I'm not one to make fun of anyone's misfortune, and that is not my intent with this message. I share this news because I believe it's worthwhile to highlight why we choose to wear gear when we ride. I'm sure there are countless stories every day like this one. It is sad, especially when it hits so close to home. I don't know this rider personally, but she works at the same company as me.
At my work, there is a fairly large motorcycle riding community which informally keeps in communication about upcoming local events in the Fort Worth area, and occasionally schedules days where many employees ride to work and then go to lunch together. Many of these riders own "Harley" type cruisers. I don't want to stereotype anyone, but I don't think it's hard to swallow the idea that a larger percentage of "cruiser" riders than Ducati riders don't wear a lot of riding gear (helmets, gloves, leathers, etc). The following is an email thread which just started this morning from this group. While gear isn't specifically mentioned, I just get the impression based on the severity of the injuries, that the rider may not have been wearing a full face helmet or gloves.
My thoughts and prayers are with her and their family. It sounds like an unfortunate accident that didn't need to happen, and some injuries which probably could have been minimized with proper gear.
QuoteSubject: Rider Down...Terri Teague
One of our fellow Alconian bikers, Terri Teague, was in a motorcycle accident last Saturday evening. From what we have heard so far, Mike and Terri were moving at highway speed on I-35 in front of Miller Brewery. There was an idiot on a crotch rocket weaving in and out of traffic and closing on them from behind at a very high rate of speed. The word is that the police had already been called about this moron and his reckless driving. Unfortunately, they hadn't caught him before he took Terri out. Supposedly, he hit another vehicle and ricocheted into Terri. The impact knocked her off of her bike and sent her skidding onto the pavement. The crash totaled her bike, but she's alive. Her injuries are serious, but thankfully not life threatening. She's got road rash all over her face, hands, and body, 8 staples in her head, and a broken bone in her hand. She is out of the hospital and home now but cannot do much for herself, since she can't use either of her hands because of the severity of road rash and the break. The guy that hit her was arrested and charged with a felony.
Mike is home helping with her care, I hear that they have 7 children living at home with them. So, any of you that want to drop off a casserole or some other baked goodies (or just take out food for the single guys), I know Mike and Terri would really appreciate it.
Terri saw her doctor yesterday and he's recommending to Mike that she needs to be scrubbed daily to prevent scabbing and scarring and I'm afraid this will be so painful and Terri will be so exhausted after each session. (my stomach turns just thinking about it!) They are so grateful to everyone for their love, prayers and support!
Keep her in your prayers for a fast healing! Please forward this onto any of Mike and Terri's friends that are not on our biker list.
Every time...every where....RIDE SAFE!!!
Ouch! My sympathies to your friend/co-worker but your assessment is probably right... zero protective gear. You would think that since there are so many cruisers out there (Harley or not) that there has to be a good percentage that crash and of those how many get hurt like your friend or worse due to doo-rags, no gloves, no real jacket, etc.? Oh, but you do have to wear your Harley brand steel toed boots... at least your feet are OK. :P Logic would dictate that if members of your deer herd keep getting killed and eaten by lions every time you go to drink from a pond you might consider not going to that pond and try another one. Just basic herd logic. Guess that doesn't apply to cruiser riders... cool style above safety. No matter how many of your friends get hurt because of no gear. Twenty bucks says that her friends rode to the hospital to see her all wearing doo-rags and nothing else. [roll]
Glad they caught and charged the asshole on the "crotch rocket". I have a Busa and GSXRs and it pisses me off when I see them do their typical nonsense on those bikes. People in cars look at me like I'm an idiot when I'm on one of those bikes in full gear because some jerk just cut them off wheelying at 100mph on LBJ. They can't tell I'm a bald old fart, for all they know I'm the dumbass that just cut them off. Except he probably had on a tank top, shorts and flip flops. Oh well, riders have always had an image problem with the general public... always will. Heck, we even have an image problem amongst ourselves. This post proves it. [bang]
Jim, I am so sorry to hear that. If there is a way to get ahold of either of them please pass this information on to her. I was in a accident about 5 years ago with major road rash (no gear) and I had to keep gauze on the rash at all times and had to have it scrubbed everyday also. Tell them that instead of gauze use womens pads. (ultra thin work well) They are sterile and DON'T STICK to the rash. It may seem wierd, but trust me IT WORKS!! Plus they are alot cheaper than gauze. Tell them to cut a t-shirt up the middle and stick them to the shirt after they put neosporane on the rash, this way she can put the shirt on like a jacket.
Alan, you told me the reason you know this so well. Sorry you had to learn the hard way too. That simple spin around the block with no gear sounds OK at the time. What's that stat about wrecks happening a quarter mile from the house? But that is good advice about the women's pads. William, are you taking notes? Do you know how much skin I lost road racing bicycles?? Lots. :P You get real good at cleaning and bandaging road rash. Unfortunately.
Quote from: littleyellowduc (LYD) on May 28, 2008, 08:01:58 AM
Jim, I am so sorry to hear that. If there is a way to get ahold of either of them please pass this information on to her. I was in a accident about 5 years ago with major road rash (no gear) and I had to keep gauze on the rash at all times and had to have it scrubbed everyday also. Tell them that instead of gauze use womens pads. (ultra thin work well) They are sterile and DON'T STICK to the rash. It may seem wierd, but trust me IT WORKS!! Plus they are alot cheaper than gauze. Tell them to cut a t-shirt up the middle and stick them to the shirt after they put neosporane on the rash, this way she can put the shirt on like a jacket.
Alan, that sounds like really good information. I have passed it along to someone who's planning to visit her daily after work. Hopefully he will pass it along, and they will find the information useful and helpful.
The pads will save her many days of pain from having to remove the gauze everyday. The pads basicaly fall off. It sucks to have to give this information out, but trust me it works, and works well!! Tell the people who are going to see her this is serious and tell her!
Wow.
It is terribly ironic you posted this just now; I was just driving home from some errands and noticed how nice and sunny it was... still really humid. Maybe I'll just go for a quick spin on the motorbike. Damn, it'd feel a lot nicer if I didn't wear my jacket... Prolly could ditch my gloves too - save my manicure from creases in the polish that's for sure. Jeez, what could happen?
No shit - my exact thoughts 20 minutes ago. Not sure what was going through my head there... Not THIS very sad story obviously.
Thanks for the post Jim and my sincere best wishes to her and her family for a speedy recovery.
ATG/ATT
Wow, that sounds so painful. I wish her the best. I hope this doesn't change her opinion regarding sport bike riders for the worse. [roll]
LYD, that is some really good information. I've heard of that treatment before in Asia, so guess it really does work. The sticking on the shirt part is really smart. First time for me to hear about that. [thumbsup]
On the no gear topic....
I saw a guy on a cruiser today ( the typical lot, no gear and a bandana ) with one hand on his throttle and the other was up to his ear talking on a cell phone... ON A MOTORCYCLE WTF. I thought we had enough problems dealing with car drivers on phones. I never thought I'd see a biker talking on his phone cruising down the road. How do you even hear anything with the engine and wind noise???
and we wonder why non riders think we're all lunatics.. >:(
Quote from: n2f on May 28, 2008, 09:19:43 AM
Wow.
It is terribly ironic you posted this just now; I was just driving home from some errands and noticed how nice and sunny it was... still really humid. Maybe I'll just go for a quick spin on the motorbike. Damn, it'd feel a lot nicer if I didn't wear my jacket... Prolly could ditch my gloves too - save my manicure from creases in the polish that's for sure. Jeez, what could happen?
No shit - my exact thoughts 20 minutes ago. Not sure what was going through my head there... Not THIS very sad story obviously.
Thanks for the post Jim and my sincere best wishes to her and her family for a speedy recovery.
ATG/ATT
Irony abounds. Just last night I allowed myself to relax my usual riding gear for a test ride (literally) around my block to make sure all my gizmos on my bike were operational for the Hill Country ride. My wife caught the evidence on her iPhone.
And guess what? I did get hurt for not wearing proper gear. When I was putting the bike away in the garage, I burned my calf on the exhaust! >:(
(http://www.barneephife.com/pics/duc/bpnono.jpg)
That is a very sad story, my prayers go out to her. Here's hoping she has a fast recovery.
I'm sure many people think I over dress when I ride, but that is my personal choice. I rather be hot and have my cloths stick to me, than take a chance on either bike. Even on hot and humid days I feel naked without my chaps, so I wear them on the Duc until I find leather riding pants.
Experience has shown when not prepared that's when bad stuff happens.
Quote from: Taz Duc on May 28, 2008, 02:29:55 PM
Experience has shown when not prepared that's when bad stuff happens.
Got that right! [thumbsup] It's a twist on the Murphy's Law thing... take a rainsuit, it won't rain... take a flat repair kit, you won't get a flat. Well, on second thought, the flat repair kit/no flat theory is automatically trumped if you are on a ride with Scott! [laugh] I don't know how you classify guaranteed tire trouble. Hopefully the tire curse will be busted on the Hill Country ride! ;D
Hope you are a good inspiration to your cruiser bike riding friends by wearing all your gear. Hopefully they don't need inspiration and are smart just like you.
Quote from: Taz Duc on May 28, 2008, 02:29:55 PM
That is a very sad story, my prayers go out to her. Here's hoping she has a fast recovery.
I'm sure many people think I over dress when I ride, but that is my personal choice. I rather be hot and have my cloths stick to me, than take a chance on either bike. Even on hot and humid days I feel naked without my chaps, so I wear them on the Duc until I find leather riding pants.
Experience has shown when not prepared that's when bad stuff happens.
I bought a pair of chaps the other day - how do you like yours, TazDuc? Not to be morbid, but do you know of people who have crashed with chaps? Did the chaps provide enough protection?
I've seen so many cruiser riders with chaps, thought I'd add them to the summer repitoire. The ones I've got are very thick so in addition to abrasion resistance, I figure they'll work on bugs and flying gravel as well.
Quote from: fastwin on May 28, 2008, 02:59:49 PM
Well, on second thought, the flat repair kit/no flat theory is automatically trumped if you are on a ride with Scott! [laugh]
Hey, I resemble that remark!!!!! [laugh]
What's up with my tires, anyway?!?!
At least MY bike didn't go up in a puff of smoke on the last HC trip :P
Quote from: n2f on May 28, 2008, 03:27:34 PM
I've seen so many cruiser riders with chaps, thought I'd add them to the summer repitoire.
Good idea... Make sure you get the half-chaps (just up front) they're cooler. Lots of fringe to match your jacket!
Also don't forget to wear something underneath- brightly colored thong underwear works the best [thumbsup]
Seriously, gear up. Sounds like Jim's co-worker is in for a long, painful recovery. Hope it's speedy & complete [thumbsup]
Please be safe out there...
Quote from: n2f on May 28, 2008, 03:27:34 PM
I bought a pair of chaps the other day - how do you like yours, TazDuc? Not to be morbid, but do you know of people who have crashed with chaps? Did the chaps provide enough protection?
I've seen so many cruiser riders with chaps, thought I'd add them to the summer repitoire. The ones I've got are very thick so in addition to abrasion resistance, I figure they'll work on bugs and flying gravel as well.
The thicker the leather. the greater protection to your skin from anything that can cause damage to exposed skin. I do know the older you get, the less your skin can bounce back.
I have not met anyone yet who has crashed or maybe they just haven't brought up the subject. I got the medium weight chaps back in Nov to help keep me warm, but also found out they block the wind and caught the bugs which to me is worth it. Plus I think chaps are HOT looking. [cheeky] I picked up a light weight pair the other week for summer because I want that extra layer of skin. I came to this conclusion a month ago when we only went down the road for dinner on the Ducs and in the parking lot I dropped Daisy Duc trying to make a very slow turn. If I didn't have my chaps on, 1) I would have burned my leg and 2) would have damaged the paint. I got a good bruise on the butt and leg, but they saved Daisy and she came out with only a nick on the ends of the lever/throttle.
I read an article a little while back and it talked about crashes and injuries. Head and knee injuries toped the list, so getting leather riding pants with knee protection is next on my list for when I ride the Duc more. I'm sure the possibilites of flying off the Hog and banging a knee up is just as high as on the Duc, but for now I'm willing to take that risk. Down the line if I get spooked, I can always throw on knee pads under or over the chaps.
We see all types of bikers on all different kind of bikes with little to no gear and well that is their choice. I worked in a hospital long enough to see what happens to the human body in a crash and I'll do what I can to stack the deck in my favor. I would like hubby to wear chaps too, but he thinks they look gay on guys. I think they look sexy, but in the end it is his choice not mine.
Even a full helmet is not enough. Get a good one. Don't be like Andre was a couple years back and be cheap on gear... look for ones with high impact ratings.
OK, I am stepping down from the soap box.
Thanks for the reply Dar. The chaps I've got go all the way around the leg and have a single long zipper on the outside. No seat or front, but good, thick leather everywhere else. I'll wear the chaps over my kevlar jeans. Not intending to replace my "usual" leather/armored riding gear with the chaps, just gonna slip 'em into the rotation.
And now, more on topic, a picture that I posted on TOB a while back:
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/Fullface.jpg)
Several years ago someone on Two Wheeled Texans crashed at highway speeds then skidded down the freeway on his face. Aside from this total right-off of a really nice helmet, there were no other injuries :o
And just one more bit of semi-useless trivia: motorcycle riders are three times as likely to have a crash,
A) In the first six months of riding, and/or
B) After the first two years of riding.
Hmmm...
and don't something like 60% of all motorcycle accidents happen to riders that have been drinking?
i'm just throwing in random unverified statistics...
Then there is the whole out of nowhere comes a wild animal thing. Forty three years of riding two wheeled motorized vehicles then BOOM... out of freaking nowhere. What are the odds? Wear your stuff... all of it, all the time. Hell, my neck still hurts even writing this.
This comes direct from a report published by the NHTSA, or National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This report's research was conducted over a 4 year span from 2001-2005, and here are the findings.
1) Findings based on two-vehicle motorcycle crash trend (2001-2005) data:
• Among fatal motorcycle crashes, nearly 55 percent of the crashes were multivehicle
crashes -- crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle (one or more).
• Of the motorcycle rider fatalities from multivehicle crashes about 90 percent were
from two-vehicle crashes, involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
• An overwhelming majority (more than 85%) of the motorcycle riders killed in twovehicle
crashes were crashes involving passenger vehicles.
• Among the fatalities in two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles and passenger
vehicles, 90 percent were operators of motorcycles, 8 percent were the passengers
of motorcycles and the remaining 2 percent were occupants of passenger vehicles.
(2) Findings based on characteristics of two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in which the motorcycle
operator was killed from 2005:
• In nearly three-fourths of these crashes, the role of the motorcycle was recorded as
the striking vehicle.
• Alcohol involvement among motorcycle operators killed was almost 2.5 times the
alcohol involvement of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in these crashes.
• Nearly one-fourth (24%) of the motorcycle operators killed in two-vehicle crashes
involving passenger vehicles, had an invalid license at the time of the crash compared
to 8 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers.
• Of the motorcycle operators who were killed in these crashes, 27 percent were
speeding at the time of the crash compared to 4 percent of the passenger vehicle
drivers.
• Of the front-to-side crashes involving motorcycles and passenger vehicles, where
one vehicle collided with the other at right angles, in 78 percent of the crashes the
role of the motorcycle was recorded as the striking vehicle.
• In 55 percent of the head-on two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles and passenger
vehicles, the role of the motorcycle was recorded as the striking vehicle.
NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 3
• In 68 percent of the rear-end crashes involving motorcycles and passenger vehicles,
the role of the motorcycle was recorded as the striking vehicle.
• Of the motorcycle operators killed in two-vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles,
49 percent had a previous driving violation recorded on their license at the
time of the crash.
• For the passenger vehicle drivers involved in two-vehicle motorcycle crashes, 35
percent of the driver-related factor was failure to yield right-of-way compared to
only 4 percent for motorcycle operators.
• There were 1.5 times as many two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving passenger
vehicles in 2005 during weekends than during weekdays.
• More than 90 percent of the two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving passenger
vehicles occurred on non-interstate roadways (in both urban and rural areas).
• Of the two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving passenger vehicles, nearly 6 out of
10 occurred on urban roadways.
• More than 70 percent of these crashes occurred from May to October, which correlates
to the peak motorcycle riding season.
• In 13 percent of the two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving passenger vehicles,
braking was reported as a crash avoidance maneuver by the motorcycle operators.
• Twenty-eight percent of the motorcycle operators killed in two-vehicle motorcycle
crashes involving passenger vehicles were in the 20 to 29 age group, followed by 21
percent for the 40 to 49 age group and 20 percent for the 30 to 39 age group.
• Of the motorcycle operators killed in these crashes, 97 percent were males and 3
percent were females.
Something else rather sobering:
Google "the hurt report" and read what you find. WOW.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the injured and her family and friends. It really sucks to have to learn a lesson like this first hand.
Just like Lisa said...ATG/ATT.
*edit* here's a good link to the report: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html)
Jim any update on her?
Quote from: littleyellowduc (LYD) on June 05, 2008, 07:22:08 AM
Jim any update on her?
There was an update about her 2 days ago. It sounds like her recovery is going as expected.
...her primary doctor told her that she is healing very nicely, however its still going to take time. She will be seeing an orthopedic for her hands, her right one has a broken bone and the left has a large amount of road rash (this one hurts her the most). She is able to get up and move around some, but she has gauze wrapped around both hands all the way up her arms and walks around with her arms out.
Thanks! Wish her the best!
hmmm, that reminds me, any way we could get in touch with the couple that we found crashed out on 337 sunday? The thought came in my mind to give them my number to let us know how everything went, but I didn't think about it until we were on our way back... :-\
Quote from: hiero on June 05, 2008, 03:45:37 PM
hmmm, that reminds me, any way we could get in touch with the couple that we found crashed out on 337 sunday? The thought came in my mind to give them my number to let us know how everything went, but I didn't think about it until we were on our way back... :-\
I was thinking about them myself... I doubt a hospital or Leakey EMS would release personal (including health) info. Prolly didn't make the news anywhere.
Hoping for the best...
Found (read "stole") this somewhere-
(http://homepage.mac.com/metcalfe/.cv/metcalfe/Sites/.Pictures/Gear.png-thumb_269_202.jpg)
Link to larger version-
http://homepage.mac.com/metcalfe/Misc./PhotoAlbum38.html
You could probably check with the local DPS, Sheriff, Constable or police depending on who showed to work the accident. I believe you said that you were there when they arrived... right? They don't have the HIPPA law problem that medical help has. If you track down the right office you could probably pass your info on to the officer that worked the wreck and if he's half way decent he could pass it along to the couple. The OK State Trooper that worked my accident was unbelievably nice and helpful to both Jennifer and my brother who picked up the bike. He went out of his way to meet my brother to give him my boots, jacket, helmet, gloves and my CHL pistol I had with me.
Hopefully the officer in charge would pick up on the sincere concern and help with the contact. He should know who you guys are since you were there.
scott hope you don't mind but i am borrowing your pic to show someone i know!! the one that says gear.