You say:
My intent is to have riders understand that we have to look out for ourselves and try to stay out of those situations in the first place.
Bruce says:
“Those situations” tend to be staying in our own lane, minding our own business, when some care-less inattentive cager comes along to take us out. To “stay out of those situations” … we would have to stay off the roads!
You say:
Understand that there is always a place for preventive strategies including awareness of possible hazards, proper evasive maneuvering practice and for the drivers, MC awareness programs. Maybe it will save someone a little pain and suffering.
Bruce says:
Preventive strategies? Absolutely! Ride like you are invisible ... and if they violate your right-of-way ... fight like you are invincible!
You say:
Self preservation.
Bruce says:
That’s what it’s all about, Bro. And the best defense is a good OFFENSE!
You say:
Sure the penalties should be enforced (or stiffened) for ROWV but that is after the damage is done. Won't do that rider much good if he/she is 6 ft under or in an ICU.
Bruce says:
You miss the point, Bro. In civilized society, the highest objective of legal penalties is to deter, not to punish. The goal is to make the penalty stiff enough to discourage the crime. If it doesn’t deter, the penalty doesn’t mean much.
You say:
Motorcyclists are in the minority in the traffic mix…
Bruce says:
Our founding fathers were in the minority when they demanded no taxation without representation. Ghandi and his followers were in the minority when they challenged the world’s greatest empire for the independence of India. And where would black Americans be today had they not challenged the white majority for equality?
You say:
There are a lot of distracted motorists who are not and will not THINK about the hazards they pose to riders of motorcycles, bicycles and other road users. Heck just look at the people running red lights everywhere every day!
Bruce says:
Not all motorcyclists are--or will ever be--bikers. That is as it should be ... but must you be so DEFEATIST? I am NOT interested in hearing about what cagers will NOT do! Even the simplest of God’s animal life forms learn to avoid extreme heat, sharp edges, and repeating actions that cause injury to themselves or the mortality of their species.
Cagers too can be conditioned...
Bruce Arnold
LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Co-Moderator, Bruce-n-Ray's Biker Forum
Premier Member, Iron Butt Association
Sustaining Member, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Member and Elite Legislative Supporter, American Motorcyclist Association