I LOVE motorycles. But I also know many people see them as death traps. Including my mother. My father owns a motorcycle. Heck he's been riding since before I was born. But that doesn't change her view of them lol
Either way, I was wondering since a lot of you work in hospitals, if it has changed your view of motorcycles. In a more negative way.
Which is funny because I was going down the road once and I saw this male nurse on a sports bike, and not only was he not wearing boots, but he was wearing crocs! Those things will fly right off if you crash. And how did I know he was a nurse? He was wearing scrubs! lol at least he had a helmet.
After driving through the Black Hills last weekend during the Sturgis rally and hearing the daily tally of those killed over the week on the radio out there, then driving by a wreck of tangled bikes that closed the entire 3 lanes of traffic on my way out of town.. HELL NO!!
I would own a dirt bike tho for off road use.. but a street bike.. never.
dirtbiking can have some major major risk, just as risky as street riding - think of those jumps, twists, turns and having your body drop from 15 feet or higher onto the ground, or onto the bike. Major major risk there too. I sold mine years ago, but am looking for another!
These are always tough questions. I ride, I've had an accident, luckily no major damage to me. I've worked as a CNA in rehab, saw several motorcycle accident patients. The ones I saw were all going to recover, I know plenty don't. I also saw plenty of stoke patients who were never going to completely recover and would be in worse shape than the accident patients. Soooo...there ya have it. "Stuff" is going to happen, we do our best to stay safe, that is all we can do. Enjoy life as best you can.
Before I worked in the OR, I had 3 different bikes-a Yamaha, a CBR and then a Ninja. I was always very safe on them-wore leathers, boots, and a kidney belt, and the best helmet I could find. I was very conscientious of other drivers, as I had some close calls in heavy traffic when they didn't see me. I never drove at night. The day that I gave up my bike was the day we had a man come into the OR as a red trauma. He was (reportedly) wearing all of the same protective gear, his tox screen came back negative, and he was driving his bike at dusk. He had a C-fx, bilateral femoral fxs, a right tib/fib fx, and a collapsed lung. He had additional abdominal injuries which included free air. He had a rectal tube and a foley. His testicles were the size of my head-completely full of fluid and blood. I decided that feeling the freedom of a bike and the rush of a fast machine was SOOO not worth this sort of outcome. I have never, and will never get on another bike again.
I have a bike. I only ride it on the open highway, country roads or around town. (I live in a town of 3800 people). If I have to drive anywhere I could run into heavy stop and go traffic, the bike stays home.
dirtbiking can have some major major risk, just as risky as street riding - think of those jumps, twists, turns and having your body drop from 15 feet or higher onto the ground, or onto the bike. Major major risk there too. I sold mine years ago, but am looking for another!
lol.. yeah.. but.. I wouldn't be hitting jumps that sent me 15 feet in the air.. not on purpose anyways.. but I do enjoy riding on trails, climbing hills, etc. I haven't had one since I was a kid though. There is risk, but as risky? I'd disagree with that. I'd rather skid down a dirt trail at 30mph then tar at 60 any day.. Plus, I ain't gonna get hit by a car..
Wiped out pretty good several times as a kid.. I think I'll wear a helmet if I ever do decide to get another dirtbike.. lol
hehe yeah I have dirtbikes, street bikes, ATV's, etc. Love them. I know the dangers as well as the friends I ride with. We all ride with caution (while having fun!)! we have also seen how accidents happen and have said "man, if they were'nt wearing helmets.." With motorcycles, in my opinion, they are dangerous but if the rider is aware of the dangers and ride with caution (not stupid), it can be SO much fun!!
my area of florida and if you get on tampabaysportsbikes website they have an area named bikers down... the list grows like a weed.
i was sitting in a left lane about to make a left turn and an F-150 came sliding into my rear... 1 second became a year as you wondered what your best response will be--- and you sit there listening to the tires screeching and coming closer--- can i take the hit you wonder... are they rich or uninsured.... or should i pop the clutch and try to run ahead into oncoming traffic? i popped the clutch- the hand of God Guided me past the oncoming cars and into a parking lot--- i looked back as the truck slid past where i was with his brakes still locked.... God don't have to tell me twice.--- Any one want to buy a 2003 Kawasaki z1000 in great condition for 3800 bucks? At least it moves quick!!!
i lost a 35 year old cousin who was a gifted architect to a motorcycle accident. he had a helmet on and was on his bike. his brother was riding his own motorcycle behind him. my cousin was hit by a car; thrown off his bike and into the path of another car, and died instantly from massive trauma to his chest.
then i started dating someone a few years ago, whose 28 year old brother was killed while he was on his motorcycle. he was stopped behind a large truck that didn't see him. it backed up and ran right over him and his bike. he was killed, too.
I had some experience in my youth with dirt bikes, etc. Then I always wanted one. Finally, I got my chance. I was living in Thailand at the time. Better than 50% of the population uses two wheeled vehicles for transportation.. A nice naked honda 600 grey market bike. Rode all over, commuted, etc. Had loads of fun, never a problem.
When I moved back home, I just decided that I couldn't/wouldn't ride here. Too many people distracted and carelessly driving in cars. People are weird and aggressive when the get into vehicles. I don't remember seeing it as often as I do now. There is some kind of "lane ownership" thing going on, tons of tailgating, etc. I used to have small fun sports cars, etc. Now? I have a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. Maybe it has something to do with wanting to protect myself, to protect my family. Not sure. I actually dislike vehicles in general now. The liability of someone stepping out in front of you, drunk drivers, careless mindless drones @#$ed off at work, their bosses, husbands, whatever. The costs. Insurance, tires, rip off mechanic shops, gasoline, etc. If I could get by without, I would.
Hard to live in Daytona and not ride. Especially with Biketoberfest and Bikeweek rolls around. Real hot days and a lousy day at work takes off the stress. Beats a drink or a valium any day for me lol.
You bet. I own one. So does my hubby. I always ride with a full face helmet and gear. I am careful, much more careful than when I drive a car, actually--you have to drive not only YOUR vehicle but everyone else on the road's too when you're the one on the bike. I don't ride in bad weather or heavy traffic, too much risk. But out on an empty country highway? Nothing better! And yes, I HAVE worked neuro ICU!!!!!!
Plus, I ain't gonna get hit by a car.. 
MassED, BSN, RN
2,636 Posts
dirtbiking can have some major major risk, just as risky as street riding - think of those jumps, twists, turns and having your body drop from 15 feet or higher onto the ground, or onto the bike. Major major risk there too. I sold mine years ago, but am looking for another!