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fatality stats



Greg Girard quoted the AMA stat regarding 1/3 of all fatalities on
motorcycles being caused by the infamous left turning cage.  Actually,
Greg, the statistic is a little bit camoulflaged.  If you go back and
read it ( I don't have it in front of me but IIRC...) you'll find that
it is not 1/3 of ALL motorcycle fatalities.  First you have to dismiss
all the alcohol related accidents (a huge amount perhaps nearly half {I
can't remember exacty?} of all fatal accidents on motorcycles) and then
dismiss from the balance of non alcohol related accidents all the fatals
that did not involve another vehicle.  So the real statistic involves
only non-alcohol-related, cage vs. motorcycle accidents.  The number is
much smaller than "1/3 of ALL fatals".  It is still no doubt a big
problem with the left turning cage phenomenon however, riding with the
high beams on (especially at night while trailing) is irritating too
whether I'm riding or driving.  Should be a law against it.  Why anyone
would want to hinder the vision of oncoming traffic (or any motorist
sharing the road with you) is beyond my comprehension.  I've always
thought that the best defense to left turners is to just anticipate it
and trust no one.  

BTW, about that "flash your lights to forfiet your right away to let
someone go ahead" tactic.  You cannot forfiet your right away.  You can
waive people on, flash your lights, beep your horn, and tell them how to
drive all you want, but the right of way is the right of way.  If you
choose to ever take it away from someone, guess who's at fault if it is
eventful?  Regardless of who flashed his lights for the go ahead.  This
is exactly how accidents happen..... people for whatever reason
(politeness?) feel they should forfiet their right of way. When you have
the right of way keep it cuz you're supposed to.  It is expected by all
and it is normal.  It is when someone does something that is out of the
ordinary whether being courteous or not that spells disaster.  

Jonathan West


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