Traffic accidents happen. Its a fact of life. Motorcycles seem to be identical to cars, except the fact that everything that makes a car safe, isn’t standard or optional equipment on them. Combine these two unfortunate facts and motorcycles can be dangerous. But there is danger in anything one does. Life is about calculated risks. One has to have a unique balance of risk safety in order to lead a fulfilling life. However, some people get so confident and comfortable with their bikes that the risk is forgotten. Because they are so comfortable on the bike, they get a feeling that they can do whatever they want and they are good enough to avoid the consequences. The fact is that these people are talented. But they don’t think everything out. How do I know this? Because, if one of these guys were thinking properly, they would realize that with so many drivers changing lanes without their blinkers, they should avoid popping a wheelie in between lanes. Putting one’s life in the hands of a soccer mom who is driving a Ford Excursion just doesn’t seem smart. No matter how good of biker on is, you can’t stop somebody else from being stupid. And that stupid person is likely to hit somebody. And when, one is on a motorcycle, the helmet is the closest thing to a bumper.

Here is the real problem. But what did I do? I don’t get to look all cool riding my bike. And I have to have the chore of watching out for some loser that has a death wish? Why do I get a chore? I have to babysit the daredevil? And what happens if this guy screws up? I end up running him over and my insurance goes up. How inconsiderate of this jerk. He needs to get somewhere a few seconds earlier, he hits a slow moving truck, I can’t stop in time and neither can the big rig behind me. Now me and the trucker are paying higher insurance prices, having to answer questions from the police, and have to spend $15 to get the underside of my car washed. Was your good time and over confidence worth my time? Maybe to you Buster, but if you have a death wish, hit a track, not me.

Note that motorcycles are good things, but one is more likely to get injured driving one. It is a risk that everybody knows about. The risk can be cut down significantly by driving a normal vehicle. So it seems hard to feel sorry for that guy you read about in the paper that was on the crotch rocket weaving through traffic at about 140 mph. When I hear a story in which bad judgment and over confidence mixed to make a traffic delay, I get mad. Mad because I don’t want to be hit by a bike and because this could all be prevented with a little thought.