All Cars, All the Time

Ride Safe

On our return trip from Oregon we had the misfortune of coming upon a car/motorcycle accident maybe 10 or 15 minutes after it had happened. No emergency crews were on the scene yet, but a large number of people had pulled over and were talking on their cell phones. As we approached the accident I saw a wrecked Yamaha sport bike that had come to rest on the shoulder of eastbound I-80. We were in the number one lane on the westbound side of I-80 and a motorist ahead of us had hopped out of his car and was directed traffic into the other lanes. As my wife pulled past the scene, I saw the motorcyclist laid out, face down on the pavement. His helmet had shattered and was scattered on the highway some distance beside him. From the way the scene was laid it, with the rider having been thrown into opposing traffic, the man was probably dead. A check of the news sites the next day confirmed that the 33 year old rider and died after being hit by two cars that were travelling at an estimated 60-65MPH.

It's one thing when you pull past an accident after emergency crews have arrived and secured the scene and quite something else when you see the uncensored version. It's heart wrenching and makes you appreciate life for what it is, a limited time opportunity. As a motorcycle rider myself for the past 18+ years, it makes me think back on all the close calls that I've had either from other drivers not seeing me or me being in a rush. I also recall my co-worker who was killed on his motorcycle a couple of years ago. It doesn't make me want to stop riding, but it definitely will make me pay more attention the next time I ride.

My heart goes out to the rider's family and I hope that all of you out there continue to ride safe!