back... back far enough that they can smoothly slide in with the flow of the better lane back when they were going the same speed. Not waiting till they are standing on the brakes, then swerve over now that they are going 20-30mph less than the flow they are trying to merge in with.

[cactusjack]

I read an unconfirmed report that the rider has passed away. :'(

I think everyone should have to spend a month or two riding a motorcycle before they can get a full drivers license. This would serve two purposes:

1. It would weed out those who have no place operating a motor vehicle on public rights-of-way. Thinning the herd, so to speak.
2. People would see firsthand what selfish, negligent, preoccupied drivers are really like.

[ringadingh]

They are talking about raising the driving age to 18 here, I think thats a bad idea, they should make sure people can drive, and read and speak english before getting a licence. There are so many asians here that dont speak or read and they get their licence, they are always causing accidents around here.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

They are talking about raising the driving age to 18 here, I think thats a bad idea, they should make sure people can drive, and read and speak english before getting a licence. There are so many asians here that dont speak or read and they get their licence, they are always causing accidents around here.

Similar problem here, different race of people.

[markusmaximus]

I count myself among those who are better drivers after riding a motorcycle. It's amazing how little regard I had for MCs. Not that I didn't care; I just didn't think about motorcyclists. Now I'm always on the lookout even when I'm caged.

It's always a sad day when we lose a biker brother / sister.

[nomad561]

I had something similar to that happen to me on my way home from Wahington.While in Salt Lake City,I guy driving in the inside lane pulling a 5th wheel wasn't paying attention and when traffic slowed,he had no place to go so he came into my lane.I was in my truck pulling my trailer with my bike in it.I saw what was happening ahead of time and was able to pull off the road into the median and give him a place to go.He thanked me after it was all over but he didn't change the way he was driving. If I had been on my bike I'm sure he would have just hit me or forced me off the road.
I have learned more about driving from riding motorcycles than I ever will from driving cars and trucks. Another point though,is you can't ride a motorcycle the same way you drive a car,which I see alot of people do around here.

[Cajunrider]

One things for certain, riding a bike will result in you being a whloe lot more defensive as a driver. I'm much more defensive driving my truck or suburban than I was before I began riding. Riding habits should carry over into your driving habits.

[cactusjack]

I rode a motorcycle until I was about 21 and then gave it up for 25 years or so. I don't know how I survived back then, no training, no endorsement, and riding with my head up my @ss half the time. Hell, half the time I was probably loaded.

When I took up riding again, I took the MSF course, got my endorsement, and pay attention when I ride now. It has made me a much better driver because riding has fine tuned my sense of awareness and my powers of observation.

Having accumulated nearly 50 years of wisdom doesn't hurt, either.

[Cajunrider]

Damn you're old.

[ells]

I know I am a much better cage driver after having learned to ride, if just in the way I anticipate things defensively, not to mention actually looking for bikes.

[coacha]

Originally Posted by Ells

I know I am a much better cage driver after having learned to ride, if just in the way I anticipate things defensively, not to mention actually looking for bikes.

I feel the same way now that I have been riding. I look for the potential problems, regardless of if I'm in the truck or on the bike.