I realize driving a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving (or riding in) a car. No problem there.
Cliff and I try to cut our risks by staying off freeways, out of city traffic when possible, and avoiding night driving. Still, we know we're at the mercy of stupid (or drunk) drivers.
What gets me is this: People tell about their friends or relatives having an awful motorcycle wreck, and say they'd never ride one. And advise others, "Don't get a motorcycle".
Yet, when they have a friend or relative who gets involved in an automobile accident, you never hear them advise folks to stay out of cars.
Somebody help me with this. Would you call this a double standard?
It is indeed a classic case of double standard by many, including my parents.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time it is true that motorcycle has lesser protection to the rider than enclosed cars and buses.
Either way, if a motorcyclist gets into an accident with a car, chances are the motorcyclist will get hurt more than the car driver.
Since my father got into a bad motorcycle accident that had him bedridden, be helped to the toilet and get cleaned-up for eight months, he decreed to his children that none would be permitted to own one.
I would have owned one if not for his accident. Now I pay people to drive me to my destinations... not by a chauffeur, but a cab, bus or train driver. Sigh.
Yes there is a double standard. I love the feeling of the open road and the wind in my hair. I also have a scar on my leg (third degree burn) caused by an exhaust pipe.
ReplyDeleteWould I get back on one?In a heart beat. I love to ride.Just cause I'm 54 wouldn't stop me.
God bless, Donna
Yes, it is a double standard but we got it all the time when we had our bikes. Our dog (poodle) even rode with us in a backpack that I wore in the front. We were like you, we stuck to the safer roads and never had a problem, well other then the people in the cars gawking at our dog! ha!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a double standard. It's the same with folks that won't fly but they get in their cars and your chances of dying in a car are much greater than in a plane.
ReplyDeleteYou just don't have much protection on a motorcycle but they are lots of fun. I say be careful and enjoy!!
Sure, I agree with what everyone else said; double standard. But look at how many people do all those extreme sports and go bungee jumping and all. I think it's just personal choice.
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