Beware of Blind Drivers (More Motors Forum)

Member Name: alistair

Product:	More Motors Forum
Date:	28/07/01 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Incredibly painful, Can be fatal

Today I was knocked off my motorbike by a car driver.

It hurt - I mean it really hurt.

Bits of my motorbike were shattered snapped and sheared.

The car in question got off with a few scratches to its paintwork - when he saw that I wasn't dead he didn't even bother to get out but sped off round a corner.

Me - just a sprained wrist, few cuts and bruises, torn clothes and battered helmet.

I'm in a happy mood because I only had to spend a few hours in A&E and I haven't broken anything.

SO WHAT you are thinking.

MY point is that this all could have been so easily avoided by the driver using his mirrors or looking over his shoulder before changing lane. Using indicators seems to be a long forgotten courtesy so wasn't really to be expected.

I'm happy that I am alive and happy that while traffic in both directions was stopped by me inconveniencing them, a taxi and van driver got out, helped me and bike to the side of the road and saw that I was OK. This is always a moot point for prostrate bikers on the carriageway and an unconcious one or one who doesn't move voluntarily should be left alone so as not to agravate spinal or neck injuries.

Note: On no account should you ever remove a bikers crash helmet as this will destroy any chance of a neck injury being minimised.

There are two things I would like to say to car drivers.

1 You are driving a dangerous piece of machinery weighing in many cases over a ton. When you cant be bothered to pay attention or forget to use your mirrors and bump into another car you might get a bit of a shock, bit or whip lash etc. depending on circumstances.
When you bump into a motorbike your precious car could receive hardly any damage at all. All of a car's speed and weight is absorbed by the bike and rider who are made of skin, bone and sinue. This hurts.
When the rider comes off they will hit something
hard and this hurts also. Please think a bit before talking on the phone, turning up your stereos so your senses are numbed to the outside world.

2 If you have the misfortune to have an accident, your responsibilities dont stop at seeng if the driver / motorcyclist still has a pulse.
They involve getting involved in trying to put things right not taking the cowardly option and running away in the hope that all concerned will be otherwise occupied to take your number plate.

Im also happy, happy to be ranting here, arm in support bandage and a load or bruises, grazes, and stiff bits. Happy that somwhere a driver of a light blue L registration Escort might be feeling a bit of remorse.

May you rot.

Bikes can be mended and clothes can be bought - its only money. Broken people can take a long time to mend and no amount of money will help a dead person.

Finally to all you readers who have ever witnessed an accident and not bothered to help / take a number plate / come forward as a witness you have also abdicated your responsibilities to society. One day it may be you or someone you care about and you may be frustrated that few can be bothered to help as they might be late for an appointment at the hairdressers.

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