Spring Bike Week Death Toll Is 8:

More Bikers,  More Fatalities?

Based on past events, we're inclined to believe that the more riders who attend bike week, the more accidents occur, some fatal. 

Although "vacancy" signs still prevailed, we believe this year's Daytona Bike Week crowd was far larger than last year, and probably drew more bikers than the gathering of 2010.  With constant announcements of "gas prices rising for the Xth strait day", it's a wonder out of state bikers made the trip at all.

It's a shame that the alleged cause of probably half of the fatalities was cager dui, inattention, or just plain stupidity.  How can we better protect ourselves and our loved ones from some of these fools?

Be a student of the road.  The biggest problem I've had in showing my lady how to avoid "surprises" is to urge her to remain focused.  Look to the left, right, rear views, and straight ahead.  Be particularly aware of partially hidden vehicles on side streets to the left or right.  If you can't see all of them, they can't see all of you.  Few of us have the training and skill to ride like a motor cop, so don't stare straight ahead, like they do.  Look around, while maintaining your "right of way" vision, always look before pulling out, then again as you move into traffic.  If we want the cager to "look twice, save a life", the least we can do is take a second look to be sure we haven't missed seeing them at first glance.  

Accident prevention is all about time and space.  Through their attentiveness, students of the road are able to gain precious seconds of advance notice when the unexpected event is about to occur.  Often, just a second or two is all that's needed to avoid contact.  The more experienced riders know what we're saying..that's how they got to be experienced riders in the first place!  Some learners don't take "direction" well.  It's up to you to present helpful info in a respectful, caring manner, if it's gonna stick.

Safety first.