Motorcycle wreck

[wavinwayne]

This afternoon, I was out riding my road bike in rural Northeast AL. As I started climbing a long hill, I saw a small car (a Kia of some sort) approaching in my helmet-mounted rear view mirror. The car was slowing down, either waiting to pass, or because this was a no-passing zone; I can't remember if there was oncoming traffic. I moved as far to the side of the road as was safe. When the car was approx 75-100 ft. from me, I heard tires screeching, but I could tell right away this wasn't car tires...

There was a motorcycle behind the car that didn't brake in time. The motorcycle hit the right rear of the car at (I can only guess) 30-40 mph. The driver of the motorcycle (a large Victory) was thrown from the bike, and his bike went flying, too. He and the bike went airborne off the side of the road, down a rocky embankment approx. 20 ft. down, where he finally came to rest.

I immediately stopped, and ran back to see how badly he was hurt. The guy was messed up pretty bad, but aware of where he was, his name, day of the week, what happened, etc. Both his hands were ripped to shreds, and his left leg was broken badly from his impact with the car. Both I and the driver of the car called 911, and the local volunteer firefighters/paramedics arrived within 10 minutes. The ambulance and the AL State Trooper arrived probably 5-7 minutes later. We just told the guy not to move at all until help arrived, and he complied.

I hated to leave abruptly, but it was getting late and I had to get home before dark. I left me contact info with the State Trooper and left the scene. I was still an hour's ride from home. I hope the guy on the bike is OK, and I'm glad I wasn't injured. That's more excitement than I was looking for today. I feel terrible for the motorcycle rider, but there's nothing I could have done to prevent what happened to him.

 

[cos]

Glad to hear he wasn't killed. Was he wearing a helmet and gloves?

 

[wavinwayne]

Originally Posted By: cos
Glad to hear he wasn't killed. Was he wearing a helmet and gloves?


Yes. His gloves were half-fingers, which is why his hands got so messed up. I think he'll be OK. I asked him a bunch of questions before the paramedics got there. He didn't hit his head, and his back and neck were not hurting. He wasn't having any trouble breathing. Dude's going to be hurting BAD for a few days, for sure...or at least he will be after the morphine wears off.

 

[Dave Hess]

Thank God he didn't get killed.

Maybe he was too busy enjoying the scenery and not paying attention to the traffic in front of him. I notice people sometimes let their guard down when riding their motorcycle.

 

[FowVay]

I hate hearing stories like this. I too have been out riding lately now that the cold weather has given us a break. I am seeing all sorts of people out riding and I think it's going to be a great springtime for motorcycles.

I ride a very old (30 years old) motorcycle designed back in the 1970's and I can tell you that it takes a completely different tactic than what my newer bikes take. Stopping distances and reflex handling are almost scary. I can see how this accident happened if the rider wasn't paying attention to the traffic ahead.

Hopefully he'll fully recover and be back on the road in a few months. Thankfully you were there to render help and get the ambulance.

EDIT: I was just browsing through my issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine and on the very last page they print a comical picture titled "Parting Shots". In this issue they show a picture of a rack of motorcycle helmets that look like old Nazi storm trooper helmets or skull cap type helmets and some even have spikes in them. Obviously none of these things are DOT approved so they have a sign stating that they also sell the 'DOT Approved' stickers you can add to make the helmet appear legal.

It's funny because when your life actually depends on the helmet to keep your brain intact that little $2.00 sticker isn't going to help much. I just thought that picture was funny.

 

[Turk]

Thanks for doing the right thing!

Perhaps you can get more information from the newspaper, hospital or a follow-up call.

 

[mcrn]

Yes good to see you did the right thing. A lot of people im sure would have kept going. I hope he is ok. Like others have said, thank God he did not Die.

 

[The_Jeff]

Those novelty helmets do nothing for humanizing a motorcyclist or demanding respect from fellow motorists. "hey look there's a clown out playing with his toy..."

 

[wavinwayne]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Those novelty helmets do nothing for humanizing a motorcyclist or demanding respect from fellow motorists. "hey look there's a clown out playing with his toy..."

The helmet that the guy in the wreck yesterday was wearing, at least appeared to be a sturdy helmet. At the speed he was going, it probably would have kept his dome intact if his head had struck one of the large rocks where he landed. Somehow he didn't hit his head.

I was traveling through Daytona, FL a few years ago during bike week. There were thousands upon thousands of bikes everywhere you looked. Maybe one out of 250 of them was wearing a helmet. It sort of shocked me.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Good to hear that no one died and that, in the end, he'll be ok.

'round here EVERYONE is on their bike or walking their dog. It's funny. You dont' see ANYONE out for weeks on end during the cold weather, now that's totally reversed.

 

[cos]

wavinwayne,

It's amazing when I ride into Ohio - not a helmeted rider in site. I always wear a full face (HJC).

 

[Dave Hess]

Same thing when I head down to the Keys, I see very few people wearing a helmet.

 

[msparks]

I'm glad it wasn't you.

Got out for a 25 miler today. Luckily no cars ran me over. Was windy as all get out. For a little while we were doing 10mph on flat ground (25+ come home)

Stay safe out there, makes no difference what 2 wheels you are on. Always have to drive defensively.

 

[Steve S]

EDIT: I was just browsing through my issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine and on the very last page they print a comical picture titled "Parting Shots". In this issue they show a picture of a rack of motorcycle helmets that look like old Nazi storm trooper helmets or skull cap type helmets and some even have spikes in them. Obviously none of these things are DOT approved so they have a sign stating that they also sell the 'DOT Approved' stickers you can add to make the helmet appear legal.

It's funny because when your life actually depends on the helmet to keep your brain intact that little $2.00 sticker isn't going to help much. I just thought that picture was funny. [/quote] Those are still popular with Harley riders around here.

 

[The_Jeff]

Kind of bugs me, having bought my first bike last fall with intentions of commuting, having fun, and saving gas on it, that so many miles are spent just going in circles and looking cool in spiky nazi helmets.

I think it's a ball having the road rush under my feet, the wind in my face... I don't give a rat's tail if my chrome is pitted with rust or my plum red helmet would look better on a vespa.