I can't really explain the phenomenon other than simply coincidence.
The victims included many experienced riders with well over 30,000 miles of experience as well as some who have been riding two wheelers for decades. Several wound up in the hospital. Some had injuries requiring months of recovery and a lot of personal expense.
2013 was also the year in which I witnessed or was present for more crashes than any other. Some of this has to do with the continued growth of our LA riding group, new riders, more miles, statistical probability. Some are as inexplicable as the bad year my friends had.
It's always been my thought that (as far as MB is concerned) trying to scare people into changing their behaviors is pretty ineffective compared to letting them come to that conclusion themselves. But it's been a terrible crash year and I spent a lot of time reflecting on it.
There are some common threads among these crashes. And a lot of the lessons to be gleaned from them are things repeated over and over on the forums but which are often ignored or forgotten. But they bear repeating, one more time, because I don't want any of us to have a 2014 like the 2013 many of my friends had.
- It doesn't matter how good a rider you are or how long you've been riding, no one is immune from crashes. You can reduce the risk of crashing but you can never eliminate that risk. No one is too good to crash. motorcycle police are among the most highly trained, experienced and skilled riders on the streets yet they still crash or get hit in everyday riding conditions.
- Yet many of the crashes could have been avoided.
- Gear up. Many of the serious injuries friends suffered would have been prevented or far less serious if they'd been wearing proper abrasion resistant, armored gear. We're talking torn ligaments, broken bones, contusions and 3rd degree road rash.
Among the "minor" crashes I witnessed this year, the difference between injury and walking away unscathed was gear, period. This year was the year I had to restock my scooter first aid kit. - Low speed crashes can still result in serious injury — or worse.
- Helmets save lives. MB policy is not to discuss helmet laws, which is kindling for an instant flame war. That's a separate topic from this. Wearing one can save your life. Period. I'd have attended several funerals this year if the riders had not been wearing helmets. More helmet = more protection.
- New riders should take the MSF class. Another no-brainer. The class has a few vocal detractors, most of whom haven't actually taken it. And I know the quality of the instructors isn't the same in all cases. Still, there is no better way to quickly gain a solid foundation of riding skills than taking this class. Think it's expensive? Crashing is much more expensive. Yes, you can learn to ride on your own, but in general it takes longer and doesn't prepare you for many of the less common situations you may encounter.
- Most common reason newer riders go down: They get into situations or riding conditions they're not able to handle. Time and time again, this is the root cause, whether it's a crappy driver coming into your lane, an unexpected patch of gravel, taking a turn too wide and being unable to correct in time.
- Most common reason experienced riders go down: Overconfidence. Taking a turn too fast is the top cause. Others simply bite off far more than they can chew.
- The other reason: Other vehicles. This is the one you can't control, at all, but you can sure a hell prepare for.
- No one regrets their choices and behaviors until it's too late.
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