General Category > General Discussion
The Swede is retired from 2 wheels
egschade:
--- Quote from: faffi on November 03, 2025, 03:40:57 PM ---On average, per mile traveled, motorcycle riders are 12 times more likely to get killed or seriously injured than car drivers. 66% of the serious/fatal accidents are cause by either head-to-head with oncoming traffic or riders failing to keep their bike on the road. Overall, the rider is the sole or primary contributor of serious/fatal accidents in 2/3 of the total number of accidents. In 42% of the fatal accidents, the rider's lack of skills was a contributing factor. Those are numbers from Norway.
While I should statistically have been riding for more than a thousand years by the numbers of accidents with serious injuries I have been in, showing my contempt for HSE, I also know that I could have avoided every one of them if I had ridden inside the safe envelope instead of willingly taking immense risks. In other words, I know how to ride in order to almost certainly arrive back home unscathed, and today this is my habit.
However, there is one thing we cannot control; everybody else. The Swede was victim of this. There is no way one can fully protect oneself from such accidents, be that being hit from behind or oncoming traffic instantly swerving onto your lane, flattening you in the process. Personally, I do not mind the risk, but if I did I would stop riding without guilt or regret. After all, what is the point of riding motorcycles if you do not enjoy it?
--- End quote ---
Interesting you cite Norway statistics. I toured there for a week this past July and noted that the majority of the roads were in far better condition than those in NJ and that the drivers were exceedingly courteous and well trained, typically yielding the right of way to motorcyclists. Also, I didn't see a single driver talking on their cellphone. The speed limits are vigorously enforced with the national max being 80 KPH (50 MPH). I suspect that US numbers are worse, possibly by a lot.
faffi:
--- Quote from: egschade on November 03, 2025, 04:47:52 PM ---Interesting you cite Norway statistics. I toured there for a week this past July and noted that the majority of the roads were in far better condition than those in NJ and that the drivers were exceedingly courteous and well trained, typically yielding the right of way to motorcyclists. Also, I didn't see a single driver talking on their cellphone. The speed limits are vigorously enforced with the national max being 80 KPH (50 MPH). I suspect that US numbers are worse, possibly by a lot.
--- End quote ---
Before you are allowed to drive or ride, you need to go through an extensive training - both practical and theoretical - in order to get your license. Typical cost for each - you need specific training for both 2 and 4 wheel - is around USD 5000. In order to be allowed to operate a bus, it will cost USD 10-15000 on top family car license. And so on. It is costly, but we also have the lowest death rate on public roads in the world.
Using a hand held phone while driving will cost you more than USD 1000 in fine.
Muzz:
That just sux Swede, not a nice way to have to give up two wheels. Glad to see that you survived. Here's to rapid and complete healing.
bobrebos1:
I understand. I haven’t taken the time to ride at all lately. It might be time for me too. I have some decisions to make!
chuck peterson:
I understand. It’s a tough choice, but congratulations for making it. Be easy on yourself during recovery!
“Know when to hold, and when to fold…” . Never was much of a Kenny Rodgers fan but it seems appropriate
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