U.S. Highway Deaths Increase in 2005

By KEN THOMAS, AP

WASHINGTON (AP) - Traffic deaths in the United States reached their
highest levels since 1990, the government reported Tuesday, fueled by
an increase in motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 43,443 people
were killed on the highways last year, up 1.4 percent from 42,836 in
2004. It was the highest number of fatalities in a single year since
1990, when 44,599 people were killed.

The fatality rate also grew slightly to 1.47 deaths per 100 million
miles traveled, an increase from 1.45 in 2004. It was the first
increase in the fatality rate since 1986.

"We have no tolerance for any numbers higher than zero," said Acting
Transportation Secretary Maria Cino. "Motorcyclists need to wear their
helmets, drivers need to buckle up, and all motorists need to stay
sober."

The annual report found that motorcycle fatalities rose for the eighth
straight year, growing 13 percent since 2004. The government said 4,553
motorcyclists died in 2005, compared with 4,028 in 2004. Nearly half of
the people who died were not wearing helmets.

Pedestrian deaths increased from 4,675 in 2004 to 4,881 in 2005. NHTSA
said it was investigating the increase to try to learn what led to the
growth.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. The information contained in the
AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise
distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated
Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.


2006-08-23 12:14:21

On Tue, 29 Aug 2006 06:29:55 -0700, Sheldon wrote:

> U.S. Highway Deaths Increase in 2005

AND

Aggravated assaults, robberies up in Austin Police say they're combating
violent crime by cracking down on game rooms and drunks.

By Claire Osborn
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Violent crime in Austin jumped 12.9 percent during the first six months of
the year, in part because of fights at nightclubs and food stands and
robberies connected to illegal gambling, an Austin police report said.

Compared with the first six months of last year, robberies had the biggest
increase, rising 16.7 percent. Aggravated assaults had the second-biggest
increase, rising 13.5 percent, the report said.

Murders, meanwhile, dropped 46.2 percent, from 13 to 7, the report said.
Five more murders have been reported since the end of June, police said.

But the report said it could have been worse. Violent crime was up almost
16 percent at the end of March, and police credit new initiatives with
slowing the increase by June.

The Austin Police Department, which released the report to the City
Council on Friday, declined Monday to comment on the statistics.

City Council Member Brewster McCracken said he was not alarmed by the
increase in violent crime.

"I would be more concerned if you saw a jump in murders or some kind of
evidence that you had gang activity or drug wars, which were things that
really caused a big crime wave in the '80s," he said. "It doesn't seem
like there's been a broader generalized increase in crime in the
community."

Hispanics were victims in 53 percent of the robberies reported through
June, according to the report. The report said police have responded by
doing surveillance of apartment complexes where robberies have occurred
and talking to residents.

Immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries have long been
targets for criminals, and the department has worked for years to
encourage them to report crimes and to avoid carrying large amounts of
cash by opening bank accounts.

The report said that after police saw the March numbers, they launched a
"tactical crime reduction plan" in April.

Officers had noticed many robberies connected to businesses operating
so-called eight-liner gambling machines, and in June, they raided 23
places that were illegally paying out cash prizes from the machines, the
report said. That followed a 2005 crackdown during which police and
federal agents seized about 700 of the machines and charged 34 people with
state and federal crimes.

Many aggravated assaults reported in the first six months of this year
involved people who were drinking at nightclubs, the report said. Other
assaults and robberies happened after 2 a.m., when the clubs closed and
intoxicated customers lingered at mobile food stands, the report said. It
said police are stepping up efforts to arrest people for public
intoxication.

Austin police worked with the City Council to establish a temporary
ordinance that restricts the hours that a mobile food vendor can be open
depending on how close it is to homes, the report said. The closing times
range from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The City Council has not made the ordinance
final but will consider it again Thursday.

Mexican-food vendors, who formed their own group in Austin called AVATACO,
have said they do not think their businesses generate delinquent behavior.

McCracken said that aggravated assaults at bars did not surprise him.

"When I was a prosecutor, we got so many aggravated assault cases, and
they almost always involved bar fights or family violence," he said.

The portion of aggravated assaults that involved family violence decreased
from 23 percent for the first six months of last year to 9.5 percent for
the same time period this year, the report said.

In article .com>,
"Sheldon" > wrote:

> The annual report found that motorcycle fatalities rose for the eighth
> straight year, growing 13 percent since 2004. The government said 4,553
> motorcyclists died in 2005, compared with 4,028 in 2004. Nearly half of
> the people who died were not wearing helmets.
>
> Pedestrian deaths increased from 4,675 in 2004 to 4,881 in 2005. NHTSA
> said it was investigating the increase to try to learn what led to the
> growth.

That's easy...

More people are walking and/or riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!

I'm surprised that bicycle deaths are not up too, or maybe they did not
count those?

I'd ride a bike to work in a heartbeat if my commute was not 25 miles by
freeway. :-(
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

>
> > The annual report found that motorcycle fatalities rose for the eighth
> > straight year, growing 13 percent since 2004. The government said 4,553
> > motorcyclists died in 2005, compared with 4,028 in 2004. Nearly half of
> > the people who died were not wearing helmets.
> >
> > Pedestrian deaths increased from 4,675 in 2004 to 4,881 in 2005. NHTSA
> > said it was investigating the increase to try to learn what led to the
> > growth.
>
> That's easy...
>
> More people are walking and/or riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!
>
> I'm surprised that bicycle deaths are not up too, or maybe they did not
> count those?
>
> I'd ride a bike to work in a heartbeat if my commute was not 25 miles by
> freeway. :-(
> --
> Peace!
> Om

As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda unnatural)
on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the breeze
is more important.

When our boys were still at home (all 5 of them) we had a rule... if you
want to ride a motorcycle you will have to live elsewhere!

Chris

In article >,
"Chris Marksberry" > wrote:

> > I'd ride a bike to work in a heartbeat if my commute was not 25 miles by
> > freeway. :-(
> > --
> > Peace!
> > Om
>
> As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda unnatural)
> on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the breeze
> is more important.
>
> When our boys were still at home (all 5 of them) we had a rule... if you
> want to ride a motorcycle you will have to live elsewhere!
>
> Chris

When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...

As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P

I meant bicycle.

But I agree with the helmet thing. Not wearing a helmet is foolish.
As is wearing no seatbelt. I wore a seatbelt long before it ever became
law.
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

"Chris Marksberry" > wrote

> As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda
> unnatural)
> on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the
> breeze
> is more important.

My fil was into motorcycling, he always had a couple of bikes
around. As much as the helmet law aggravated him, at the same time
he wouldn't ride without one. Why? Because it's stupid. If nothing
else, hasn't your son noticed that people driving cars either don't notice
him or don't think anything of taking over his roadspace? No respect;
that is, until the car driver finds out they just demolished someone, as
the poor rider is being scraped off the road.

He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.

nancy

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> More people are riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!

Absolute nonsense... no one in the US rides a motorcycle to save
money... you've obviously never owned a motorcycle (actually a
motorcycle owns you). MPG is the lame excuse given to a spouse/parent
for obtaining a mortgage on a bike, but no one, not even one, buys a
Hawg to save gas... no more than the price of a helmet is a reason not
to wear one. A Hawg costs more than a Corolla, costs three times as
much to maintain, and gets lower gas milage. Maybe you have a friend
with a small plane, as a favor you can be dropped you off at work...
sky diving is more exhilerating and far safer than riding a motorcycle.

Bikers don't wear helmets for the same reason biker chicks don't wear
panties... the chin strap is irritating.

Sheldon

In article .com>,
"Sheldon" > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > More people are riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> > afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!
>
> Absolute nonsense... no one in the US rides a motorcycle to save
> money... you've obviously never owned a motorcycle (actually a
> motorcycle owns you). MPG is the lame excuse given to a spouse/parent
> for obtaining a mortgage on a bike, but no one, not even one, buys a
> Hawg to save gas... no more than the price of a helmet is a reason not
> to wear one. A Hawg costs more than a Corolla, costs three times as
> much to maintain, and gets lower gas milage. Maybe you have a friend
> with a small plane, as a favor you can be dropped you off at work...
> sky diving is more exhilerating and far safer than riding a motorcycle.

I don't think I said anything about riding a Harley. ;-) There are far
less expensive and more economical bikes...

and I was referring, once again, to a BICYCLE!

And as far as skydiving goes, I'd do that for thrills.
For sheer terror, I date.

>
> Bikers don't wear helmets for the same reason biker chicks don't wear
> panties... the chin strap is irritating.

That's a thong. If your chin is down there, that's your problem! <g>

>
> Sheldon
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

> When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...
>
> As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
> depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
> construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P
>
> I meant bicycle.
>
> But I agree with the helmet thing. Not wearing a helmet is foolish.
> As is wearing no seatbelt. I wore a seatbelt long before it ever became
> law.
> --
> Peace!
> Om

Nope I didn't mean you... just gave me an opportunity to hop up on my soap
box about not wearing helmet when riding a motorcycle. My apologies.

Chris

> It's OK to agree with what he posted since he didn't write any of
> it.
>
> ObFood: Rare roast top sirloin (homemade), jalapeno swiss, mayo,
> iceberg, tomato on white for breakfast.
>
> -sw

Thanks Steve,

I feel much better now!

ObFood: I'm meeting a friend out at IAH Sunday who's on her way to Peru and
has about a 4 hour Houston layover... trying to figure out where to go eat
in the nearby area. Preferably I suppose inside the airport would be best.

Chris

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> In article >,
> "Chris Marksberry" > wrote:
>
> > > I'd ride a bike to work in a heartbeat if my commute was not 25 miles by
> > > freeway. :-(
> > > --
> > > Peace!
> > > Om
> >
> > As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda unnatural)
> > on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> > who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> > helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> > helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> > guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the breeze
> > is more important.
> >
> > When our boys were still at home (all 5 of them) we had a rule... if you
> > want to ride a motorcycle you will have to live elsewhere!
> >
> > Chris
>
> When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...
>
> As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
> depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
> construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P
>
> I meant bicycle.

Commuting by bicycle on US highways is far more dangerous than riding a
motorcycle. I used to ride a bicycle to work, 7 miles each way, I had
to mostly ride the shoulders, which were not hospitable to bicycle
tires, and motor traffic didn't even see me... even motorcyclists ran
me off the paved part a few times.. motorcyclists are notorious for
using the shoulders to pass slow moving traffic. Motorcyclists bitch
about not being respected but the vast majority show no respect
whatsoever... in fact they're far worse, zipping between cars/trucks to
pass through when traffic slows, accelerating past traffic on on-ramps,
buzzing through intersections in left turn lanes, purposely riding in
blind spots, etc., etc., then they have the nerve to get ****ed when
they're not seen. And fact is the vast, vast majority of bikers have
no real riding skills, have never taken a motorcycle riding class, and
only about 4% of bikers possess a motorcycle license and/or carry
insurance. I used to ride a motorcycle, and legally, for about 8
years, but I would never get on a motorcycle again.

Sheldon

In article >,
"Chris Marksberry" > wrote:

> > When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...
> >
> > As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
> > depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
> > construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P
> >
> > I meant bicycle.
> >
> > But I agree with the helmet thing. Not wearing a helmet is foolish.
> > As is wearing no seatbelt. I wore a seatbelt long before it ever became
> > law.
> > --
> > Peace!
> > Om
>
> Nope I didn't mean you... just gave me an opportunity to hop up on my soap
> box about not wearing helmet when riding a motorcycle. My apologies.
>
> Chris

That's ok... :-)
You are so very correct!
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

In article .com>,
"Sheldon" > wrote:

> Commuting by bicycle on US highways is far more dangerous than riding a
> motorcycle. I used to ride a bicycle to work, 7 miles each way, I had
> to mostly ride the shoulders, which were not hospitable to bicycle
> tires, and motor traffic didn't even see me... even motorcyclists ran
> me off the paved part a few times.. motorcyclists are notorious for
> using the shoulders to pass slow moving traffic. Motorcyclists bitch
> about not being respected but the vast majority show no respect
> whatsoever... in fact they're far worse, zipping between cars/trucks to
> pass through when traffic slows, accelerating past traffic on on-ramps,
> buzzing through intersections in left turn lanes, purposely riding in
> blind spots, etc., etc., then they have the nerve to get ****ed when
> they're not seen. And fact is the vast, vast majority of bikers have
> no real riding skills, have never taken a motorcycle riding class, and
> only about 4% of bikers possess a motorcycle license and/or carry
> insurance. I used to ride a motorcycle, and legally, for about 8
> years, but I would never get on a motorcycle again.
>
> Sheldon

I would only consider a bicycle if, one, work were 5 miles or closer and
two, if it did not involve major highways.....

Both of which would be true if I did not end up with a very good job out
of town.

I could move, but I won't. Housing in the town I actually work is easily
twice what it is here.
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

Chris Marksberry wrote:
>
> > When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...
> >
> > As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
> > depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
> > construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P
> >
> > I meant bicycle.
> >
> > But I agree with the helmet thing. Not wearing a helmet is foolish.
> > As is wearing no seatbelt. I wore a seatbelt long before it ever became
> > law.
> > --
> > Peace!
> > Om
>
> Nope I didn't mean you... just gave me an opportunity to hop up on my soap
> box about not wearing helmet when riding a motorcycle. My apologies.
>
> Chris

Unfortunately it's a misguided soapbox.

Pete C.

Nancy Young wrote:

> He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.

Just had a patient who wasn't wearing a shirt or helmet- besides the
traumatic brain injury the road rash was so extensive he looked like
"Swamp Thing" oozing all over even with huge bandages in place.
This is a HUGE part of my patient population!!! But you forgot to
mention drug and alcohol "on board" when they arrive to the trauma
center. It is more common than not. We test 'em all when they come in
and it plays a HUGE role in the accidents.
We've had a spate of car vs. riding mowers too, go figure? And don't
even think of ATV or four wheelers as being safe. Good lord we get more
organ donors from those folks than anything. It is discouraging to say
the least.

Sheldon wrote:
>
> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> > In article >,
> > "Chris Marksberry" > wrote:
> >
> > > > I'd ride a bike to work in a heartbeat if my commute was not 25 miles by
> > > > freeway. :-(
> > > > --
> > > > Peace!
> > > > Om
> > >
> > > As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda unnatural)
> > > on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> > > who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> > > helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> > > helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> > > guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the breeze
> > > is more important.
> > >
> > > When our boys were still at home (all 5 of them) we had a rule... if you
> > > want to ride a motorcycle you will have to live elsewhere!
> > >
> > > Chris
> >
> > When I said bike, I did not mean motorcycle...
> >
> > As above and in another post, my commute is either 25 or 30 miles
> > depending on the route I take. That varies depending on freeway
> > construction that has been going on now for about 5 years or so. :-P
> >
> > I meant bicycle.
>
> Commuting by bicycle on US highways is far more dangerous than riding a
> motorcycle. I used to ride a bicycle to work, 7 miles each way, I had
> to mostly ride the shoulders, which were not hospitable to bicycle
> tires, and motor traffic didn't even see me... even motorcyclists ran
> me off the paved part a few times.. motorcyclists are notorious for
> using the shoulders to pass slow moving traffic. Motorcyclists bitch
> about not being respected but the vast majority show no respect
> whatsoever... in fact they're far worse, zipping between cars/trucks to
> pass through when traffic slows, accelerating past traffic on on-ramps,
> buzzing through intersections in left turn lanes, purposely riding in
> blind spots, etc., etc., then they have the nerve to get ****ed when
> they're not seen. And fact is the vast, vast majority of bikers have
> no real riding skills, have never taken a motorcycle riding class, and
> only about 4% of bikers possess a motorcycle license and/or carry
> insurance. I used to ride a motorcycle, and legally, for about 8
> years, but I would never get on a motorcycle again.
>
> Sheldon

Last I heard the stats were somewhere around 50% of bikers properly
licensed and insured. Still pathetic, but a far cry from your 4%.

As for the behavior you noted, that is primarily confined to idiot kids
on crotch rockets, not more mature riders on "normal" bikes.

Pete C.

Nancy Young wrote:
>
> "Chris Marksberry" > wrote
>
> > As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda
> > unnatural)
> > on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> > who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> > helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> > helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> > guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the
> > breeze
> > is more important.
>
> My fil was into motorcycling, he always had a couple of bikes
> around. As much as the helmet law aggravated him, at the same time
> he wouldn't ride without one. Why? Because it's stupid. If nothing
> else, hasn't your son noticed that people driving cars either don't notice
> him or don't think anything of taking over his roadspace? No respect;
> that is, until the car driver finds out they just demolished someone, as
> the poor rider is being scraped off the road.
>
> He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
>
> nancy

Unfortunately too many people believe helmets are some sort of magic
bubble and if you wear one you'll be just fine. The reality is that
helmets have both positive and negative aspects and an adult has every
right to assess those aspects themselves and make their own decisions.

Pete C.

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> I don't think I said anything about riding a Harley. ;-) There are far
> less expensive and more economical bikes...

Actually not street safe for US roadways, the rice burners and euro
bikes one can safely use to commute are just as costly if not moreso.
You must be thinking the '50s Hondas... those and their scooter-like
ilk are not around because they are not safe on US roads. It's not
safe to go into US traffic on anyting less than a 500cc, actually a
750cc is really the low limit... you gotta be able to out accelerate
every four wheeled vehicle out there.

Harleys are the safest in US traffic because they're wide, long, and
grotesque, they don't blend in like say a cafe racer... they're the
easiest to see... they're also typically the loudest, you'll usually
hear them before you see them. You don't ever want to see a motorcycle
before you hear it, means it just came through your windshield.

Like I said, you've never owned a motorcycle, now I know you've never
ridden one. If you're over 40 and have never ridden a motorcycle don't
even think about it.

Sheldon

Sheldon wrote:
>
> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > More people are riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> > afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!
>
> Absolute nonsense... no one in the US rides a motorcycle to save
> money... you've obviously never owned a motorcycle (actually a
> motorcycle owns you). MPG is the lame excuse given to a spouse/parent
> for obtaining a mortgage on a bike, but no one, not even one, buys a
> Hawg to save gas... no more than the price of a helmet is a reason not
> to wear one. A Hawg costs more than a Corolla, costs three times as
> much to maintain, and gets lower gas milage. Maybe you have a friend
> with a small plane, as a favor you can be dropped you off at work...
> sky diving is more exhilerating and far safer than riding a motorcycle.
>
> Bikers don't wear helmets for the same reason biker chicks don't wear
> panties... the chin strap is irritating.
>
> Sheldon

Where can you get a new Corolla for $2,500? You can get several street
bikes for about $2,500 new. They may not be a stylish ego statement, but
they are very serviceable for around town use and get better mileage
than the Corolla as well.

Skydiving to work would certainly be fun in good weather, however bad
weather and the return trip in any weather would present issues.

Pete C.

Goomba38 wrote:
>
> Nancy Young wrote:
>
> > He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> > be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> > coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
>
> Just had a patient who wasn't wearing a shirt or helmet- besides the
> traumatic brain injury the road rash was so extensive he looked like
> "Swamp Thing" oozing all over even with huge bandages in place.
> This is a HUGE part of my patient population!!! But you forgot to
> mention drug and alcohol "on board" when they arrive to the trauma
> center. It is more common than not. We test 'em all when they come in
> and it plays a HUGE role in the accidents.
> We've had a spate of car vs. riding mowers too, go figure? And don't
> even think of ATV or four wheelers as being safe. Good lord we get more
> organ donors from those folks than anything. It is discouraging to say
> the least.

I think you've missed the point entirely. It is not motorcycles, nor
ATVs, nor riding mowers that are unsafe, it is *idiots* that are unsafe.
Your stoned, drunk or otherwise impaired "victims" would end up in your
emergency room regardless of motorcycles, ATVs or riding mowers.

Pete C.

Pete C. wrote:

> I think you've missed the point entirely. It is not motorcycles, nor
> ATVs, nor riding mowers that are unsafe, it is *idiots* that are unsafe.
> Your stoned, drunk or otherwise impaired "victims" would end up in your
> emergency room regardless of motorcycles, ATVs or riding mowers.
>
> Pete C.

Possibly.. but the pedestrians don't seem to have as impaired judgment
as the others, lol. And we certainly get a lot fewer of them in.
And being too stupid to wear a helmet tends to suggest too stupid to use
good judgment in other ways also.

"Goomba38" > wrote

> Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
>> be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
>> coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
>
> Just had a patient who wasn't wearing a shirt or helmet- besides the
> traumatic brain injury the road rash was so extensive he looked like
> "Swamp Thing" oozing all over even with huge bandages in place.

Makes you sick to think about it. Usually the tshirt wearing bikers
are also the ones behaving badly on the highway, to where I'm
afraid I'm going to see what's left of them when I catch up to them
further up the highway.

As far as the helmet thing goes, skull/pavement, pavement wins.
Helmet/pavement? You have a chance at least.

> This is a HUGE part of my patient population!!! But you forgot to mention
> drug and alcohol "on board" when they arrive to the trauma center. It is
> more common than not. We test 'em all when they come in and it plays a
> HUGE role in the accidents.

No doubt. The motorcycle accidents I've been reading about around
here are the 'car makes turn in front of bike' variety. I don't know why,
this year it's been really bad.

> We've had a spate of car vs. riding mowers too, go figure?

Got me there. Around here they don't usually share real estate.

nancy

Goomba38 wrote:
>
> Pete C. wrote:
>
> > I think you've missed the point entirely. It is not motorcycles, nor
> > ATVs, nor riding mowers that are unsafe, it is *idiots* that are unsafe.
> > Your stoned, drunk or otherwise impaired "victims" would end up in your
> > emergency room regardless of motorcycles, ATVs or riding mowers.
> >
> > Pete C.
>
> Possibly.. but the pedestrians don't seem to have as impaired judgment
> as the others, lol. And we certainly get a lot fewer of them in.

Really? Every city I've ever visited certainly had it's share of
judgment impaired pedestrians. I think it's only their relatively slow
speed that makes it easier to swerve and avoid hitting them that keeps
them out of the emergency rooms.

> And being too stupid to wear a helmet tends to suggest too stupid to use
> good judgment in other ways also.

Helmets are not magic bubbles that protect you from all harm. They do
have negative aspects and rational adults have the right to assess those
aspects and make their own decisions.

Pete C.

Goomba38 wrote:
> Nancy Young wrote:
>
> > He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> > be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> > coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
>
> Just had a patient who wasn't wearing a shirt or helmet- besides the
> traumatic brain injury the road rash was so extensive he looked like
> "Swamp Thing" oozing all over even with huge bandages in place.
> This is a HUGE part of my patient population!!! But you forgot to
> mention drug and alcohol "on board" when they arrive to the trauma
> center. It is more common than not. We test 'em all when they come in
> and it plays a HUGE role in the accidents.
> We've had a spate of car vs. riding mowers too, go figure? And don't
> even think of ATV or four wheelers as being safe. Good lord we get more
> organ donors from those folks than anything. It is discouraging to say
> the least.

http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.html

If you have a $6 head then buy a $6 helmet. One of the more important
factors in wearing a proper quality helment is the full face shield...
without proper eye protection one can't see and if one can't see while
riding a bike one will likely die. Anytime you see some moron riding
with a ww kraut helmet and red baron goggles you just know they have a
death wish.

Less than 10% have insurance because less than 10% have a valid
motorcycle license... you can't get insurance without the license, and
those with a license typically also have the IQ level that recognizes
insurance is important and so obtain same... btw, motorcycle insurance
premiums are relatively low, much less than for an automobile... so
there is no real constraint to obtaining insurance other than not
having the license. In most states the troopers don't check bikers for
a license, they can't be bothered wasting their time because they know
that typically a biker doesn't cause much damage to anything/anyone
else in an accident and the coroner will be by shortly to sponge them
off the roadway anyway... in most states bikers are thought of no
differently than roadkill.

Sheldon

Nancy Young wrote:
>
> "Goomba38" > wrote
>
> > Nancy Young wrote:
> >
> >> He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> >> be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> >> coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
> >
> > Just had a patient who wasn't wearing a shirt or helmet- besides the
> > traumatic brain injury the road rash was so extensive he looked like
> > "Swamp Thing" oozing all over even with huge bandages in place.
>
> Makes you sick to think about it. Usually the tshirt wearing bikers
> are also the ones behaving badly on the highway, to where I'm
> afraid I'm going to see what's left of them when I catch up to them
> further up the highway.

Been there, done that. Had one future red stripe on a crotch rocket whiz
past me going up a hill. It's a 40 Mph zone and I was doing about 50 Mph
along with the rest of the traffic. When he whizzed past I thought "he's
not going to make the curve at the top of the hill". Sure enough 5
minutes later when I got to the top of the hill and rounded the curve
the bike was wedged under the guardrail on the outside of the curve and
it was not clear where the rider had landed. This idiot was wearing a
helmet by the way, nicely color matched to his jacket and the crotch
rocket.

>
> As far as the helmet thing goes, skull/pavement, pavement wins.
> Helmet/pavement? You have a chance at least.

Helmets can increase hazards in other cases. It's not an all positive
thing.

>
> > This is a HUGE part of my patient population!!! But you forgot to mention
> > drug and alcohol "on board" when they arrive to the trauma center. It is
> > more common than not. We test 'em all when they come in and it plays a
> > HUGE role in the accidents.
>
> No doubt. The motorcycle accidents I've been reading about around
> here are the 'car makes turn in front of bike' variety. I don't know why,
> this year it's been really bad.

Certainly the large increase in the number of motorcycles on the road
has a lot to do with it. The same increase the pro helmet folks like to
ignore when quoting increases in motorcycle deaths.

The **** poor driver education in the US is certainly also a factor as
is driver distractions. We all hear about the dangers of driving while
on a cell phone, I wonder how many accidents can be attributed to ipod
use now?

>
> > We've had a spate of car vs. riding mowers too, go figure?
>
> Got me there. Around here they don't usually share real estate.

An odd one no doubt. I once had my truck hit by a car while it was
parked entirely off road on grass, it was perpendicular to the road as
well so it wasn't like someone thought they were following it.

Pete C.

In article .com>,
"Sheldon" > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > I don't think I said anything about riding a Harley. ;-) There are far
> > less expensive and more economical bikes...
>
> Actually not street safe for US roadways, the rice burners and euro
> bikes one can safely use to commute are just as costly if not moreso.
> You must be thinking the '50s Hondas... those and their scooter-like
> ilk are not around because they are not safe on US roads. It's not
> safe to go into US traffic on anyting less than a 500cc, actually a
> 750cc is really the low limit... you gotta be able to out accelerate
> every four wheeled vehicle out there.
>
> Harleys are the safest in US traffic because they're wide, long, and
> grotesque, they don't blend in like say a cafe racer... they're the
> easiest to see... they're also typically the loudest, you'll usually
> hear them before you see them. You don't ever want to see a motorcycle
> before you hear it, means it just came through your windshield.
>
> Like I said, you've never owned a motorcycle, now I know you've never
> ridden one. If you're over 40 and have never ridden a motorcycle don't
> even think about it.
>
> Sheldon

I'll stick with a bicycle. Thanks.

Better gas mileage which was the entire point.
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

In article >,
"Pete C." > wrote:

> > And being too stupid to wear a helmet tends to suggest too stupid to use
> > good judgment in other ways also.
>
> Helmets are not magic bubbles that protect you from all harm. They do
> have negative aspects and rational adults have the right to assess those
> aspects and make their own decisions.
>
> Pete C.

Other than some visual impairment, what are the negatives of wearing a
helmet?
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

Pete C. wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
> >
> > OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> > >
> > > More people are riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> > > afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!
> >
> > Absolute nonsense... no one in the US rides a motorcycle to save
> > money... you've obviously never owned a motorcycle (actually a
> > motorcycle owns you). MPG is the lame excuse given to a spouse/parent
> > for obtaining a mortgage on a bike, but no one, not even one, buys a
> > Hawg to save gas... no more than the price of a helmet is a reason not
> > to wear one. A Hawg costs more than a Corolla, costs three times as
> > much to maintain, and gets lower gas milage. Maybe you have a friend
> > with a small plane, as a favor you can be dropped you off at work...
> > sky diving is more exhilerating and far safer than riding a motorcycle.
> >
> > Bikers don't wear helmets for the same reason biker chicks don't wear
> > panties... the chin strap is irritating.
> >
> > Sheldon
>
> Where can you get a new Corolla for $2,500? You can get several street
> bikes for about $2,500 new.

You're quoting a riding lawn mower from Lowes. LOL

You don't have a clue... a stripped down 80cc dirt bike for a 10 year
old costs $2,500.

Any road ready commuter cycle is gonna run more than $8K, and that's
for a naked bike... the minimal accessories can easily top $2,500... in
fact a biker's minimum wardrobe has got to cost more than $2,500.
Typically a commuter bike will be in the $10-$12K range, because
outfitting a lesser bike will bring the price up to what you already
get with the more expensive machine, only you still have a lesser
powered smaller bike. And I'm not taking touring bikes here... you can
easy pay $25K for a Gold Wing.

And no one ever asks MPG in a cycle shop... that's like if you go to
buy a yacht and ask MPG... the salesman will laugh you out of the
marina.

US roadways, in-town or interstate, are just not designed for
motorcycles, and never will be... in the US a motorcycle is strictly a
luxury/pleasure item, it will never be a frugal method for commuting.

You obviously can't afford a bike, not any bike... you''re another one
who's never owned a bike.

Sheldon

"Chris Marksberry" > wrote in message
...
>
> ObFood: I'm meeting a friend out at IAH Sunday who's on her way to Peru
> and
> has about a 4 hour Houston layover... trying to figure out where to go
> eat
> in the nearby area. Preferably I suppose inside the airport would be
> best.

Your options are mainly limited to chains in the Greenspoint, 1960, or
Humble areas, Chris, if you want to venture outside the airport. Maybe some
place in Old Town Spring? Here's a list of restaurants the
http://www.oldtownspring.com/eateries.php. We've always liked Puffabelly's
and Wunsche Bros. Cafe.

From reading recent reviews on houston.eats, I'd probably avoid the Potatoe
Patch on 1960.

Mary

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> In article >,
> "Pete C." > wrote:
>
> > > And being too stupid to wear a helmet tends to suggest too stupid to use
> > > good judgment in other ways also.
> >
> > Helmets are not magic bubbles that protect you from all harm. They do
> > have negative aspects and rational adults have the right to assess those
> > aspects and make their own decisions.
> >
> > Pete C.
>
> Other than some visual impairment, what are the negatives of wearing a
> helmet?
> --
> Peace!
> Om
>
> "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
> -- Jack Nicholson

They add more mass to your head, increasing the risk of a neck injury.

They can increase the risk of impairment from heat stress in hot
weather, particularly at low speeds where ventilation is poor.

They can also cause vision issues in hot weather with sweat dripping in
your eyes due to poor ventilation. I heard of one case where someone was
nearly killed when that sweat carried some sunscreen into his eyes which
just about blinded him.

Pete C.

Sheldon wrote:
>
> Pete C. wrote:
> > Sheldon wrote:
> > >
> > > OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> > > >
> > > > More people are riding motorcycles 'cause nobody can
> > > > afford to pay the frickin' high gas prices!
> > >
> > > Absolute nonsense... no one in the US rides a motorcycle to save
> > > money... you've obviously never owned a motorcycle (actually a
> > > motorcycle owns you). MPG is the lame excuse given to a spouse/parent
> > > for obtaining a mortgage on a bike, but no one, not even one, buys a
> > > Hawg to save gas... no more than the price of a helmet is a reason not
> > > to wear one. A Hawg costs more than a Corolla, costs three times as
> > > much to maintain, and gets lower gas milage. Maybe you have a friend
> > > with a small plane, as a favor you can be dropped you off at work...
> > > sky diving is more exhilerating and far safer than riding a motorcycle.
> > >
> > > Bikers don't wear helmets for the same reason biker chicks don't wear
> > > panties... the chin strap is irritating.
> > >
> > > Sheldon
> >
> > Where can you get a new Corolla for $2,500? You can get several street
> > bikes for about $2,500 new.
>
> You're quoting a riding lawn mower from Lowes. LOL

Hardly.

>
> You don't have a clue... a stripped down 80cc dirt bike for a 10 year
> old costs $2,500.

Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Eliminator 125, both around the $2,500 price
point. Neither is good for extended highway use, but both are just
peachy for around town use.

>
> Any road ready commuter cycle is gonna run more than $8K, and that's
> for a naked bike... the minimal accessories can easily top $2,500... in
> fact a biker's minimum wardrobe has got to cost more than $2,500.
> Typically a commuter bike will be in the $10-$12K range, because
> outfitting a lesser bike will bring the price up to what you already
> get with the more expensive machine, only you still have a lesser
> powered smaller bike. And I'm not taking touring bikes here... you can
> easy pay $25K for a Gold Wing.

There are plenty of highway capable bikes in the $5,000 range and
accessories won't add more than $500 unless you're trying for some
egocentric "look".

>
> And no one ever asks MPG in a cycle shop... that's like if you go to
> buy a yacht and ask MPG... the salesman will laugh you out of the
> marina.

Indeed, but it is an item to be considered if you want to use it for
other than weekend recreation, as is the low cost of insurance and
registration.

>
> US roadways, in-town or interstate, are just not designed for
> motorcycles, and never will be... in the US a motorcycle is strictly a
> luxury/pleasure item, it will never be a frugal method for commuting.

US roadways aren't the problem, US driver education is. I know a number
of people who have commuted on a motorcycle for years.

>
> You obviously can't afford a bike, not any bike... you''re another one
> who's never owned a bike.

I've got a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, a perfectly capable $5,000 bike. I also
have a proper motorcycle license and insurance.

Pete C.

> > ObFood: I'm meeting a friend out at IAH Sunday who's on her way to Peru
> > and
> > has about a 4 hour Houston layover... trying to figure out where to go
> > eat
> > in the nearby area. Preferably I suppose inside the airport would be
> > best.
>
> Your options are mainly limited to chains in the Greenspoint, 1960, or
> Humble areas, Chris, if you want to venture outside the airport. Maybe
some
> place in Old Town Spring? Here's a list of restaurants the
> http://www.oldtownspring.com/eateries.php. We've always liked Puffabelly's
> and Wunsche Bros. Cafe.
>
> From reading recent reviews on houston.eats, I'd probably avoid the
Potatoe
> Patch on 1960.
>
> Mary
>
>

Thanks Mary,

Too bad she doesn't have more time in Houston or I'd opt for Chez Nous if
they are open for lunch.

She did once say that meeting friends (even if it's at McDonald's) is the
most important thing even though she's hard core foodie!

As soon as I have time I'm going to get back with you on the RR/Comcast
thing. I do a have a little more info about the transition. Nothing
confidential, but boring for most readers of r.f.c.

Chris

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> I'll stick with a bicycle. Thanks.

You can't ride a bicycle to work. Odds are at your age and in your
physical condition you can't ride a bicycle outdoors more than maybe 3
miles, and I'm being generous... and if there're are even the slightest
grades you're screwed, you'll be lucky to make a mile without a 20
minute rest. And btw, a so-so decent commuter bicycle can cost $500+,
and routine maintenance ain't cheap, so you ain't gonna save money by
pedaling your ass. And when you finally arrive at work you'll be
dripping sweat and stinking, you'll need a shower and a complete change
of clothes, even shoes (works for europeans because none ever bathe
anyways). And I ain't even gonna mention weather, how many times I
pedaled the seven miles to work when it was a sunny balmy morning and
had to bum a ride to get home in the dark clouds of a rain storm. And
there's more, more adversities than you can shake a stick at... got bit
by a dog 'cause I passed his majesty's driveway... got picked up at a
red light by a soccer mom because for weeks she'd been tailing me in
her Volvo admiring my sweaty tight biker's buns... true! hehe

Most who talk bicycles for commuting once they actually look into it
never think about it again (you with the entire back seat of your Pinto
strewn knee deep in fast food drive-thru litter). You have to be in
damn good physical shape to commute by bicycle... I was in my mid
thirties then and had been riding a bicycle for all my life... by the
time I hit forty I couldn't do that kind of bicycling anymore. My old
bicycle is hanging in my barn, haven't sat on it in more than 20 years.
The terrain here is too hilly, I only see young kids on bicycles, 8-14
year olds doing wheelies with mountain bikes.

Sheldon

In article >,
"Pete C." > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > In article >,
> > "Pete C." > wrote:
> >
> > > > And being too stupid to wear a helmet tends to suggest too stupid to use
> > > > good judgment in other ways also.
> > >
> > > Helmets are not magic bubbles that protect you from all harm. They do
> > > have negative aspects and rational adults have the right to assess those
> > > aspects and make their own decisions.
> > >
> > > Pete C.
> >
> > Other than some visual impairment, what are the negatives of wearing a
> > helmet?
> > --
> > Peace!
> > Om
> >
> > "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
> > -- Jack Nicholson
>
> They add more mass to your head, increasing the risk of a neck injury.
>
> They can increase the risk of impairment from heat stress in hot
> weather, particularly at low speeds where ventilation is poor.
>
> They can also cause vision issues in hot weather with sweat dripping in
> your eyes due to poor ventilation. I heard of one case where someone was
> nearly killed when that sweat carried some sunscreen into his eyes which
> just about blinded him.
>
> Pete C.

Wear a sweat band?
I do that even when I'm out doing yard work or at the gym.
It keeps sweat out of my eyes...

Just a partial fix, but it might help. :-)
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson

"Pete C." > wrote in message
...

>> Nope I didn't mean you... just gave me an opportunity to hop up on my
>> soap
>> box about not wearing helmet when riding a motorcycle. My apologies.
>>
>> Chris
>
> Unfortunately it's a misguided soapbox.

Ya wanna explain that one a bit further?

Bob M.
(motorcyclist, and I wear a helmet always)

Pete C. wrote:
> Nancy Young wrote:
> > "Chris Marksberry" wrote
> >
> > > As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda
> > > unnatural)
> > > on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> > > who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> > > helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> > > helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> > > guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the
> > > breeze
> > > is more important.
> >
> > My fil was into motorcycling, he always had a couple of bikes
> > around. As much as the helmet law aggravated him, at the same time
> > he wouldn't ride without one. Why? Because it's stupid. If nothing
> > else, hasn't your son noticed that people driving cars either don't notice
> > him or don't think anything of taking over his roadspace? No respect;
> > that is, until the car driver finds out they just demolished someone, as
> > the poor rider is being scraped off the road.
> >
> > He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> > be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> > coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
> >
> > nancy
>
> Unfortunately too many people believe helmets are some sort of magic
> bubble and if you wear one you'll be just fine. The reality is that
> helmets have both positive and negative aspects and an adult has every
> right to assess those aspects themselves and make their own decisions.

I've heard the same low IQ comments about wearing seatbelts... you
probably think the same about infant seats and grounding wires and fire
extinguishers... JERK!

Life is all risk but can be minimized, death has no risks... Pete
obviously has a death wish, you ignorant clinically depressed
*******... perhaps you can borrow some Polar Thorazine from the
paranoid schizophrenic one.

Sheldon

On 2006-08-29, Bob Myers > wrote:

> Ya wanna explain that one a bit further?
>
> Bob M.
> (motorcyclist, and I wear a helmet always)

Yeah, me too. But, I despise the bullshit dogooders that think they
need to save me from myself. Sure, I'll wear a helmet on an extended
trip, but having to don one to take my scooter the the corner
mini-mart is a load of crap.

It's all so hypocritical. Govt couldn't give a goodgoddamn whether
you live or die in an accident. It's the damn insurance companies
that are driving all this "safety" crap. They may have to cough up some
$$ and they'll do anything at all, including bundle you up like the
freakin' Michelin Man, to avoid doing so!

nb

> "Sheldon" > wrote:
>
>> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>> >
>> > I don't think I said anything about riding a Harley. ;-) There are far
>> > less expensive and more economical bikes...
>>
>> Actually not street safe for US roadways, the rice burners and euro
>> bikes one can safely use to commute are just as costly if not moreso.
>> You must be thinking the '50s Hondas... those and their scooter-like
>> ilk are not around because they are not safe on US roads. It's not
>> safe to go into US traffic on anyting less than a 500cc, actually a
>> 750cc is really the low limit... you gotta be able to out accelerate
>> every four wheeled vehicle out there.

Nonsense. My regular commuter bike is a Suzuki SV650
(oddly enough, just a bit under 650 cc); no problem
"out accelerating" anything I need to. There are a good number
of bikes around or even below 500 cc which would be
good choices as commuters for most riders. I wouldn't
take some of them onto highways or the superslabs,
but then my path to work doesn't involve any of that.


>> Harleys are the safest in US traffic because they're wide, long, and
>> grotesque, they don't blend in like say a cafe racer... they're the
>> easiest to see..

Well, they're definitely wide, long, and grotesque - and I
don't know of any good data that suggests that any of
that translates to improved safety. There's also no data
to suggest that Harleys are "more seen" by drivers.
On the negative side, as if we needed more, they tend
to be far less manueverable than the typical standard or
sport-tourer. This is especialy true of that insult to
motorcycle chassis design, the "chopper."

>>. they're also typically the loudest, you'll usually
>> hear them before you see them. You don't ever want to see a motorcycle
>> before you hear it, means it just came through your windshield.

Wrong again - a LOT of what we as motorcyclists
do in terms of clothing colors, lighting, etc., is intended
to make sure that we're seen long before we're heard.
You won't hear my Suzuki until you're right next to it -
I prefer being a responsible rider and not polluting a
square mile or more with the noise from my bike. But
I am also doing everything I can (reflective tape, brightly
colored jacket and helmet, headlight and taillight
modulator) to make myself seen. And even with that, I
still ride under the assumption that I am invisible to everyone
else on the road.


>> Like I said, you've never owned a motorcycle, now I know you've never
>> ridden one. If you're over 40 and have never ridden a motorcycle don't
>> even think about it.

If you're ANY age and you are considering getting into
motorcycling, welcome to the sport - and my first
recommendation to you will be to get yourself into an
MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) "Basic Rider"
course as your very first step. My second recommendation
will be to get good safety gear and wear it each and
every time you ride.

There are a lot of new motorcyclists out there who
came to it after age 40; and I'd rather ride with most
of them, esp. if they've had the right training, than the
majority of much younger squids riding repli-racers, or
a good deal of the older Hardley-Ableson crowd.

Bob M.

Sheldon wrote:
>
> Pete C. wrote:
> > Nancy Young wrote:
> > > "Chris Marksberry" wrote
> > >
> > > > As much as I hate to I'd have to agree with Sheldon (seems kinda
> > > > unnatural)
> > > > on the motorcycle deal and people not wearing helmets. I have a step-son
> > > > who's a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (and owns about 3 Harley's)and when the
> > > > helmet law was repealed in Texas he promptly started riding without a
> > > > helmet. Scares me and my husband and we talked with son to no avail...
> > > > guess safety is less important to him and to have his hair flying the
> > > > breeze
> > > > is more important.
> > >
> > > My fil was into motorcycling, he always had a couple of bikes
> > > around. As much as the helmet law aggravated him, at the same time
> > > he wouldn't ride without one. Why? Because it's stupid. If nothing
> > > else, hasn't your son noticed that people driving cars either don't notice
> > > him or don't think anything of taking over his roadspace? No respect;
> > > that is, until the car driver finds out they just demolished someone, as
> > > the poor rider is being scraped off the road.
> > >
> > > He has to ride as if someone is out to get him, because they are. Don't
> > > be a dope, put on your helmet. And make sure you have great medical
> > > coverage. Helmetless, tshirt wearing motorcycle riders = amateurs.
> > >
> > > nancy
> >
> > Unfortunately too many people believe helmets are some sort of magic
> > bubble and if you wear one you'll be just fine. The reality is that
> > helmets have both positive and negative aspects and an adult has every
> > right to assess those aspects themselves and make their own decisions.
>
> I've heard the same low IQ comments about wearing seatbelts... you
> probably think the same about infant seats and grounding wires and fire
> extinguishers... JERK!

Those other items you mention do not have negative aspects. Seat belts
do not increase any hazards, nor do infant seats, grounds or fire
extinguishers. Helmets do have some negative aspects (as do airbags) and
a sensible person will evaluate those negative aspects, the positive
aspects and their particular situation to make a rational decision as to
their desirability.

>
> Life is all risk but can be minimized, death has no risks... Pete
> obviously has a death wish, you ignorant clinically depressed
> *******... perhaps you can borrow some Polar Thorazine from the
> paranoid schizophrenic one.
>
> Sheldon

Life is indeed all about risks and a rational person evaluates those
risks to make reasonable decisions as to what risks are acceptable given
the benefits.

Pete C.

Pete C. wrote:
> >
> Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Eliminator 125, both around the $2,500 price
> point. Neither is good for extended highway use, but both are just
> peachy for around town use.

More BS... those are essentially scooters... good around town in say
Bangladesh... in most US states those are not street legal, which is
why, again, those toys r us mini bikes are not seen on US roadways.
And their miniscule configuration makes them very unsafe in traffic.
Anyone over 5' will look circus clownish on one.

Sheldon