As I was going into one of those blind turns I came upon 3 guys on bikes (2 crotch rockets and a stripped down Virago) when that 'Oh shit' feeling came over me. I stopped and noticed that one cat was picking grass out of his tail pipe. His sweatshirt was tattered and bloody with his shoulder looking not-quite-right. I looked down and saw his scrapped up helmet with a busted face shield. As near as I could figure he went into the turn too fast and did a low-side taking a massive shot to the dome. I tried to be of assitance but it was obvious that he was badly concussed. It could have been a lot worse. His friend had the situation well in hand with help was on the way, so I left them there. As I pulled out a guy on a Bonneville flew through the turn...
Indiana is a no helmet law state. Regardless of that I always wear a helmet, usually my vintage, DOT approved, full face AF50. I also always wear jeans, boots, gloves and long sleeves. My outfit is usually selvedge Levi's, Red Wing type work boots or hi-top Vans, and a vintage leather racing style jacket or work shirt depending on the weather. I have 2 kids who depend on me as well as lots of people who love me. I don't want to look like one of those dorky Power Rangers dudes, but I want to be safe.
Please, if you are reading this...just wear a helmet. DOT approved helmets from JC Whitney are $25 for open face and $40 for full face, so there is really no excuse.
Fatal impacts by percentage
There is just too much that could go wrong and I hate to hear about someone passing away from a preventable tragedy.
No comments:
Post a Comment