Two Wheels Vs Four

When I was 16 years old just like others, I was eager to get my license and have the freedom of being out on the road. With time comes experience and freedom comes a lot of responsibilities. After taking the local drivers ed course, I was eager to receive my permit. Nervous yet excited I was willing to take on the risks that I still take for granted. I believe this is when people normally think, “well it won’t happen to me.”

Technology plays a big role in distracted driving, though it is not the only source. Passengers, music, what one might eat for lunch later, etc. Everyone is guilty of it, including me. There are times when I pick up my phone to call someone or just to change a song that is playing. I got my license when I was 17 years olds. Two years later I went out and accomplished one of my biggest dreams, getting a motorcycle. Two wheels, no doors, no airbags and no seatbelt. Deadly enough as it can be, even worse when cars do not pay attention to you.

As a motorcycle rider you will always lose, even when you are legally in the right. Distracted driving is always going to be a problem, from cell phones to cars with touch screen dashes. Target fixation is being so focused on an object that you steer yourself towards it. This especially can be deadly for motorcyclists and is a very common cause of accidents. One day I was out riding with my friend and I followed him into a curvy road. I watched his tires go towards the shoulder of the road onto the dirt as he almost hit a mailbox. I asked if he was okay and he told me that he was fine and that he was fixated on the mailbox. I knew his adrenaline had to be running but I did not question it as he corrected himself so quickly. In this case there is not much you can do for motorcyclists and being distracted besides getting more practice, and with time comes experience.

I do not believe that implementing more electronic devices in cars such as voice commands or hand-free programs will help since your brain is not focusing on the road. Taking a motorcycle safely I learned a lot that could even be implemented into everyday driving. One big thing that I carry with me is, “pretend no one can see you”. Looking everywhere and acting like you are invisible could save your life. I believe in driver education they should implement some lessons that have been taught in the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) courses .

Being a part of different riding groups I have heard some heartbreaking stories. One that I have heard recently was about a distracted driver and my friend’s brother on a bike. My friend’s brother was killed in an accident at 5:30 in the morning by a newspaper delivery driver. The driver was sorting and folding newspapers and crested a hill in the opposite lane, creating a head on collision which he died immediately on impact. Personally I could never imagine myself going through this with my own brother but it also goes to show that there are many different forms of distracted driving.

My dad has a very bad habit of texting and driving and his excuse is always, “I run my own business”. Although it is true, there is no text worth an accident. If it is that important then I believe you need to pull over in a safe location. No text is worth a life. When I am in my friends or family’s car while they are driving and they are on their phone trying to send a text message or changing music, I will always offer to do it for them since they are putting my safety at risk. Even if it is not intentional.

Personally I focus on what I can control and teach others. I have a lot of younger friends that have just recently started to get their license and I always do my best to set good examples and remind them of the importance of driving safely and correctly. My grandma who is in her 60’s has recently been practicing to get her drivers license. She is not really a good driver and has failed three times so far. Although she is getting a lot better she struggles to pay attention to the road and always gets side tracked with what she has to do later. I often explain to her the importance of paying attention to your surroundings and I especially make a big deal about motorcyclists since I am one myself. In hopes of her wanting to look out for my safety as well as others. I believe in being a role model and setting the best example possible.