Who's Crashed? [Crash Reports]

[jasondavis48108]

sorry to hear about your crash but really glad it wasn't worse. I've been getting lax about wearing my riding pants due to a bunch of chigger bites on my ankles. Your post reminded me of the fact that I can't allow myself to make excuses for not wearing gear so thank you for that. Hope you heal fully and soon and that your scooter repairs aren't too costly.

[jrsjr]

Moral(s) of the story: Should have worn my jacket and should have trusted my instincts and not ridden with so much on my mind. Geeze, I JUST posted about that yesterday.

Not to mention that your full-face helmet probably saved your jaw, face, and very probably your life. Joe, I'm really sorry to hear that you crashed. I've read your excellent description repeatedly and it vividly reminds me why I have not been riding lately. I just have too much pressing stuff on my mind, so much so that I know I'm not concentrating well enough to ride.

Whew! I'm glad to hear that you are relatively okay. Heal well.

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

hope you're feeling better dude, good to hear that it wasn't worse.

[charlie55]

Sorry about your accident (yeah, I don't care what the MSF says, there are such things as accidents). A couple of hints for preventing this sort of thing:

- Think of your brake lever as being your boss' neck. Gradually squeezing it is more fulfilling that snapping it outright.

- If your job gets in the way of your scootering - quit your job!

[bgwss]

Get well and take it easy!

[jijifer]

....I've read your excellent description repeatedly and it vividly reminds me why I have not been riding lately. I just have too much pressing stuff on my mind, so much so that I know I'm not concentrating well enough to ride....

this is the chord that struck me, too. I got the scooter to get me out of my head and into the present. When my worries and woes are too much that scooting doesn't snap me out of my head and into the present, I just have to park my scooter.

it's hard though, when it's your ride home from a bad day at work. I'm sooooo sorry to read that a moment's lapse took J down. It's a lesson to all of us. At least of those of us who can get lost in our own heads.

[BuddyRaton]

jmazza,

Sorry to hear the news...glad to hear that you will heal up!

When you're up for it give me a call and we can go over your scoot.

If you want to, let me know and we can get it over to my place put it on the lift and check it out.

Amazing how time slows down when that happens isn't it!

[ComboOrgan]

Minor crash, but I'll post for informational purposes

I stopped at a 3-way stop-sign on my campus. With no other cars and no pedestrians (seemingly) I crossed into the intersection. When I was in the middle of the intersection, a pedestrian walked out into the crosswalk in front of me. I squeezed my brakes, lost control, and slid onto my left side.

The pedestrian didn't even look up. Could the "selective perception" that filters scooters out of car drivers' views apply to pedestrians too?


1. Which model and displacement (CCs) scooter was crashed? Color?

Custom painted copper Buddy 125

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?

Maybe? Pedestrians usually have the right-of-way at crosswalks, but I'm not sure if that applies once a vehicle has already pulled into the intersection. It happened in the middle of the day on my campus while I was scooting from my lab to my office.
It had been drizzling all day, and the roads were a little slick

3. Could the crash have been avoided? What will you do differently next time?

Probably. I'm sure if I was a more skilled driver, I would have been able to apply the brakes without skidding.

4. Was the rider injured? What type of protective gear or clothing was the rider wearing?

My only piece of protective gear was an open-face helmet. I usually wear leather gloves, but not this time. I was wearing a polo shirt, khakis, and loafers with socks. I rarely wear socks in the summer, and it was fortunate that I did this day.
My only injuries were scrapes and bruises. The most severe was on my ankle.

5. What was the damage to the scooter?

Just a few scrapes, nothing major.

6. Cost of repairs, if any?

nope

7. How much (weeks, months, years) riding experience does the rider have? Does the rider have a motorcycle permit, license or neither?

About 4 months experience. Permit, no license.

8. Had the rider completed the MSF course?
No

9. Was the rider the scooter's owner?
Yes

10. How fast was the rider going?

Not very fast at all, since I slowed to a near-stop at the stop sign right before moving into the intersection

11. How far was the rider from home?

Not far. A mile or two.


No big deal really. A minor little thing with only minor consequences. It'll probably be good, since the incident has put a little scare in me, so I'll be more cautious in the future.

[jijifer]

....

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?

Maybe? Pedestrians usually have the right-of-way at crosswalks, but I'm not sure if that applies once a vehicle has already pulled into the intersection. It happened in the middle of the day on my campus while I was scooting from my lab to my office.
It had been drizzling all day, and the roads were a little slick

....

sorry to hear of your accident.

Having spent my teens and early 20s in the Deuce I know this to be true: pedestrians there think they can step into the street at any point, any time, at their whim. The common refrain is "pedestrians have the right of way" as an angry pedestrian fist is shook in the air - not by the dummy who just stepped from btwn 2 parked cars into traffic but from the ones on the sidewalk outraged by the audacity of a vehicle driving along the street.

Skids happen fast and happen to us all. I'm glad you're ok and yes, you'll have a lot more pedestrians stepping in front of you as the kids start coming back for the Fall Semester GOOD LUCK!

[mhgay89]

I'm using my scooter for commuting and I work at a university. I'm dreading the start of school because students don't understand the simple principle of physics. Sometimes I just want to stop and pull them over and say: "Me on scooter, You on Foot. Me Bigger, Me Win." Maybe then they would finally understand.

[Dooglas]

Glad neither you or the pedestrian were hurt. Couldn't help but notice that you said that you did not come to a full stop at the stop sign. Since a pedestrian really does have the right-of-way at a crosswalk in front of a stop sign all the time, every time - you will certainly want to be alert for this in the future.

[ericalm]

Minor crashes aren't fun but often serve as a reminder that we are vulnerable and can get injured, even at slow speeds.

[jrsjr]

The pedestrian didn't even look up. Could the "selective perception" that filters scooters out of car drivers' views apply to pedestrians too?

I think it's just pure obliviousness. My very very first day at college, I saw a pedestrian walk in front of a Volkswagen and get hit. Later that night I was talking to a girl I'd just met and it turned out to be her. She didn't even remember stepping into the street, much less seeing a car coming.

[PeteH]

If memory serves, doesn't / didn't California grant right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and places (jaywalking or not)? When I was out west on business, I saw numerous pedestrians just amble out into the street without a glance, and the cars all stopped. As the motorists are conditioned to stop for pedestrians, surely the pedestrians are conditioned to cross without fear (or even a glance).

Which is all fine and well until an out-of-state driver (like me) almost creams one of 'em.

[ericalm]

If memory serves, doesn't / didn't California grant right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and places (jaywalking or not)?

This is correct.

Even with in-state drivers, there are often close calls (with pedestrians and other cars) when we have to stop in the middle of the street for someone crossing. On multi-lane roads sometimes, drivers in one lane will be stopped and others will speed past because they can't see anyone crossing or whatever. The whole thing is dangerous.

[Dooglas]

To point out that pedestrians also need to exercise caution and not do dumb stuff like suddenly stepping out from behind a parked car is fine. To imply that pedestrians need to dodge cars and scooters in a crosswalk like a game of frogger is something else though. Not much different than our frustration when a cager blows through an intersection and ignores a scooter like it was invisible.

[easy]

yeah and wet painted crosswalks are slick as ice be careful out there

[bmillner]

1. Which model and displacement (CCs) scooter was crashed? Color?
2009 150 St. Tropez. blue gray

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?
No. See discussion below.

3. Could the crash have been avoided? What will you do differently next time?
No. See discussion below.

4. Was the rider injured? What type of protective gear or clothing was the rider wearing?
See discussion below.

5. What was the damage to the scooter?

6. Cost of repairs, if any?
See discussion below.

7. How much (weeks, months, years) riding experience does the rider
have? Does the rider have a motorcycle permit, license or neither?
Motorcycle license. two years experience

8. Had the rider completed the MSF course?
yes

9. Was the rider the scooter's owner?
yes

10. How fast was the rider going?
I wasn't going very fast, 15 mph or so.

11. How far was the rider from home?
Very near workplace. See discussion below.

Well... they say...there are two kinds of riders - those who have had a wreck and those who are about to. Mine happened on the way to work on June 1, 2011. (I've been on my Buddy since June 2009.) It was hot, and I ALMOST didn't wear a jacket. But, I had taken the motorcycle safety course, and the teacher's mantra, "Dress for the crash, not for the ride" won the day. Thank heavens. I was near the office, turning right, saw a car pull out of a parking space on the left hand side of the one way street I had turned on to. I slowed...thinking they are pulling out and heading on. But, instead, they were simply moving their car from one side of the street to the other, to comply with parking regulations. And they crossed center, I honked, swerved, slammed on brakes...but had no where to go, due to cars parked on the right side of the road. They hit me and down I went. My pants tore, my jacket in several places, and my head bounced along the street (I had on a full face helmet). But once I caught my breath, I was okay. It took about a month to heal up. But...without the gear...what a mess. The person who hit me was horrified , very nice and immediately admitted it was their fault. Their insurance covered the $1000 of expenses. I am back out and riding. But...I'll always wear the gear. "Dress for the crash, and not for the ride."

[bgwss]

"Dress for the crash, and not for the ride."

+1

[jrsjr]

"Dress for the crash, and not for the ride."

[jmazza]

"Dress for the crash, and not for the ride."

Yup. Wish I'd been more dressed for my crash. Though I'd still be dealing with my worst injury (fractured thumb), I'd have been spared the road rash (which is thankfully healing nicely!) and possibly the sprained shoulder. I still don't buy the "two kinds of riders" talk, even though I'm a new member of the crash club

Glad you are healed up and riding! I can't wait to get back on my scooter.

[bethaknee]

1. Little International 50cc Italia
2. To some extent... I was cut off on a turn by a bicycle and braked to avoid hitting them. Happened at about 4pm.
3. I'm still debating if it could have been avoided. If I'd kept going I'd have hit the guy... And the turn lane I was in had a sidewalk on my right, a pedestrian "island" on the left, so I was stuck between two somewhat high curbs and a bicycle in front of me.
4. Was wearing my helmet, which protected my head as it bounced off the ground pretty hard. The only other injuries were a small scrape on my right knee and on my right forearm.
5. The headlight cover was smashed, the handlebar cover was cracked... So the headlight itself is out of place and is kind of hanging there.
6. Purchased the 2 parts online today for $100 with s/h.
7. I'm a pretty new rider. I've been riding daily since April 27th 2011, not with a motorcycle license but with a license.
8. I have not. Yet. javascript:emoticon(':?')
9. I do own the scooter.
10. Super slow... Like 5-7 miles an hour.
11. About 7 miles.

[jrsjr]

4. Was wearing my helmet, which protected my head as it bounced off the ground pretty hard. The only other injuries were a small scrape on my right knee and on my right forearm.

. . .

6. Purchased the 2 parts online today for $100 with s/h.

I'm super glad your helmet did it's job. However, there is one more thing you need to add to your shopping list - a new helmet. Helmet's are single-use items. Once they hit the pavement, they should be replaced.

[peabody99]

Glad you are OK! Bethaknee...
now this:
"3. I'm still debating if it could have been avoided"
I hope not to offend our bicycling brothers and sisters BUT you will find many bicyclists make their own rules-they run lights, stop signs, ride on the sidewalk, cross walks.... I don't feel like killing them or myself so I give them wide berth-treat them like a drunk driver. here is something I keep seeing : Car is in right turn lane...bike is going strait-in the right turn only turn lane. bike decides it should be able to pass car to the right (IN THE RIGHT TURN LANE) do these people have no survival instinct? I always find the angriest bicyclists are the the worst riders.

When I used to drive a cage I was not expecting this nonsense, but now on a scooter (where I could also die in a scoot vs bike incident), I stay the heck away from 90% of bicyclists. No harm, no foul, to those that follow the rules-never had a problem with them.

[jasondavis48108]

Glad you are OK! Bethaknee...
now this:
"3. I'm still debating if it could have been avoided"
I hope not to offend our bicycling brothers and sisters BUT you will find many bicyclists make their own rules-they run lights, stop signs, ride on the sidewalk, cross walks.... I don't feel like killing them or myself so I give them wide berth-treat them like a drunk driver. here is something I keep seeing : Car is in right turn lane...bike is going strait-in the right turn only turn lane. bike decides it should be able to pass car to the right (IN THE RIGHT TURN LANE) do these people have no survival instinct? I always find the angriest bicyclists are the the worst riders.

When I used to drive a cage I was not expecting this nonsense, but now on a scooter (where I could also die in a scoot vs bike incident), I stay the heck away from 90% of bicyclists. No harm, no foul, to those that follow the rules-never had a problem with them.

You'd be surprised but other cyclists are some of the most critical of idiot cyclists as they make us all look bad. I take no offense to calling a moron a moron, luckily in Ann Arbor the idiot ratio is no where near 90% and I think many non-cyclist simply don't notice the cyclists who obey the law so it seems as if most of them are crazy. Still I can't drive or ride down town without encountering a cyclist who makes me wish cops where more diligent about giving these idiots tickets.

[dakotamouse]

Another one bites the dust. This put a damper on our two week vacation. We had two days of really fun riding in Yellowstone Park before the flying fickle finger of fate ponted in my direction.

Typing in a cast sucks.



1. Which model and displacement (CCs) scooter was crashed? Color?

150 Italia

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?

5:30 pm MST. Yes and no.

3. Could the crash have been avoided? What will you do differently next time?

Yes. I was almost back to our campsite and came to a sharp curve that had just been hit with a light rain and had loose gravel in it. I had just looked in my mirror to see how close the pickup behind me was and then was too far into the curve to lean it over. I was too concerned with the thought that someone might think I was holding up traffic. This was in Yellowstone Park and traffic was already backed up ahead of me so I don’t know what I was worried about..sheesh.

I saw the guardrail coming, I noticed the long, long drop on the other side and decided “HELL NO! I AIN’T GOING OVER THAT RAIL!”. I dropped my padded shoulder down into the rail.

The truck behind me turned out to be park personnel and one of them was a former EMT.
They held off traffic and called an ambulance for me. I was 3 miles from Mammoth Hotsprings where they have a clinic and the ambulance was based out of. Unfortunately, the clinic closed at 5 and my wreckcident was at 5:30 so I had to hauled 60 miles north to Livingston, Mt.

4. Was the rider injured? What type of protective gear or clothing was the rider wearing?

Boxer’s break to the bone above the little finger, resulting in a splint worn for a week till the swealling went down, and 2 more weeks in a cast. Wrenched ankle. Helmet, gloves, long pants, Little Miss Dangerous padded jacket.

5. What was the damage to the scooter?

Windshield, handgrip, two plastic panels, plastic around headlight.

6. Cost of repairs, if any?

Not sure yet. Had to wait to meet up with the adjuster till we came home from vacation.

7. How much (weeks, months, years) riding experience does the rider have? Does the rider have a motorcycle permit, license or neither?

Licensed. 2 and a half summers with this scooter and previous dirt and street bike usage.

8. Had the rider completed the MSF course?
Yes.

9. Was the rider the scooter's owner?

Yes.

10. How fast was the rider going?

The truck behind me told the ranger I wasn’t going very fast. The traffic was backed up behind a camper so we were all doing less than the speed limit of 40 or so???

11. How far was the rider from home?

3 miles from my campsite but hundreds of miles from home.

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

oh no Dakotamouse, sorry to hear about it. Thankfully it wasn't much worse, especially since the guardrail was there. I'd sign some well wishes on your cast, heal up soon!

[dakotamouse]

Thanks much, Bootscootin! I count the days till I can get this dang cast off. Today was my first day back to work after vacation. /everything was such a chore...really wore me out.l

[Syd]

Sorry to hear about the crash, dakotamouse. Don't rush healing, and if you can get PT, take it. I did after my recent close Mercedes encounter and it was worth every minute. Every one.

(I didn't when I got a knee scoped - stupid)

[Skootz Kabootz]

Really glad you are in one piece DK and nothing is any worse than it is. Keep your spirits up and heal quickly. Hope your insurance company takes good care of your scooter and everything gets made right again with minimal fuss.

[Dooglas]

Glad you are, mostly, okay and hope that your scooter is also up and about before too long.

[Tom]

Quite a few crash reports for the still-fairly-new Buddy have been posted on the forum. This has made me kind of curious about who has crashed and what the circumstances and results have been. So, an informal, non-judgmental survey for those with crashed Buddies (or those who live with somone with a crashed Buddy), with my own answers in the following post.


1. Which model and displacement (CCs) scooter was crashed? Color?

Both my crashes were on motorcycles. A 1992 250 Honda Nighthawk, and a 1967 Yamaha YCS1C.

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?

Rider error completely. One was about 1:00 in the afternoon, the other about 4:00 in the afternoon.

3. Could the crash have been avoided? What will you do differently next time?

Should have been paying attention better both times. Got distracted, looked up and saw a van at a full stop and too close for comfort. Both times! Both times I lost control of the bike while braking hard. BOTH times I could've simply switched lanes, but impulse was to brake. Incidents were about 5 years apart, no other accidents.

4. Was the rider injured? What type of protective gear or clothing was the rider wearing?

First time I pulled something in my leg as if trying to do the "splits". Otherwise unhurt both times (maybe a few scratches). Second time though I slid on my face. Was wearing a full face that day (this was very rare in those days- now I only own one). The helmet was gouged out very deeply on the chin. I would've really looked differently today if I had been able to find my half helmet that morning.

5. What was the damage to the scooter?

Both bikes had scrapes, and dented handle bars. One of them had a dented tank from the bars pressing into it.

6. Cost of repairs, if any?

No repairs made.

7. How much (weeks, months, years) riding experience does the rider have? Does the rider have a motorcycle permit, license or neither?

I've been riding about 19 years minus the last 6 or so. I have never had a license- only a series of permits.

8. Had the rider completed the MSF course?

Yes I did the course when I was 18. Back then it didn't waive your skills test however, so that's the thing I never did. I'm thinking to go back and do it again though rather than do the skills test at the DMV.

9. Was the rider the scooter's owner?

Yes

10. How fast was the rider going?

About 50 probably? Both times above the speed limit. Probably considerably less after braking- before losing control though.

11. How far was the rider from home?

The first time was in Palos Verdes Estates- I guess that's about 65 miles from home?

The second was less than a mile from home. I was on my street, could have seen my apartment building I'm sure.

[EDIT: Many questions have been altered or added since the initial post, so some of the subsequent posts may not have answers to all of them.]
[EDIT: Questions updated on 2/13/11]

[Dooglas]

I've been riding about 19 years minus the last 6 or so. I have never had a license- only a series of permits.

Ah, yeh . I'd say it is about time to get an actual endorsement. I realize you are describing old accidents here but your narrative certainly emphasizes the importance of staying focused and aware of your situation while riding a motorcycle or scooter. Bikes generally have good brakes for the vehicle weight so there is not much excuse for rear ending other vehicles or dumping a bike in the process - as you say, mostly inattention and panic braking. Now a cage rear ending you - that is a whole different discussion.

[jmazza]

Another one bites the dust. This put a damper on our two week vacation. We had two days of really fun riding in Yellowstone Park before the flying fickle finger of fate ponted in my direction.

Typing in a cast sucks.

Yes it does! Sorry for your wreck and very glad you weren't injured any worse. My cast came off today and I'm now in a brace for three weeks. Heal up quickly!!

[ericalm]

Another one bites the dust. This put a damper on our two week vacation. We had two days of really fun riding in Yellowstone Park before the flying fickle finger of fate ponted in my direction.

Damn! Sorry to hear about this. Glad your injuries aren't more severe.

[dakotamouse]

Thanks for the sympathy...it does help!

[flatblackbuddy]

1. Which model and displacement (CCs) scooter was crashed? Color?

Black 125

2. Was the crash due to rider error? What time of day did it occur?

Not really - gravel in the road in the middle of the day

3. Could the crash have been avoided? What will you do differently next time?

Not unless I knew the gravel was there. I couldn't see it until I was on top of it.

4. Was the rider injured? What type of protective gear or clothing was the rider wearing?

Yes - broken ulna, broken radius, dislocated wrist. Fortunately my gear saved my skin. I was wearing alpine stars gloves, scorpion exo400 helmet and scorpion exoskeleton jacket.

5. What was the damage to the scooter?

Cracked headset, headlight, left turn signal - road rash on on multiple body panels, mirror, and rear brake lever

6. Cost of repairs, if any?

$250 doing all the work myself

7. How much (weeks, months, years) riding experience does the rider have?

Riding for 15 years

Does the rider have a motorcycle permit, license or neither?

License

8. Had the rider completed the MSF course?

No

9. Was the rider the scooter's owner?

Yes

10. How fast was the rider going?

25mph

11. How far was the rider from home?

2 miles

[dakotamouse]

AH CRAP! I would rather my post would have been the last EVER entry.

You got a worse band up than me. My hand is still in a cast.

Hoping and praying you heal up soon!

[ericalm]

Damn sorry to hear about the crash and injuries.

Thanks for posting—especially with those injuries!

[peabody99]

oh geez, I don't check in enough on this thread. Recovery to all and esp sorry to Dakotamouse getting banged up on vacation.

[flatblackbuddy]

I went to an orthopedist today, and found out I need surgery to fix my wrist. I have a Colles fracture and need a metal plate and quite a few screws to repair it. Basically all the bones in my hand / wrist got pushed down into my arm, and broke the ends of the ulna and radius off , creating floating bone chips. Compound fractures of both bones...

Word to the wise...don't put your hand down when falling. Your instinct says "try to catch yourself" but the smart thing would have been to tuck my arm in and roll. Had I done that, I probably wouldn't have been injured at all.

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

[Skootz Kabootz]

Heal up quickly flatblackbuddy. Glad it is not any worse. The one time I went down was from hitting a slick of oil, so kind of similar to gravel. Not much you can do. Take it light as best you can. And pay no attention the the non-riders. They just don't understand.

[ericalm]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

[jmazza]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

Sorry about your wreck, flatblackbuddy, and the surgery needed. I totally relate to getting tired of the attitudes. My own sister's response to my accident was "geeze what is it with men and motorcycles???" as opposed to "wow, I'm so sorry."

People often have always been afraid for you to be on the scooter and this is how they express it (poorly). If the person is inconsequential in my life I usually nod and say, "I'm still going to ride but maybe not as much." That usually gives them enough to shut up. To people I actually care about I explain to them that there are risks in everything, that my crash was avoidable, and remind them about my two friends who had auto accidents the same week as my crash and ended up with a broken back and broken pelvis. It helps bring some perspective. Then, once they are out of earshot, I mutter "idiot."

Heal up soon!

[dakotamouse]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

Great comeback, Eric! When people ask me if I'm going to ride again I just answer, "Hell, yeah!!"

Wow, Flatblackbuddy, you really got banged up! I agree with your advice about tucking and rolling. I stayed on the safe side of the guard rail by dropping my armouerd shoulder down and into it. I had no desire to check out the cliff side view.

[jijifer]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

I like this response:

Instead of telling someone who rides a scooter or motorcycle how dangerous it is; Look twice before switching lanes, making turns, or pulling out of a drive way. Stay on your side of the road, especially in corners. Don't follow too closely. Keep your eyes on the road and OFF your cell phones. If you care about someone who rides a motorcycle, SHARE THE ROAD

I know that your accident wasn't involving another car but really this should be said to anyone critical of two wheel riders. Let them know that being safe on a motorcycle is 90% about them being considerate drivers

[flatblackbuddy]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

Sorry about your wreck, flatblackbuddy, and the surgery needed. I totally relate to getting tired of the attitudes. My own sister's response to my accident was "geeze what is it with men and motorcycles???" as opposed to "wow, I'm so sorry."

People often have always been afraid for you to be on the scooter and this is how they express it (poorly). If the person is inconsequential in my life I usually nod and say, "I'm still going to ride but maybe not as much." That usually gives them enough to shut up. To people I actually care about I explain to them that there are risks in everything, that my crash was avoidable, and remind them about my two friends who had auto accidents the same week as my crash and ended up with a broken back and broken pelvis. It helps bring some perspective. Then, once they are out of earshot, I mutter "idiot."

Heal up soon!

What really gets me are the people that will smile or laugh and say I told you so. To date I have yet to hear an I'm sorry or I hope you're alright...

[jmazza]

I like this response:

Instead of telling someone who rides a scooter or motorcycle how dangerous it is; Look twice before switching lanes, making turns, or pulling out of a drive way. Stay on your side of the road, especially in corners. Don't follow too closely. Keep your eyes on the road and OFF your cell phones. If you care about someone who rides a motorcycle, SHARE THE ROAD

I admit to saying something like that to a few people!

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

sorry to hear about that flatblackbuddy. happy healing, and don't let them hater's get you down. they have nothing in life that comes close to the thrill and amusement a simple scooter can provide!

[BuddyRaton]

One last thing, I am getting tired of the "I told you so's" and "are you going to get rid of that thing now?". The answer is "no". Any other fellow crashers getting these comments / questions? How do you handle that without getting angry at their smugness?

It's not easy. For people who don't ride, their smugness makes perfect sense and it usually comes out of concern. The only way I've been able to handle it is by saying, "I love riding. It makes me happy. I know the risks and injuries are part of that." Optional: "Now go bug a friend that rock climbs, skateboards or bikes without a helmet, etc.!"

Its funny that you say that. One of the ladies at work is a pretty avid rock climber...and thinks I'm nuts. The other is a sailor...not just a hobie cat kind...but trips to the Bahamahs kind, and honestly....not that experienced. Whenever he teases me about riding I just remind him that the sea can be a dangerous and unforgiving place!