Very Sad

[trigger12]

3 weeks ago, my wife & I were on the same road that a drunk driver killed a young couple, early yesterday evening. I'll never grow indifferent to tragedies like the story below:

Man charged with murder after deadly Webster Co. wreck:
http://www.14news.com/story/29583423/ma ... r-co-wreck" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[David (N. Alabama)]

Of course the press had to mention that they weren't wearing a helmet. It probably wouldn't have helped unless they were both going under 30 mph. Glad to see that they are charging him with murder because that is what it is when you knowingly drink and drive.

[SgtSlag]

According to the Hurt Study, wearing a helmet increases your chances of survival by 30%... Make of that what you will. The press is interested in sound bytes which make for provocative reading -- regardless of their real value to the story. In a high-side, being thrown like a projectile, at high speed, the trauma to the body is considerable. Dr. Hurt's Study also stated that many of the fatalities his team investigated, suffered multiple, fatal, traumatic injuries, aside from the head; their head injuries, if eliminated, would not have saved their lives -- hence the 30% value for wearing a helmet. ATGATT helps, a very little bit, but I have no illusions about my chances of surviving, much less avoiding injuries; I'm ATGATT for the low sides, in all reality (four so far, over a 30+ year period). Motorcycling is dangerous. I accept the risks, otherwise I would not ride. We pray at the beginning of each and every ride, and then we enjoy it to the fullest.

When I was in HIgh School, my father T-boned a car, on his bike, at 40 MPH: construction zone, the car driver ran a stop sign. He survived his horrific injuries during the initial impact, and following his landing after being thrown 100+ feet (long laundry list, multiple fractures, multiple surgeries, endless physical therapy...). He returned to work 18 months after his accident. I've seen it first-hand, living at home while he tried to put his life back together again. He later returned to motorcycling. I still choose to ride. Death is a given. Enjoying life to the fullest, is up to each individual.

Based on the description of the accident, on a curve, I don't think any gear would have saved their lives; I also doubt there was much he could have done to save either one of their lives, regardless of helmets. Unfortunately, the article was not written by a motorcyclist who would understand that. DUI is unforgivable. There are sober cabs, along with companies who will drive you, and your vehicle, home for you, for a reasonable fee. There is no excuse for DUI, today. Cheers!

[Mr Jensee]

A week ago Thursday a depressed depraved 59 year old man unloaded a gun into the audience at a local movie theater. He killed two women and injured 9 others. The point I am making is that it isn't safe to even go to a movie these days. If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time you are going to buy it. I agree that along with motorcycling I take a risk. I have been down with illness lately but I relish the idea of being able to mount my steed and go feel the sun in my face again. I will say a prayer for your friends.