Texas Officers Discuss The Perils of Motorcycle Escort Duty

Nearly every day, Houston-area motorists share streets and freeways with police officers on motorcycle who are escorting funerals, dignitaries, wide-cargo loads or controlling traffic outside sporting events.

The two-wheeled duty can be dangerous and even deadly: At least one officer was killed and seven others were injured as off-duty escorts in the past five years, according to a Houston Chronicle accident analysis.

Sgt. Matt Novotny, 52, is recovering from a broken pelvis and other severe injuries he received when was hit by a motorist Dec. 12. Novotny, the head of Pasadena Police Department's 10-officer motorcycle unit, was working an off-duty job escorting a funeral when he was hit at the intersection of West Fuqua and Almeda. The female driver, who police determined was not impaired, had a green light but apparently failed to see the officer.

"It is a very dangerous thing," said Vance Mitchell, spokesman for the Pasadena police. "This is probably the worse we've had, and this is the third one in the last 12 months."

The most recent death appears to be a January 2008 accident that killed Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable David Joubert, 60, who was on his way to escorting a funeral in Houston when a car pulled in front of him.

Vehicle of choice

Toy Leach is one of the Houston Police Department's 46 officers assigned to the motorcycle detail, officers who have to requalify annually to ride their Harley-Davidson Road King police motorcycles. Motorcycles are the vehicle of choice for escorts because they can maneuver between cars to clear congested intersections.

"The intersections are the hardest because some of them are big, and they're three lanes coming from each direction," said Leach, a two-year veteran. "So when a motorcycle goes up there and puts their lights and sirens on, the people don't see you on a motorcycle anyway. The intersection is the most dangerous part, you have people running red lights and stuff like that."

The Harris County Sheriff's Office currently employs nine full-time motorcycle officers assigned to traffic investigations, and another 22 who work only off-duty escorts of oversize cargo loads or funerals processions. Three deputies have died over the past 30 years in motorcycle accidents, and two were escorting funerals. The latest was Deputy Keith Fricke, who died in June 1997 after a car cut through the procession and hit Fricke's motorcycle.

Lt. Darryl Coleman, head of the Harris County Sheriff's Office traffic enforcement section, said the biggest danger is motorists who don't notice the motorcycle officers, even when they are using their emergency lights and have sirens on.

"The known dangers are the unaware motorists, the inattentive motorists who not aware of the police motorcycle who is approaching them," said Lt. Darryl Coleman. "The (motorcycle officer) has to be on the lookout for the driver who is not on the lookout for them."

Coleman said it has been years since a sheriff's motorcycle officer died, and the most recent accident was last December when a deputy was injured while escorting participants in the Texas Bowl football game near the Galleria.

A Houston city ordinance requires that all funeral processions be escorted by at least one police motorcycle, and at least two for a procession of more than 10 vehicles. Off-duty motorcycle officers are hired by funeral homes to do the escorts, and they are paid from $125 to $225, depending on the number of stops and which department the officers belong to.

Call to repeal ordinance

In addition to the off-duty escorts, police departments assign motorcycle officers while on duty to escort funerals of officers and their families, as well as escorting visiting dignitaries.

Houston police, since January 2010, have assigned their motorcycle officers to escort vehicles at 188 events, including 151 funerals of police officers and their relatives, as well as other city workers. The remaining escorts were either for dignitaries or for traffic control at major sporting events.

HPD said its last serious motorcycle accident took place when Officer Scott Hamilton was escorting a funeral in January 2010. His injuries required multiple reconstructive surgeries to his face, causing him to retire for medical reasons.

One Houston funeral director wants elected officials to repeal the ordinance requiring motorcycle escorts for a funeral procession, saying it has become increasingly dangerous to officers and those in the motorcade. He'd rather have mourners meet the hearse and the family at the church or cemetery.

"I've seen over the years it's getting more dangerous. We're endangering the police officers, and the people going down the road and the people in the procession," said Greg Compean, owner of Compean Funeral Home. "It comes at a cost, and I'm not talking about economics but about someone getting seriously hurt, or even killed."

Refusal to yield

Leach, the HPD officer, says motorists have sometimes refused to yield to a police escort, forcing him to explain that city ordinance extends the authority of a police emergency vehicle to off-duty escorts.

But the motorcycle officers are mainly concerned with the drivers who are zooming along, talking on their cell phones or otherwise not paying attention.

"You're ready to move out of the way if a car's coming. You've got your head on a swivel," Leach said.

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source: officer.com (Pinkerton, 12/19)

Weird Motorcycle Law: Honduras outlaws motorcycle passengers to... prevent shootings?!

We've seen some pretty strange legislation crop up when it comes to curbing crime, but Honduras has reached new extremes. According to the BBC, the country has outlawed passengers on motorcycles in an effort to fight a homicide epidemic. Honduras has the world's highest murder rate, with 82 people killed out of every 100,000 per year. Two recent high-profile killings involved shooters who fired at their victims while riding shotgun on motorcycles, and President Porfiro Lobo has responded by asking congress to put a ban on bike passengers for six months as a result.

The country faces a rash of problems as Mexican drug cartels move to expand their influence. Honduras currently serves as a corridor for cocaine traffic from South America, and the presence of violent gangs in the nation has only serve to further destabilize the area. The country began deploying armed troops as police enforcers in November.

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source: autoblog.com (Bowman, 12/13)

Subaru, Honda, recall vehicles due to brake issues

2012 Honda Gold Wing GL-1800 Motorcycle

Subaru of America is recalling three of its car models and Honda Motor Co. is recalling some motorcycles, all because the brakes can malfunction.

The Honda recall covers 126,000 GL-1800 motorcycles from the 2001 to 2012 model years. A problem with a secondary brake master cylinder can cause the rear brake to drag, possibly causing a crash or fire. In documents sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Honda said that 26 complaints have been received, including two about fires. In one case, a customer had to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.

Honda said the problem has not caused any crashes or injuries. Company documents say that only 4 percent of the recalled vehicles have the defective part.

The Subaru recall involves nearly 32,000 Legacy, Outback and Impreza models from the 2012 model year. A defective brake master cylinder could cause the brake pedal to travel farther than expected. Federal safety regulators say this could cause a driver to misjudge the amount of pressure needed to stop quickly.

Subaru says no crashes or injuries have happened because of the defect. The company has received 112 reports of the problem, mostly through its dealer network. Only about 3,000 of the cars were sold, and the rest are either on dealer lots or en route to dealers. They will be fixed before being sold, the company said.

The recall does not include WRX/STI models of the Impreza.

In both the Honda and Subaru cases, customers will be told to take their cars to dealers for an inspection. If necessary, the parts will be replaced. The Subaru recall will begin this month, while the Honda recall is expected to start in early January.

In addition, Nissan Motor Co. announced that it is recalling more than 7,000 of its 2011Rogue crossover vehicles in the U.S., because the electric power steering can fail.

Documents filed with NHTSA say that the circuit boards controlling the power steering may not have been installed correctly. The solder between the terminal and the circuit board can crack, causing the board to fail. "As the circuit board fails, the power steering assist feature will stop functioning, increasing the force needed to steer the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash," the documents say.

A Nissan spokesman said there have been no reported accidents or injuries because of that defect.

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source: CBS News (AP, 12/5)



The Biker Lawyers are experienced Texas motorcycle accident lawyers that also love to ride. We know Texas motorcycle law and the bias against bikers; therefore, we are dedicated to aggressively winning motorcycle accident cases. We will actively fight to not only protect your rights, but also win the settlement you deserve.

Motorcycle Medics Reach the Injured Faster in Austin

In early June, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Austin, Texas, began using a different mode of transportation to reach the injured along the congested and accident-prone Interstate 35: medically equipped motorcycles. Rather than navigating the congested highway in ambulances, EMS personnel now hop on their motorcycles to respond to traffic accident victims — a tactic that originated in London, and has proven successful in Florida’s Miami-Dade County for nearly five years.

Motorcycles can arrive two to three minutes faster than an ambulance — especially during large congested events like Austin’s South by Southwest music festival, said Eric S. Jakubauskas, commander of Austin-Travis County EMS Special Events. And those extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death, he said. “That can be special if the person is in severe respiratory distress or was having a cardiac problem — two to three minutes can mean whether you resuscitate the person or you don’t.”

The motorcycles — BMW G650 X-Ps equipped with lights and sirens and suspension that can handle rougher terrain than a standard street bike — are outfitted with life-support equipment such as medications, airway equipment and first aid supplies. Also, an automatic external defibrillator allows EMS technicians to monitor the heart if needed.

Motorcyle medics can treat an injury or illness for up to 15 minutes; they can give immediate care and determine the severity of injuries. An ambulance is always immediately behind them, Jakubauskas said.

The ambulance will arrive within minutes and depending on the severity of the injury, can further treat the patient and transport him or her to a hospital. If the injury is minor, however, the motorcycle medic can call off the ambulance so it may be available for a more serious call.

Austin-Travis County EMS Special Events has four motorcycles, which Jakubauskas said have all been donated. “The taxpayers haven’t paid a dime for the motorcycles yet — more than $42,000 worth of motorcycles.”

The current deployment is an open-ended pilot, Jakubauskas said. EMS personnel riding the bikes complete a modified Austin Police Department motorcycle course and go through recurring training.

“Hopefully within the next three to six months, we’ll be able to pull enough data [from the pilot] to be able to justify moving forward,” he said, adding that right now, some paramedics are taken from ambulance duty to work as motorcycle paramedics — they’re not dedicated like a motorcycle police officer would be. “We put them on extra duty and put them on the streets. And hopefully we can put some people on permanent staffing for the motorcycle program.”

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source: www.govtech.com (Mulholland, 11/28)

The Dangers of Risky Lane Change As Reported by a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured on a motorcycle simply because another vehicle driver made a risky lane change, you'll need a talented motorcycle accident attorney to defend your privileges. According to research, more than 55,000 bikers are involved in one incident or another yearly. These mishaps typically end in fatality and serious physical injuries. One of the major reasons behind these accidents is unsafe lane change by reckless motorists. Once another motorist is reckless and illegally switches lanes, causing you to lose control of your motorcycle or collide with another vehicle, an attorney can assist you to get compensation for all of your damages, which includes lost pay or wages, medical expenditures, loss of companionship or consortium, and actual physical pain and suffering.

Driving through traffic is stressful and sometimes frightening. One contributing factor is the overly aggressive behavior of some drivers. Drivers of passenger vehicles who perform unsafe lane changes as well as other dangerous maneuvers additionally result in many serious automobile accidents. Changing lanes isn't easy. Making a lane change may be very complex and can be rather risky. Yet, every vehicle driver must understand how to switch lanes. If you're a parent, coach your teen the way to change lanes correctly, because this is not a move to be taken frivolously.

When changing lanes, use your blinker or use hand signals. Only switch one lane at a time and never switch lanes in a location where lanes are defined by solid lines (yellow or white, single or double). Only do this where the roads are marked by broken or dashed lines. Be sure never to accelerate or cut anyone off while changing lanes. It can be dangerous to change lanes in a school area. Don't change lanes in an intersection, or too close to the intersection. It's advisable to wait until you're past the light before changing lanes.

Now, if perhaps you were injured by another driver due to unsafe lane change it's a good idea to employ a motorcycle accident lawyer to assist you. A motorcycle accident attorney is somebody who has specialty in the field and definitely will deal with your case with accuracy. He is familiar with the ramifications which are involved in a legal strategy. He can approximate the chances of your case and you will thereby get a distinct concept of what might be the result of such a case. An essential advantage of finding a motorcycle accident lawyer can promise you that the case is being worked by someone who is familiar with this field and knows perfectly what ought to be the subsequent step. Therefore, you can ease your mind of the pressure and stress.

When you're suffering from a personal injury, the last thing you'll need is a lot of anxiety. Selecting a motorcycle accident attorney could help you stand to get much better compensation or settlement. Through the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer, the chances of getting well recompensed are tremendously enhanced. Bottom line is you are in position to gain more through the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer or attorney.

The Cole Legal Group are experienced Texas motorcycle accident lawyers that also love to ride. We know Texas motorcycle law and the bias against bikers; therefore, we are dedicated to aggressively winning motorcycle accident cases. We will actively fight to not only protect your rights, but also win the settlement you deserve.

We regularly represents motorcycle accident clients all over the great state of Texas, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Amarillo, Waco and Lubbock. Contact us with this online form, or call us today at 1-800-245-5539 for a free case evaluation!

Should employers ban motorcycle riding for employees?

On Monday, October 10, 2011, Cleveland Browns’ defensive end, Marcus Benard, was injured in a motorcycle accident. According to police, Benard had left the Browns practice earlier and was riding his Can-Am Spyder on I-71 near Cleveland. Witnesses said it appeared Benard and another vehicle were racing at a high rate of speed when Benard’s motorcycle went into a wall near West 65th Street. Benard suffered a broken arm.

By early Tuesday morning the sports casters from Cleveland and from across the country had renewed calls for banning professional athletes from riding motorcycles. This issue was also addressed in 2006 when Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was severely injured in a motorcycle crash. Although Roethlisberger’s accident was in the off-season, many questioned the wisdom of allowing a high profile and talented athlete to participate in an activity that appears so dangerous.

Let’s face it – motorcycling can be dangerous. It is especially dangerous if you are racing on an interstate in a major city. However, there are plenty of ways to court danger. Water skiing can be dangerous. Parasailing can be dangerous. Horseback riding can be dangerous. There are any number of ways a person can be injured while enjoying recreation or even doing everyday chores like driving (a car) to the grocery store.

While banning certain activities as a condition of employment should be left to the individual employer, signaling out only motorcycling is just wrong. Perhaps a better way to approach a situation like NFL players being hurt in off the field activities would be a hefty fine for missing games because of injuries either from motorcycling, playing a pick-up game of basketball, or ballroom dancing.

Just an opinion. Comment below with your opinion.

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source: examiner.com (Davis, 10/11)

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Why Do You Need One?

Motorcycle accidents are common road incidents that take place frequently these days. They generally involve collision between one or more motorcycles. They can have pretty serious outcomes and can even lead to a person's death. After such mishaps one needs to get help from his/her insurance company to get financial help in covering the damages. To make the whole process smooth, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is the best option.

A motorcycle accident lawyer is a legal representative who has undergone training in the field of law and is well versed with the implications of such cases.

Here are a few advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

1. A motorcycle accident lawyer is a person who holds specialty in the field and can fight your case with precision. He knows the ramifications that are involved in a legal course of action. He can estimate the chances of your case and you can thereby get a clear idea of what would be the outcome of such a case.
   
   
2. A professional attorney can conduct you through the intricate legal methods.
   
   
3. A lawyer is in steady contact with the various important officials at the court. So, he must be updated with all the newest law procedures.
   
   
4. A major advantage of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can guarantee you that your case is being dealt by someone who is proficient in this field and knows very well what should be the subsequent step. So, you can relieve your mind of the tension and stress.
   
   
5. A lawyer will be representing you at the court. He is the person who knows how to present your case with all the assembled evidences.

It is absolutely necessary to get in touch with a professional lawyer to fight your case. However, you must know the right way to look for the right person who can fight for your rights.

Qualifications:  They must be qualified enough to take your case. Do check the certifications and educational documents to make sure that they are capable.

Experience:  Level of experience matters a lot while choosing a good lawyer. An experienced attorney must know about the probable outcomes of a case thoroughly.

Referrals:  Ask your acquaintances, relatives and friends regarding the reputed lawyers in your area who are known to have good advocacy skills.

The last thing you would want after facing a miserable accident is to hire an inefficient motorcycle accident lawyer. The Cole Legal Group has represented bikers all across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Since our lawyers ride, we bring our riding experience, knowledge and perspective to each and every case to maximize our clients' recovery. As a result, our personal injury lawyers understand the dynamics of tar snakes, counter steering, high-siding, tank slapping, lane splitting and many other areas that Texas motorcycle riders regularly experience. We aggressively fight biker bias and do everything within our powers to protect our clients.

More women learn how to ride a motorcycle

(by Nancy Gondo)

You've seen 'em. The Hells Angels on their cruisers, the crotch-rocket jockeys splitting lanes and the everyday commuters on their standards. What do they have in common – besides their motorcycles? Chances are, they're all dudes. But why?

The number of women who own and operate motorcycles has risen through the years -- up 52% from 2003 to 2008 according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the most recent statistics available. Yet, you rarely see a woman riding on the streets, other than being a passenger on the back of a bike. Is it a skill that's harder for women to learn? Or is it a risk they're not willing to take?

I decided to find out for myself by taking a beginner's rider course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I consider myself an unlikely candidate -- female, married with a 5-year-old daughter, working in the financial journalism industry. Turns out, the class closest to me, Westside Motorcycle Academy, is co-owned by two women: Erika Willhite and Amanda Cunningham.

More than half of WMA's rider coaches are women. When Amanda began coaching 10 years ago, she was one of the only female instructors. But times have changed. She and Erika launched WMA in October, 2005, and have trained over 16,000 novice riders since. Today, a 12-person riding classes will often be comprised of six women and six men. Of course, that may be partly because women are more likely than men to take a "safety" course. When was the last time a guy you know stopped to ask for directions?

Most states recommend all bikers take classes approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. That may set you back a couple hundred bucks. The upshot? :

You'll likely learn to be a better rider, get a break on insurance and waive the DMV written and/or driving test. I took a beginner's course in a sports arena parking lot in Inglewood, Calif., with Erika and Amanda as my coaches. My 11 classmates and I (three of us were women) selected our bikes and were soon up and running what's called the "friction zone."

Having never learned to drive a stick shift, learning to use the clutch to shift gears while worrying about braking and throttling with the right foot and hand was a bit tough. But I learned how to shift smoothly and slowly release the clutch without stalling out. We also learned safety techniques such as cornering, U-turns, swerving and stopping quickly. Midway through the second day, I felt almost comfortable on my Honda Rebel, though when skills-testing time came, I was a bit nervous. But we all pulled through. With great relief, we snapped some group pictures, and headed home with a sense of accomplishment.

Erin Roski, 21, a fellow novice I met in the class, summed it up best: "It was a wonderful experience -- I had a lot of fun, and I learned techniques that will save my skin when I'm riding on the street," the second-year UCLA law student says. Taking the course was fun, and it's good to know that if I do ride a motorcycle again, there are ways to avoid a major wipeout. And if nothing else, it's good to prove that women can ride just as well as the guys.

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source: Drive On (Gondo, 9/26)

Employing A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer That Can Help With Your Insurance Claims

If involved in an accident, you need to first of all talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer before agreeing to an arrangement coming from an insurance company. Mishaps concerning motorcycles cause massive physical, mental shock and debilitating injuries and can have an undesirable impact on the basic way of life of the immediate family members. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will inform the victim to have a written record of the health-related bills related to the automobile accident. These paperwork can increase the victim's credibility and enhance their odds of getting a reasonable solution.

Motorcycle mishaps take place not just as a result of driver's negligence but because of other factors, like a missing road signal, or due to a malfunctioning traffic light. A lot of these threats exist when the city or local government won't hold up their end of the legal bargain.

There are points that may be observed to help decrease the odds of having an accident. Safe riding comes in various forms. Many are decisions the driver can make on the road, and some are decisions he or she makes just before he sits on a bike for the first time. Having to take a training course is definitely crucial for any novice, and a plus for experienced motorcyclists. Newbies study everything from starting up a bike, to proper and safe turning and driving. Skilled riders can benefit from learning more advanced methods. Both group could even see benefits from accreditation in these courses with insurance discounts.

Novices would want to keep in mind the particular bike they will choose. Usually, a bike with a smaller sized engine is much more suited to users who are less experienced. It's crucial for you to ensure that the size of your bike is suitable to your power and weight, because a rider outmatched by their motorbike is just creating trouble for themselves. A rider should always be sure that he's wearing both a helmet, plus a tough and comfy clothing that can help limit his injuries in an automobile accident. This includes boots, pads and leather-based jackets. A good motorcycle rider should always observe traffic laws. Running traffic signs, speeding or driving in a hostile manner will only put the motorist in harm's way. Even worse, most people may see the motorcycle driver as a danger or irritation and drive offensively against him. If driving intoxicated in a car seems hazardous, the dangers are only increased by the fact that motorcycle drivers are responsible for balancing their vehicles.

If the driver has adhered to every one of the safety measures, but nevertheless became a victim of a motorbike accident, he ought to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance providers often times like to divide the liability between the motorcyclist and the at-fault party; even though the biker may have had practically nothing to do with the root cause of the automobile accident. Working with insurance providers after a motorbike accident can be quite challenging. That's the reason it would be far better for any motorcycle crash victim to employ an experienced lawyer to raise his odds of getting a claim.

You can find more detailed information about a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer at our website. Be sure to contact a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer immediately right after your motorcycle accident.

What to do if You are in a Texas Motorcycle Accident

Contact The Cole Legal Group before speaking with any insurance company.

REMAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Unless your injuries require otherwise, don’t leave the scene of an accident until you have called the police and they have documented the accident. It’s important to obtain the other driver(s) name, address and phone number. Write down the license plate and registration numbers of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Ask the other driver(s) to show you their license, give you their phone numbers, their insurance company name and policy numbers. Obtain the names, phone numbers and addresses of all eyewitnesses. Don’t say you are not injured until you have seen a medical professional.

STATEMENTS
Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the investigating police officer, and then, only the basic facts. Statements made to your Texas motorcycle accident lawyer are confidential.

TAKE NOTES AND PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT
Take notes of important details, draw a sketch, take pictures to preserve skid marks, the position of the vehicles and other physical evidence that will likely disappear after the accident.

INSURANCE REPORTS AND NOTIFICATIONS
Do not give a statement to anyone without first consulting your Texas biker lawyer. Remember, insurance companies profit by denying claims.

CLAIMS MADE AGAINST YOU
Refer all claims against you to your Texas motorcycle attorney. Do not pay or promise to pay any claimant. Immediately forward all papers to your attorney.

CLAIMS MADE BY YOU
An attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your legal rights to recover a fair and reasonable settlement. Protect your legal rights and seek competent legal advice.

WHY HIRE THE COLE LEGAL GROUP IMMEDIATELY?
Because we deal with insurance companies and injury claims everyday. We bring our experience in dealing with deadlines, forms, claims, witnesses, preserving evidence and protecting Texas motorcycle accident victims to the table in every case. Insurance companies many times don’t take these claims seriously until a lawyer is involved. We make it our business to protect Texas motorcycle accident victims.

Call us NOW! (800) 245-5539 - The Texas Biker Lawyer

Infographic: the Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle

It's a motorcyclist's right to enjoy the open road, but it is their responsibility to exercise caution. Road conditions, other drivers and personal protective gear are all important to consider when getting on a bike.

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Pugs and Hogs Don't Mix; Motorcyclist Charged for Animal Cruelty

A New Jersey man thought that he was enjoying a nice rainy ride down route 18 with his pug last week, but it turns out the man was actually subjecting his dog to cruel and unusual treatment. Gyula Szatmari, 56, was issued a few tickets by New Jersey police after riding on his motorcycle with his pug in his lap.

Sgt. Anthony Lena, of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spotted Szatmari riding down the road with his pug sitting on the gas tank of his motorcycle, and decided to call the police.

Szatmari was pulled over and issued tickets for careless driving and the improper transportation of an animal.

Did Szatmari deserve his tickets?

It isn't illegal to carry a dog on a motorcycle, in fact, there is a whole industry dedicated to doggy riding gear. But it is frowned upon to ride with your pet unsecured on your bike, since it could jump off or distract you from paying attention to the road.

Szatmari will appear in court on October 13th to discuss his tickets. Should Szatmari be fined?

Do you ride with your pet?

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Harley-Davidson ‘Liberates’ Domesticated Animals

From Boulder-based Victors & Spoils comes the motorcycle spot that crowdsourcing can buy. Debuting alongside the season premiere of FX’s hit show Sons of Anarchy last night, the second installment in the “No Cages” campaign for Harley-Davidson depicts a rather harmless looking young man release a bunch of dogs into the wild wilderness of suburbia.

Why would he do this? Maybe he’s on drugs. Maybe he doesn’t understand that pet-store animals spread disease throughout the community until they’re eventually killed off by raccoons. Maybe the dog’s living situation reminds our friendly anti-hero of his own time spent in the slammer. Or, maybe he’s just a dick. Whatever his motivation, it all makes up for a very “cute” spot. But wait, does “cute” traditionally sell motorcycles to rebellious youth or weary men going through midlife crises? Well, when you consider almost 5 million viewers (3.22 million in the 18-49 demographic) tuned into the SOA last night, maybe you’re not selling a counter culture. Maybe you’re just selling pop culture.

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Austin biker takes anti-cancer message to fellow firefighters

Last spring Bob Damron retired from the Austin Fire Department in Texas and took his Harley-Davidson across country talking to fellow firefighters about prostate cancer.

In 2006 he was riding in a golf cart between tees when he received the phone call that would save his life. He had recently undergone a physical and assumed he would receive a clean health check. At 44 years old, he was the oldest firefighter ever to be hired in Austin and at 55 he skied and umpired minor league baseball to stay in shape.

He was more annoyed than alarmed when a health-care worker called and told him to visit his doctor because of a slight difference in his blood work.

“I complained to her about the co-pay,” he said.

Days later he was discussing his prognosis with a urologist. He had prostate cancer.

He shared his story at the Anderson Fire Department’s downtown station Sunday night. He will stop at 343 fire stations across the country on his motorcycle ride through October, giving his testimony six times some days.

“It’s a pay-it-forward system,” he said. “It’s googleable info that these guys deserve to know.”

Damron knew little about his risk for the cancer, he said, because he never knew his father. Having a family member with prostate cancer doubles a man’s chance of getting it. He advised the men to monitor their prostate specific antigen level.

Damron, who is now 60, vowed to keep his frank talk PG rated, but he slipped up a few times, garnering laughs from a few men.

He’s as comfortable talking about a prostate as he is discussing baseball or current events.

“I’m a firefighter,” he said. “I know these guys. They’re family.”

Battalion Chief Tom Dunlap said Damron’s talk is important.

“Firefighters die of heart attacks, but cancer gets a lot of them,” Dunlap said.

In the 22 years he’s been a member of a firehouse he’s known five or six men who have died of cancer.

Cholesterol and blood pressure are common health topics, said firefighter John Olive, but the prostate?

“That’s about as personal as it gets,” he said. He called the talk “eye-opening.”

“It was very humbling in a lot of ways. Being someone we can all relate to, he made the dangers of the cancer he had to fight with very real. It was not an abstract.”

Damron’s prostate was removed and all of cancer was contained there. He’s once again healthy and back to umpiring baseball and skiing.

He rides on a fire-engine red special edition Harley-Davidson designed for firefighters. Below the odometer are the 343 names of firefighters and paramedics who died on Sept. 11.

He will end his trip at the Fire Department of New York about a month after the anniversary of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“The softest pillow’s a clean conscience, and I sleep fine at night,” Damron said.

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source: www.independentmail.com (Howard, 8/29)

Hells Angels show what they thought of Hurricane Irene

New York bikers don't buy the hurricane hype: they didn't even cover their bikes.

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Great tips for avoiding distracted driving for folks who drive as part of their jobs

Distracted drivers are involved in accidents every 24 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. What’s more, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States.

And if a worker is killed or injured, the property loss from workplace traffic accidents cost employers billions of dollars each year.

Businesses with fleet drivers have a greater crash exposure than in other professions, as work experts estimate these types of drivers travel 20,000 to 25,000 miles or more annually.

Drivers typically face three kinds of distractions:

· Visual — taking your eyes off the road
· Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
· Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

Reasons for distractions include everything from texting or talking on a cell phone, to eating, drinking, grooming, talking to other passengers, reading or looking at a map and even something as benign as changing the radio station.

Driving takes concentration and attention. A split-second distraction can cause devastating effects, Hamilton said, adding that employers that rely on drivers may want to look at company policies to safe driving habits are included.

He provided these tips for workers who drive:

• Always wear a seat belt
• Be aware of local regulations regarding mobile phone use, as they can be different from city to city
• Do not engage in any activity that requires you to take your eyes off the road, your mind off of driving or your hands off the steering wheel
• Do not place or receive mobile phone calls while driving – especially in bad weather, while in unfamiliar areas or in heavy traffic that demands your total attention
• Pull off the road to place or take a call
• Allow a fellow passenger to handle an incoming call, if you can’t pull over
• Let an incoming phone call go to voice mail

He added a new state law had taken affect that many motorists may not know. From now on, motorists must provide a one-lane space cushion to emergency and law enforcement officers who are stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing.

In other words, if you are driving in the right lane, and a DPS officer has pulled someone off onto the shoulder, you need to move to the lane to the left in order to pass, leaving the right lane free.

Hamilton also said that if you are involved in a workplace car crash, the first thing to do is pull out of traffic if you can, check for injuries and call for medical help if necessary. Also, call the local law enforcement office to report the accident.

Finally, fill out accident report forms as needed for the police, your employer and the insurance company.

Careful, defensive driving and full attention to the road and other motorists will help steer you to safety, Hamilton said. He advised:

• Create a “safety cushion” to allow adequate stopping distance between your vehicle and the car in front
• Use caution approaching any intersection
• Always look when making left-hand turns – a car in front of you may be obscuring oncoming traffic
• Always use signals and be sure to signal your intentions well in advance
• Drive in the right lane when possible to lessen the chance of a head-on collision if you drive in the right lane
• Follow all the instructional road signs, such as speed limits, yield, etc.

[via]

OKLAHOMA BIKER on FOX 23

Beginning Aug 6th Oklahoma Biker will be hosting a weekly television show on Fox 23 in Tulsa. The show will air late nights on Saturday at 12:30 (or Sun morning whichever you prefer to call it). This television show will feature Oklahoma Bikers and Arkansas Bikers at motorcycle runs, rallies, and events. We will also showcase biker owned and biker friendly businesses located in Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.

If you have a bike night, motorcycle run, a rally or biker event you wish to have featured on Oklahoma Biker Television please call 918.260.7195 or go to www.oklahomabiker.net.

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source: currentland.com (Briggs, 8/5)

Wednesday test drive on motorcycle leads to riders death

A man was test driving a motorcycle at Alamo Cycle Plex in San Antonio Wednesday afternoon around 3:45pm.

The man reported to be 43 years old, was pulling out of the motorcycle dealership riding a black 2005 Kawasaki and getting onto the eastbound access lane near Dezavala Rd. when apparently a problem began. The man was first clipped by a small yellow car knocking him off the motorcycle. Then the man was struck by a second car.

Authorities arrived shortly after 4:00pm and shut down a section of I-10 for about an hour and a half. The investigators were attempting to discover whether the motorcycles malfunction was due to mechanical failure or the riders mistake.

The cyclists name was not released at the time. But it was stated that the rider was wearing a helmet.


source: Examiner.com (Fields, 7/28)

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If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident in Texas, contact David Cole at the Cole Legal Group.  He is a Texas Biker Lawyer, a fellow rider, and a personal injury lawyer that knows what it takes to get the compensation riders deserve. Unafraid of the courthouse and his opponents, he has fought for injured Texas motorcyclists from Beaumont to Amarillo to Brownsville to Dallas.    Bringing his personal biking experience and dogged determination, he leaves no stone unturned to protect his clients.

NY Motorcyclist crashes & dies from head injuries at anti-helmet protest

A bareheaded motorcyclist participating in a ride to protest mandatory helmet laws was killed when he was thrown over the handlebars in Onondaga, New York.

Philip A. Contos, 55, of Parish, New York, was on a ride organized by the Onondaga chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE), state police said Sunday.

Contos hit his brakes, began fishtailing and lost control of his 1983 Harley Davidson. He shot over the handlebars, hit his head on the pavement and was taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, where he was pronounced dead.

State police say evidence at the scene plus information from the attending medical expert indicated Contos would have survived had he been wearing a helmet as required by state law.

Asked about the apparent irony of Contos' death, the statewide president of ABATE, Thomas Alton, said, "We are riding at an increased risk and accept that. ... This individual was a seasoned rider, not a newbie. He made an adult decision. A full decision to ride in the manner he rode in."

Another New Yorker who has been a motorcyclist for over 50 years, Joseph Costantini, said, "I would never ride without a helmet -- even in a state that says you don't have to. I understand where the protesters are coming from because ultimately it's a matter of choice. For me, I would wear a helmet no matter what. ... Must feel great to ride without a helmet because sometimes it's uncomfortable. ... I'm sure his family isn't going to be happy."

Motorcycle helmet use dropped from 67% in 2009 to 54% in 2010, according to a press release issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

"This is another sad and tragic example where we have lost someone due to the lack of wearing a helmet," said Jonathan Adkins, communications director for the association.

According to Alton, a large percentage of motorcycle fatalities are due to inexperience and drivers not seeing motorcyclists when switching lanes or making turns.

ABATE of NY Inc. is organizing a memorial "to honor an individual who rode for freedom and risked his all for freedom," he said. A formal date is still to be determined.

Annual motorcycle deaths have more than doubled since the late 1990s with 5,290 in 2008, based on a report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


source: cnn.com (Raja, 7/4)

Biker Groups play at being Santa

Biker Claus: Groups exchange sleighs for motorcycles to bring gifts to needy children

McKINNEY -- Conventional wisdom says Santa Claus rides a sleigh and leaves presents on Christmas Eve.

However, this Fourth of July, Santa will trade in his sleigh for a 2009 Harley Davidson Low Rider with a rubber-mounted twin-cam engine with 3,000 rpms of torque and chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers.

The Dirty Bastards Motorcycle Club (DBMC), Bikers Against Road Rage (BARR) and the Guardians of Grace (GOG), the McKinney branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, are hosting the first-ever "Christmas in July." The clubs are collecting toys and goods for patients at a Plano children's hospital.

Collection boxes will be located at Fuzzy's Taco Shop, 3190 South Central Expressway, Suite 570, until July 4th. Collection boxes will also be placed at the parade, allowing for donations at the celebration.

The hospital is looking at different items based on age groups; the two groups with the greatest need are toddlers/infants and teenagers. For infants and toddlers, they are asking for children's books, baby toys, exersaucers, bumbo seats and plastic rattles. For teenagers, donations of art kits, clothing mirrors, bath products, journals and baseball caps would be appreciated.

Only new stuffed animals will be accepted due to infection control policies. Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target and Toys"R"Us will also be accepted.

The DBMC got the idea for the event from one of the member's wives who made donations to hospitals' wish lists on a regular basis. She wanted to get the DBMC involved -- and the idea evolved into "Christmas in July."

Both groups will take part in McKinney's Hometown Fourth of July Parade, and immediately after the parade, the riders will pick up the donations from Fuzzy's Taco Shop and deliver them to the hospital in Plano.

"We are big on giving back to those who can't give back themselves," Shane LeClair, member of the DBMC, said.

LeClair said he and the DBMC hope to continue the Christmas tradition every summer.

"We would love to turn it into an annual event," LeClair said. "We would love to see it grow and have people participate."

"Christmas in July" allows the DBMC, BARR and the GOG to celebrate freedom through one big, caring gesture.

"The event is important because we are nothing if we aren't a community," GOG member Kirk Stephans said. "Freedom isn't free; we should lift each other up, both spiritually and physically. We want to foster community spirit through giving love."


source: star local news (Pawlinski, 7/2)
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Big bikers, bigger hearts

Representing Bikers Against Child Abuse, Pilot, Twisted Sister and D-Day offered their services to Saline County at the Inter-Agency Council meeting on Tuesday morning.

The unlikely guardian's black-inked tattoo, gruff appearance and crass language makes him seem dangerous, and the thunderous roar of his bike is surely off-putting.

The biker poses a threat, but that's the point.

As a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, he fends off perpetrators of abused children, and he works to empower kids living in fear of violence. At the Inter-Agency Council's regular meeting Tuesday, D-Day and his biker buddies, Twisted Sister and Pilot, offered their assistance to Saline County.

"We're big burly guys," D-Day said. "But we're guys with big hearts."

The group of bikers exists to create a safer environment for abused children. Founded in 1995 by a therapist known as Chief, the bikers encourage children to testify against perpetrators in court.

"We are the plague to end child abuse," Chief said in a video message viewed by the council.

The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System estimated 1,770 child fatalities in 2009 in the United States. D-Day said 96 child abuse related deaths occurred in Missouri last year, and for every reported case it is believed there are three unreported cases of abuse.

Every BACA member rides because they have a "big heart" for children. If it helps empower the victim, they'll send the child to therapy, horseback riding or karate classes. The non-profit organization directs all the donated money toward helping the BACA kids.

"There's nobody in BACA that gets a check for doing what we're doing," D-Day said.

The bikers prepare the kids for the courtroom, go to trial with them, and, if needed, provide full-time protection during a threat.

"If you want to come after me that's fine, just don't go after the kids," he said. "I can take care of myself."

BACA works in conjunction with local and state officials, but the group consists of bikers from different backgrounds including law enforcement, lawyers, blue collar workers and people with "shady pasts." They only exclude child abusers or non-bikers from the organization.

According to their mission statement, they never condone violence. But if necessary, the bikers stand ready to divert perpetrators from children.

"If you're a pedophile or someone who's going to hurt a child, you're going to meet my fist," he said.

Consequently, in times of need D-Day has gone prom shoe shopping and sat at Wendy's all night while a BACA kid worked. He even took a 10-year-old boy to the swimming pool when the previous solution for his safety had been to keep him indoors.

"We stay there until the threat goes away," Twisted Sister said.

While there isn't a BACA organization here, well established BACA chapters border Saline County on all boundaries. BACA hopes to protect children in this area, too.

"We'll send whoever is closest and makes the most sense," she said.

BACA assigns each child two primary bikers. These bikers act as the child's protectors, but they also form a relationships with the child by taking them for ice cream and showing up at schools for "show and tell."

The BACA kids grow to trust their new "brothers and sisters," and when 40-plus bikers appear in the neighborhood for a ride, it sends a clear message of protection. This intimidation factor proves essential in securing the children, because most perpetrators live near their victims.

"We say what we do, and we do what we say," D-Day said. "And, there are a lot of us."

The child's confidentiality remains a priority even through the high profile rides. Most of the time, BACA riders don't learn anything about the child's specific case, until they accompany the child to court. Even the child's name remains confidential.

Each BACA kid chooses their own road name. Upon initiation into the BACA family, the kids receive a vest with their new name on it. On a ride, the abused children travel surrounded by their new biker friends, under their new pseudonyms such as "Frilly" and "Duck Man."

"We are a big ugly people, but that empowers them to be the kids they need to be," D-Day said.

For more information visit http://bacaworld.org or call the Kansas City, Mo. Chapter hotline at 816-520-0991


source: www.marshallnews.com
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About Texas Biker Lawyer, David Cole:

Attorney David Cole, as a youngster, recognized his love and passion of motorcycles. Well before law school, he owned and regularly rode numerous motorcycles. With his passion for the open wind and motorcycles, fighting to protect injured Texas motorcyclists and motorcycle rights seemed a natural fit after graduating from law school.

Meet the Bikerlawyer.com Facebook iPad2 Giveaway Winner, Aimee

Last week Facebook user, Aimee Zissa, was randomly selected as our Texas Biker Lawyer Facebook Giveaway winner, and is now the proud owner of a free 16gb wi-fi iPad2.

You may recall in honor of the 2011 Republic of Texas Rally we asked visitors of our vendor booth, and readers of our website, to "Like Us" on Facebook to be eligible for the drawing.  We also gave out other free promotional materials, and we were pleased by the response and the traffic to both our website and Facebook page.

Thank you all for your support.

Remember that we make it our business to protect injured Texas bikers.

You can also follow our quarterly periodical, Texas Rider News, to keep up with Texas Motorcycle Events, News, Discussion, Product Reviews, Rides, etc.

Motorcycle Safety Report Shows Positive Trend

Tulsa police examine a motorcycle that was involved in an accident. Motorcycle fatalities in Oklahoma fell 30 percent in 2010 as compared to the previous year. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World

For once, Oklahoma has come out looking good in some national rankings: According to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Oklahoma had one of the biggest declines in motorcycle fatalities in 2010 in the entire nation, posting a whopping 30 percent drop over the previous year's figure.

The decline may be just because there are fewer motorcycles on the road, or some other similar explanation. Then again, it may be that we're getting safer out there.

Let's hope it's the latter, because it's predicted that two-wheeled transportation will become even more common as more Americans discover the economy of motorcycles and scooters, and as more and more baby boomers attempt to recapture their misspent youth.

The GHSA report noted that motorcycle fatalities declined nationally at least 2 percent in 2010 over 2009, which saw an astounding 16 percent drop over the previous year.

The association estimated there were 4,465 motorcycle fatalities in 2009, and predicted there would be 4,376 or fewer in 2010. (States were still gathering data when the preliminary report was released in April.)

The two years of declines in motorcycle fatalities were cheered by riding enthusiasts (myself included) as indications that safety programs and other measures are working. Prior to 2009, motorcycle deaths had increased for 11 straight years.

According to the report, Oklahoma had 83 motorcycle deaths in the first nine months of 2009, compared with 58 deaths in the first nine months of 2010.

The GHSA's researchers, who surveyed safety offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, feel confident that the final figures will represent at least a 2 percent decline over the previous year.

The researchers projected declines in about half of the states, and remarkable declines in several states, including Texas (16 percent), Oregon (27 percent) and Oklahoma.

What could be accounting for this good news? Officials who saw both declines and increases in fatalities had lots of theories.

States that saw decreases in fatalities in many cases have put more emphasis on motorcycle safety. Activities included safety-promotion events, strategic safety plans, and educational and awareness campaigns. These states also were more likely to offer expanded rider-training opportunities. Some states took steps to address specific problem sites.

Some state officials believe there are fewer beginning riders taking to the road, a theory backed up by some dealers who report more recent sales to experienced riders rather than new riders.

Less travel was a factor in some states, where officials believe the economy was keeping some residents from taking up riding. Bad weather also kept lots of bikers off the roads in some states.

Tougher legislation increasing the penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement on drivers licenses, and also requiring motorcycle safety courses to obtain an endorsement, also were credited with bringing down fatalities.

Not surprisingly, states that had seen growth in registrations also in some cases experienced increases in fatalities.

Helmet use is a big factor in fatalities, and the recent trend toward less usage could have kept the declines in the last two years from being more dramatic.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report found that use of federally compliant helmets - the most protective type - dropped by 13 points in 2010, from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent. Un-helmeted riders increased from 24 percent to 32 percent. Use of federally compliant helmets dropped by 10 points in states with universal helmet laws and by 15 points in states without such laws. (Thirty states don't have universal helmet laws.)

According to the NHTSA, helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to operators, and 41 percent effective for passengers. In 2008, 42 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets; it's estimated that 822 of them would have lived if they had been wearing helmets.

The American College of Emergency Physicians' position on helmets is: "It is the single most effective strategy to prevent death and serious injury. NHTSA estimates that nearly 20,000 motorcyclists were saved by helmets between 1984 and 2006. It also estimates that more than 12,000 people might have been saved had they worn helmets."

Helmet laws were required by the federal government years ago, and by 1975, all but three states mandated helmet use for all motorcyclists. But mandates and incentives changed over the years, and now only 20 states have universal helmet laws. Most of the other states have laws requiring helmet use for some riders, usually younger ones.

While helmet use is advisable in the view of safety experts, they are hugely unpopular with many riders, who contend they restrict their sight and hearing, among other problems. History and experience indicate mandatory helmet laws are a tough sell politically - just look at how many states have repealed mandatory helmet laws - so chances are there won't be a groundswell of support to reinstate them.

While mandatory helmet laws continue to be debated, we now know that expanded safety measures are proving to be more and more effective. More training for beginning riders would be a good idea. Public awareness and educational campaigns work. Better enforcement of speeding and alcohol impairment laws also would help. Highway safety data for 2008 show that 35 percent of all riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. In 2009, 29 percent of fatally injured riders had blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit, and another 7 percent had lower levels of alcohol.

While the news on fatalities was generally good, there is still plenty of reason for concern. Most of the declines occurred in the first half of the year, with fatalities actually increasing in the third quarter.

In reviewing the national data, GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey said, "While there is a lot of good news in this report, the increase in fatalities toward the end of the year is a clear red flag. Just like with overall traffic deaths, a strengthening economy presents us with the potential for more tragedy on our roads. We are going to be very aggressive in targeting our programs where they are needed the most. Additionally, we will continue to remind all roadway users that motorcycles are a legal and legitimate way of transportation and we all need to safely share the road."

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source: www.tulsaworld.com (Pearson, 6/26)

5 Myths About Motorcycle Safety Debunked

Many motorists are trading in their cars for motorcycles partly to save money on gas, partly because of the allure of the sense of freedom that only comes with riding a motorcycle. But if you're new to two wheels, be warned: just as the motorcycle has attained a mythical status within American culture, so too are there many myths concerning motorcycle safety.

1. "You should lay your bike down to avoid a crash." FALSE

Laying your bike down is actually just crashing anyway. My guess is that this was a line from a rider who inadvertently found himself on the floor while actually trying to avoid a collision. Maybe before ABS brakes, it was necessary in certain emergencies, but most modern bikes shouldn't have a problem staying upright when stopping quickly. Laying down could actually make things much worse.

2. "Helmets can actually cause more injuries." FALSE

I find it hard to accept that some people actually believe this. Despite urban legends which claim wearing a helmet could impair your vision or could actually cause a rider to break their neck if thrown from their bike, the truth is that countless studies prove the exact opposite. Statistically, wearing a helmet makes you a safer rider as bikers who chose to wear helmets crash far less frequently than those who don't. Additionally, DOT-approved helmets use energy-absorbing technology which prevents neck injuries.

3. "Loud pipes save lives." FALSE

The popularity of loud modified exhaust systems demonstrates the prevalence of the theory that the louder you are, the more likely other motorists will notice you. Not so. Pipes only carry your noise to the rear of the bike, so it only increases awareness to you to those drivers you've already passed - not to those up ahead. It's better to invest in a bright helmet and jacket, which have been proven to save lives.

4. "Don't use your front break." FALSE

Many novice bikers are erroneously taught not to use their front break because if they break too sharply, they could be thrown over the front of the bike. While it's true that 70 percent of a bike's stopping power is in the front break - that's actually power you'll want to use when you need to make a sudden stop. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation teaches new riders to use both the front and rear brakes simultaneously in order to ensure a safe, steady stop.

5. "Splitting lanes is dangerous." FALSE

First off, let me clarify that lane splitting is illegal in Texas. However, a study conducted in California - the only state where the practice is legal - suggests that splitting lanes is actually safer than staying in lane, particularly in heavy, slow-moving traffic. Nonetheless, it's not likely to be legalized in Texas any time soon.

As a Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney, I've heard all the reasons for why motorcycle accidents occur: "I just didn't see him," or "He was coming so fast" - coming out of the at-fault driver's mouth. But when it comes to you, the rider, make sure you don't fall for any of these motorcycle safety myths. You can't count on regular motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings, which includes you.  So wear the appropriate safety gear, and stay sharp on the roads.  Ride safe.

Is It Time to Ban Motorcycles?

An article this week in the Sun-Sentinel argues that it’s time to ban motorcycles. The author makes a few good points, too, that really can’t be argued with.

• A motorcycle crash is more likely to result in a fatality than a car crash.
• 73 out of every 100,000 motorcycle riders die in a car crash.
• Motorcycle rider fatalities make up for 11% of all traffic fatalities.

Those statistics are taken from a 2007 report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and as far as I know, are absolutely true. Scary stuff, right?

Of course, that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. The fact of the matter is that motorcycle fatalities have been declining for the last two years, and organizations like the AMA, MSF, and the NHTSA are pushing motorcycle safety more than ever.

There’s also the fact that the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles.

The Hurt Report, otherwise known as the "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures” report, names other drivers as one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

The report reads:

"The automobile driver fails to detect the inconspicuous motorcycle in traffic. This is due to lack of motorcycle and rider conspicuity and lack of caution and awareness of the automobile driver."

Now, the Hurt Report was conducted in the late 70’s, so I’m not going to use that as hard evidence. But the Department of Transportation has compiled various reports that support the fact that distracted drivers are the main cause for concern when it comes to motorcycle accidents. (They even dedicated an entire website, www.distraction.gov, to the problem.)

MSF President Tim Buche, said:

"Distracted driving is of great concern for motorcyclists as we simply have more at stake. Riders are obviously more vulnerable than car or truck drivers, the ones with far more access to a variety of distractions. Most motorcyclists are focused on one thing: riding. Other motorists should be focused on driving."

So are motorcyclists really the problem?

OK, I’ll be the first to admit that a motorcycle isn’t the safest way to travel. But neither is driving. Or flying. Or cycling. I even broke a toe once while I was walking. But should we ban pedestrian travel?
Life is full of accidents. There is only so much you can do to prevent them.

Motorcycle Protective Clothing: Protection From Injury or Just the Weather?

An Australian study providing new evidence on the injury reduction benefits of motorcycle clothing in crashes will be launched in Sydney today. The study, led by Liz de Rome, Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health at The University of Sydney, is the first of its kind and will be published in Accident Analysis and Prevention.

This is the first study in over 25 years to examine the effectiveness of specialised motorcycle protective clothing and in particular, body armour. It is also the first to control for the contribution of other factors that may affect the severity of injury, such as speed or type of impact and age of rider.

One of the key findings of the study, which was funded by Australia’s leading motorcycle insurer Swann Insurance and involved 212 motorcycle and scooter riders, was that riders were significantly less likely to be admitted to hospital if they crashed wearing a motorcycle jacket, pants or gloves.

Ms de Rome said “One of the most important findings was the difference it made to be wearing body armour, particularly for hands and knees.”

When garments included fitted body armour there was a significantly reduced risk of any injury. This included a reduced risk of any injury to the upper body by 23%, legs by 39%, hands by 45% and feet by 45%. The results also found riders wearing shoes or joggers had a much higher risk of foot and ankle injuries, as any type of boot reduced risk of injury by 53%.

While there are limits to the extent clothing can prevent injury in high impact crashes, it is in low impact crashes that protective clothing is thought to offer the greatest injury reduction. There is also evidence that the majority of motorcycle crashes do not involve high impacts.

Ms de Rome commented, “Over 200 motorcyclists die and a further 8,000 are seriously injured on Australian roads each year. For many years, motorcycle safety research has been dominated by debate about the effectiveness of helmets with less focus on other protection for the rider’s body.

“With the increasing human and economic costs of motorcycle injuries around the world, there was a need for research into the effectiveness of protective clothing. We hope that the results of this study will show riders that their gear protects them from more than just the weather, encouraging them to wear more protective clothing which will in turn help reduce injuries.”

The results of the study also send a clear message to the manufacturers of motorcycle protective clothing. The proportion of jackets (29%), pants (28%) and gloves (25%) that failed under crash conditions due to material damage indicates a need for improved quality control.

While mandating usage of protective clothing is not recommended by the study’s authors, consideration could be given to providing incentives for usage of protective clothing, such as tax exemptions for safety gear, health insurance premium reductions and rebates.

Co-investigator, Associate Professor Rebecca Ivers, Director of Injury Research at the George, Institute said “This is ground breaking research. It sends a clear message to riders that protection is important every time they ride, and highlights the need for further investment by Government to encourage riders to wear appropriate clothing, and to work with the industry to improve the quality of products available”.

Stuart Chapman, General Manager of Swann Insurance, said the motorcycle insurer was pleased to have supported this study. “We think it's vitally important that riders have access to information such as the findings of this study so they can make informed decisions about what they should wear every time they ride,” he said.

“Funding this study forms part of Swann's broader commitment to improving rider safety – it’s what we are all about. We encourage every rider to take these findings on board."


source: The George Institute for Global Health