Live to Ride - Ride to DIE (letters)

Live to Ride. Ride to Die.

~ 70 pages of comments ~

Above picture sequence used with permission from killboy.com

I thought the majority of the email and postings were going to be pretty bad. Yet, surprisingly, about 90% of the feedback is positive. Below is the good, the bad, and the ugly, cut and paste right from email and forums.

The point is to ride safer. If you are already doing that, then spread the word.
Thanks for letting folks know that discussion and awareness make a difference.

EMAIL OF THE MONTH AWARD:

My little brother Tim, was killed in a motorcycle accident a couple of weeks ago. He was driving down the road and a car pulled out of Wal-Mart and hit him. He died two hours later from chest injuries and internal bleeding. Our family is completely devastated. My brother was 28 and left a wife and twin 3-year olds behind. I know that motorcycles are fun for lots of people, but I absolutely hate, hate, hate, them. I wish none of them were street legal. I think all riders should be required to take a look at your web site and think about the family that they will be leaving behind if some careless individual causes an accident with them. It is not always the riders fault. People do not pay attention. PLEASE BE SAFE!!!

I believe your site constitutes a great public service, replacing some of the "glamour" of motorcycling with a dose of reality. I got my first bike about 3 years ago and put 15,000 incident free miles on it. Riding was one of the most pleasurable things I have ever done. And yet, for some reason I got spooked and sold it, inexplicably fearing an accident that would leave my two teenage sons fatherless. Lately, I've been wondering if maybe I made a mistake in selling the bike. In fact, I have been looking at purchasing another. That is, until I read your site. I am going to stay away, at least until my sons are out of the house. I work in law enforcement and see firsthand, every day, the kinds of fools and buffoons who comprise a large segment of our society and who, unfortunately, drive the cars that often seal motorcyclists' fates. Thank you.

First of all, I'd like to commend you on your website. It takes a lot of guts to put pictures like that out there, and I am glad that it's not just for show. The message behind your website is very good and I fully support you. I myself do not own a motorcycle, but I'm taking my licensing course this summer (MSF) and looking at your site has showed me some of the risks involved. I think your website is a good "test" if you will. If you can look at those pictures, and understand the risks involved, then you can ride a bike. If those pictures scare you enough to not ride, then good for you too. But, I want to ride, and ride safe. Hopefully I won't end up on your page someday. Keep up the work!

Is the thrill of the ride worth it?
I have shared what appears on this website with my colleagues, and want to comment on it. It is remarkable. I have searched and not been able to find a similar site anywhere on the internet. I hope you post this email on your site.

For the past 13 years, I have been the lead trauma surgeon who works in an ER in Atlanta, Georgia. I have seen MVA (motor vehicle accident) patients in desperate situations, but some of the worst and most preventable are from motorcycle accidents. I have to tell their spouses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children that their loved one did not survive, or have suffered permanent, life-changing injuries. I have a close friend who practices at a clinic for patients who suffer from traumatic spinal injuries, most to the extent of paralysis. The majority of them are the result of motorcycle accidents. Our neurology section treats brain injuries, and as you guessed, most are from motorcycle accidents.

When I relate my stories to other riders, they often say "it's not the motorcycle that is the problem, it is the riders that don't know what they are doing". That is simply denial. The truth is, the outcome of an accident is largely attributed to the motorcycle, not the rider. Period, end of discussion. Even ardent motorcyclists (who have the power of objectivity instead of blind loyalty to their hobby) know this is true. Motorcyclists are frequently overlooked by other drivers, and bikes are obviously far less crashworthy than closed vehicles. Motorcyclists are often severely injured or killed if involved in a traffic accident. The rider can't be perfect, and the rider can't foresee every eventuality. Even good auto drivers end up in wrecks. The difference is, the chance of an accident occurring is higher for the rider, and the chance of the accident causing severe injury or death to the rider is exponentially higher. Look at the statistics from the author of this site - he or she got them from reliable sources, and they are right on. I know this, as I make my living trying to keep these people alive.

The bottom line is you don't control your fate when you ride a motorcycle. You may think you do, but you don't, and the experts and the statistics bear that out. You are putting your life in the hands of strangers, hoping they see you, hoping they react to you. I've seen some awful stuff in my life but none worse than the motorcyclist who was run over by a tow truck. I was not even at the hospital - I passed the accident on the way to work. The medical teams were on the scene, however the wreck must have just happened as there were long bloody streaks with large pieces of skin (unidentifiable body parts) among the mass. It was horrendous and it nearly gave me nightmares.

Think twice about it. If you have a family who counts on you, you simply have no business doing it. If you're a young guy with no strings attached, it's your call and no one's stopping you. It's a free country. Just make sure you have medical insurance so the rest of us are not paying for your poor judgment, and recognize your chances of an awful, painful death are pretty high. Give it some thought, and best of luck to you.

My son sustained a significant brain injury 2 1/2 years ago. My husband and I are heart sick that his young life was taken away so early. When he bought his first motorcycle at 23, he knew the risks. As riders ourselves, we have toured the US on our Goldwing, and we supported his decision. He took the advanced MSF courses and even became an instructor, always focused on how to ride safer and watch for others on the road.

Three months before he was to get married, a red light runner collided with his bike. He was wearing his helmet (as he always did)- and body armor. His head hit the pavement so hard they had to cut a portion of helmet off due to head swelling. He spends his time at home with us, but does not recognize his family. His two sisters come to visit when they can. We sold our home last year to help pay the medical expenses.

This was a completely preventable tragic accident. We have since sold our Wing to devote our time to our son. Please keep your webpage active. If it makes people think, those that died did not do so in vain. Thank you.

My father was killed 17 months ago in a cycling accident. He had been coming down a windy road on a Pennsylvania mountain and his Harley had slid out from under him. Before he could recover, a truck had come around the bend, on the other side of the road and hit him, dead on. I don't know the details of the crash or what happened after. All I know is that the crash occurred Sunday morning, we did not get my fathers body back till Tuesday afternoon. The medical examiner had refused to let my father be seen in the condition he was in. They insisted on doing reconstructive surgery on him before they let us see him. Ironically, the bike was completely unscratched. I've yet to get up the courage to ask if he was wearing a helmet, I'm happy wit h the delusion that he was. i know that a head on collision with the tires of a Ford f-150 would kill someone, helmet or no. so I'll stick to my delusion.
My fathers bike sits dormant in the garage, but his friends still ride. I hope they take his accident to heart and pay better attention, take the proper precautions. I know I do. I am glad that someone has taken the time to warn people of the risks of riding, and ask other motorists to pay attention. its never too late. I wear the key to my fathers bike around my neck as a reminder that driving is dangerous and we have to pay attention. Thank you for trying to do your part to save a life.

I'm impressed at your site, and believe it has the power to save some lives. I do believe your site saved my friends life. He went through it, bought a helmet, and wrecked the next day. He walked away with some bruises. Thank you

I recently lost my husband in a motorcycle accident this February 2006. He was an cautious experienced rider who had over 35 years of riding. He passed away at the age of 49 and left 2 children behind. He was on a back road not more that 5 miles from home when a car came around a blind curve in his lane. he was unable to get control of his bike and crashed into a guardrail. He was flown to our local hospital and held on for 10 days, 5 surgeries, 75 units of blood, left leg amputee, kidney and liver shutdown and numerous injuries to long to list. He too always wore a helmet, steel-toe boots, and protective jacket, but when you hit something at 60 mph no gear is going to help you. seeing this website hurt. My husband went doing something he loved, but hopefully this website helps people to wake up and to pay attention, the bikes are getting faster and the cars are getting scarier. LIFE IS PRECIOUS !!!!!!!

I don't have anything against a site like this. It presents some of the risks of riding a motorcycle. Anyone who is making a choice of whether to ride a motorcycle will weigh the risk, and decide if it's worth the risk. Clearly, all of us have decided it is. When I look at images like the ones on this site, I somehow do not automatically see myself ending up like that. I do not see this as my inevitable fate. After riding for 38 years, I really don't feel any more vulnerable to injury than I do in my car. It does make me aware of the dangers, and makes me think about how to avoid them.

This site is uncalled for. Yes, fate is not up to us, but does that mean that we should live in a fear? Passion is what drives us, and motorcycling is my passion. When you're on the streets, it's about awareness, ability, knowledge, and smarts that differs from the ignorance, the posers, and it's the idiot riders that give the rest of us a bad name. I've seen riders get hurt and die, and I pray for them.

Great site. I think it should be shown to all who are under 21 when getting a license.

This site is truly excellent and ought to be mandatory viewing for all people before obtaining or renewing their license for all classes of vehicles. The motorbike riders need to be made aware of what can happen if they don't wear protective gear and ride as tough they are invisible to all other people on the road; and the cagers need to see it to understand how the lack of a moment's vigilance can tragically end the life of another road user. I love to cuddle my little daughters just like the guy halfway down that page. It really makes you stop and think.

GREAT WEBSITE! SOME OF THE PICS ARE REALLY TERRIBLE TO SEE BUT I THINK EVERYONE WHO RIDES/DRIVES ANYTHING SHOULD SEE THEM, THEY HELP MAKE EVERYBODY AWARE OF THE DANGERS. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DRIVE, YOU CAN'T BE TOO SAFE. RIDE HAPPY - RIDE SAFE.

I don't understand what I am to learn from this site. I guess I should avoid the ocean because sharks and other predators have been known to kill humans. I should also avoid the mountains because it snows and I could freeze to death. I should also avoid any excursion possible because I have seen people die of heart attacks and strokes, etc... I should also avoid flying because planes have crashed and people have died. I should also avoid driving a car because people have died in car accidents. I could go on and on and on... If I lived by this moron's views, I could never leave my home.

I don't really mind sites like that, it doesn't bother me. Yes, accidents will happen eventually. You just have to be careful to avoid them. An accident separates the bikers from the rider that should not be riding in the first place. When a biker gets into a wreck, he will get back on again, unless he is physically unable too, but then again, I've seen older bikers in a wheelchairs that had a side car built, where their wheelchair can be locked down and they still ride.

My goal in life isn't to see how long I can live while having no fun. My goal in life is to live as much as I can while I'm alive. If, by chance, I die in a bike crash, I'll be no more dead than I would be at 93 in a nursing home and those that grieve will grieve either way. If I don't die but instead become brain dead, some people may not even notice the difference. Those that need and depend on me will have to need and depend on themselves, I wasn't put here to be a leaning post or a crutch for anybody anyway. They'll just have to take a deep breath and realize that it was my life and I was smart enough to weigh out the upside and downside of every single one of my activities and a lot of those activities had only one upside, it made living more enjoyable. I like the site, I'm going to forward it to my son because he wants a street bike. It won't do any good because until you're somewhere in your 20's or 30's you'd never believe you're not indestructible anyway.

This site was very educational to me, and reminded me of one critical key in motorcycle riding..... a lot of those friggin people in cages don't know how to drive. You notice, most of them are of cars and trucks "hitting" motorcycles, as the motorcycles are stuck under their front bumpers.

Like some of you, I don't know what this guy is trying to do with his website but in a way I'm glad its out there. I would guess every one of those wrecks really happened. Riding motorcycles can be dangerous and I'm glad when I hear every story people want to tell me about someone that was involved in a wreck. I want to stay reminded of the possibilities and not let my guard down. Am I going to stop riding, NO. But I'm not going to hide from the truth. In most wrecks I'm guessing there are things we as riders can do to either avoid the wreck or lessen the results of it. As some of you know I work in the aviation industry. When bad things happen we analyze why and try to do better. The same thing goes for motorcycles.

Everyone has a right to enjoy experiencing the thrill of motorcycling, but it's in their hands to keep themselves safe so they can last longer than just a weekend ride. That site is just a little disturbing, everybody knows that you are getting yourself into when riding a bike.

I swear people don't take their lives seriously until they go down IF they are still lucky to be alive. Be thankful for everything. I've had several near death experiences in my life not just on my bike. I am thankful for just the small things in life like seeing the sun rise and set one more day. BE SAFE EVERYONE!

Check this site, it is about motorcycle accidents and Stats. I have not read it all but I did look at the pictures. Make sure you have a strong stomach before you click on the link. The pictures are very graphic. The site tells about stats and wearing helmets. It is a strong reminder to be safe out there on the streets. A real reminder.

Although I agree motorcycles can be dangerous, I do not believe it is any more dangerous then driving or walking down the street. Instead of a site that focuses on riders being killed, how about one devoted to prosecuting individuals that are at fault for causing a death weather on a motorcycle or in a cage?

Call me a wimp, but after seeing that site, I have made my decision...I was thinking about getting a bike this summer, but I don't think I am now. Not because I don't trust myself, but because there are so many other idiots on the road that just don't give a ****, and I don't think I want to put my life in the hands of some non-English speaking illegal who decided that they are the best driver ever, or some dumb*** talking on a cell phone while driving and sending me into my next lifetime!

I don't ride street bikes because you can't trust other drivers, I only ride dirt bikes and ATV's, and always wear a helmet.

I have a story about a great friend who's life and everyone who knew him will never be the same. You see he was selling his Harley and the buyer was coming the next A.M. to pick it up. He took one last ride to his kids daycare to drop off some papers only three miles away. A 70 year old lady pulled out in front of him and he slid up under the car and the tank ruptured and a fire started. He was not wearing his helmet but usually did, he is now in a nursing home unable to communicate or do much of anything. The point is you leave behind a trail of misery and heartbreak and a child with no father. Your existence impacts all the people who love and need you. This man was very unselfish and gave everything to life and It sickens me that he did not deserve what happened to him. He always felt he had been lucky to this point and was selling the bike for the sake of his son. When I see riders without helmets I share my story and for the ones who wear them a little praise.

If he wants to put up a site like this, fine. He's probably succeeded in increasing awareness. He's probably happy for the attention. I think he reminds us what can happen out there. Versus any other vehicle, a motorcycle and its rider is going to be the loser in a crash.

Can't let fear dictate your life.

When I get on my bike I ride as if everyone on the road is out to get me. I watch my corners, never trust a green light, try to keep an eye on what is happening behind me. Even if that guy is anti-biker, so what, what he has to say should wake every biker up. I have loved biking since I was a little kid and I want to continue to enjoy it until the day I die...of old age!

I think everyone considering motorcycle riding should see that site. Way too many people rationalize the dangers away without actually assessing the risks involved.

Sites like that I think are needed. From what I saw on the site, some of those people were not wearing any gear. That one picture of the guy severed in half at the bottom is scary though. No one wants to think they will die that way. It does anger me how stupid some drivers are. I hope some of those people went to prison for there stupidity.

I've seen a lot of those photos elsewhere. The site didn't seem overwhelmingly "anti" motorcycle. More of a warning type thing. My basic philosophy holds strong - I can't determine when or how I will leave this life. I can, however, be as safe as possible on my bike. There was no real background story as to how all those crashed pictured occurred. I will continue to ride as long as I feel comfortable doing so.

dude, that seriously scared the shyt outta me and I'm not easily scared by stuff like that....so bad that it made me think of selling the bike I just bought yesterday.......

OK, I do not like the site either. Pictures are pretty disgusting. But what is inaccurate about the statistics? I checked them and the sources and they are correct. Sheeeze. The guy may not like motorcycles, but his stats are on.

New riders, assume that every driver is about to kill you. Dress for the crash! Make out a will before you get on your bike. Make sure the "do not insert a feeding tube" order is given, and that your corneas and liver are available for harvesting. Better yet, go to your local funeral home and prepay for your last end. Make sure you pick out a sensible casket. You're young, and you can rot in peace after your inevitable motorcycle crash. Go for the simple pine box with the satin inserts. Stipulate that your friends will toss in your rear-view mirrors.

Quite a few years ago, I came up with a less scary way to go (although I'm sure I wasn't the first one). When I'm riding, I don't pretend that everyone is out to kill me (way too paranoid for me), but I do pretend that I'm completely invisible. If you automatically assume that everyone on the road cannot see you, you will do a much better job of staying in a position with the most possible escape routes. It really works.

I would rather be cremated and have my ashes mixed in with the custom paintjob, and I already know everyone on the road is trying to kill me, I was hit twice in like a month. the second was a hit and run, the first he floored it into the back of my my dads car while we were at a stoplight. messed my back up good...

Live fast. Die wide. Leave a smear. Arrangements have been made for my son and a number of my friends have been tasked with making sure my bike is buried with me, so I'm good for that. We know Bikes are inherently more dangerous, more convenient and more fun than cars - but if you ride defensively and within your skills it its hardly a death sentence.

When you think about it, you're out on a slab of asphalt, sitting on a ~500 lb. bike, competing for space with multi-ton cages driven by (what appears to be) idiots. There is a lot of downside to that picture. Physics tells us that, in any confrontation between bike and cage, cage will almost always win.

I think the original post referred to on this thread was just reflecting the true risks we take when we ride. Some people don't like to think about them, because it spoils their fun.

Damn Dude!!! Rough thing to see in the morning after a night of drinking. Really makes you think. We all need reminders. Be safe out there.

I used to think that I could manage the risks of riding by my choice of technique and safety equipment. I still believe that's true to some extent, but after having been knocked off my bike a few times by senseless cagers, I've had to come to terms and accept that riding is substantially more dangerous than trundling along in an ABS, air-bagged cage with a dozen crumple zones. On my bike, it's not rocket science to realize that you are perched atop a vehicle that is totally unprotected from impacts, and that if something does impact, you'll be flying off at some approximation of the speed that you were traveling originally. It's just physics. I don't post this to try and scare anyone out of riding, but I do believe it's important to seriously analyze the risks involved. People who try to block out the downside of activities like this often regret it later. One of the basic drawbacks of motorcycling is that you are largely at the mercy of incompetent drivers of multi-ton pieces of metal. Is it worth it? It is for me.

My take on it is that if you're on a bike you are either in denial of the type of danger you're putting yourself in or that you are simply not afraid of personal harm, disfigurement, or death. I fall into the second category.

I am sure your chances of getting hit increase on a bike, pictures like that should serve as a reminder for all of us to practice and live out our safety.

Wear protection, be alert, don't ride above your skills, and you have done your part to not be the next picture on that site.

A very strong reminder of how careful we have to be. By the way, the second video is staged, I think. It was posted a while back. It was originally an advertisement in Europe designed to increase awareness of motorcycles.

Whew!! Hopefully it will make some folks ride a little more carefully.

I guess it didn't offend me all that much. An accident is an accident. I didn't look closely enough to see if the webmaster has a bias. I did notice that all kinds of bikes were represented so I would guess all kinds of riders were represented also. Everyone has to be careful out there. They are out to get us. It's the ones we don't see that get us in the end.

EVERY MOTORCYCLIST should be required to see that website! I have been riding for a long time and do my best to NEVER forget how easily something like that can happen.

I think it should be mandatory viewing for ALL Driver's Licenses, new AND renewal. Might make a cager pay attention once in a while, & might make a Biker think twice before doing stupid shit.

I think it's good to have some fear when we ride. It keeps us more alert. It's sort of like getting a speeding ticket, afterwards, for a period of time, you pay a lot more attention to the speed limit. I know I do. That site is a little gory.

I'm glad to see that the decision makers of this forum have not elected to delete this post. Yes it is gruesome, I looked. Some of those pictures sent chills down my back. But that said, it reminds me that as a rider I need to constantly be aware of the environment when I ride. It also reminds me that as an MSF Rider Coach I have to work hard to make sure that my students not only understand the risks of riding a motorcycle, but they understand that risk management is real and when utilized allows one to reduce and or minimize the inherent risks.

I think the authors of this site mean well. They probably have lost loved ones to accidents. Haven't most of us known someone? We all know that riding has a dangerous element, we can't control the other traffic that we must deal with when we ride. We must drive defensively but that is about all you can do. This site will not stop me from riding. You can run ... but you can't hide from death. I will not live in fear of dying but live enjoying every moment the Lord grants me. I can do that because I know that this is not the only life that I have awaiting me.

My rationale for seeing this site was similar to yours. I know the potential for disaster exists. This stark, in-your-face reminder will sit with me this season when I'm teaching MSF classes also. I had a student two years ago that was killed two weeks after taking the class. Apparently the stuff we did didn't stick well enough for him to make the curve on his cruiser. Having that happen once in my 5 year teaching career is too many times.

Thanks for having this site so others can actually see the dangers. This website should be used in training videos in high school and in safety rider courses. There is a lot of inherent dangers in riding. A person must know this before they go out riding. Take precautions ALWAYS where armor and and a full face helmet. Open face helmets just don't offer enough protection. But too each their own some people think it is unfair for lawmakers to tell them they have to wear a helmet. That is their belief. My belief is everyone should have to wear one. Anyway thanks for your time and be safe.

The older you get, the less you have to lose.

The site didn't seem overwhelmingly "anti" motorcycle. More of a warning type thing. My basic philosophy holds strong - I can't determine when or how I will leave this life. I can, however, be as safe as possible on my bike.

Hmmm. That's incredibly sobering. I'm a firm believer in "when it's your time, it's your time. Whether that means getting center punched by some idiot cager running a red light or bursting an aneurism while sitting on your sofa eating chips. When it's your time to go...it's your time to go. Of course it would be unwise to tempt death's fate further by doing foolish things while riding. Riding is already an exercise in hyper concentration of the world around you.

I think it should be mandatory viewing for ALL Driver's Licenses, new AND renewal. Might make a cager pay attention once in a while, & might make a Biker think twice before doing stupid shit.

I think we all need to see this kind of stuff so complacency doesn't rule the road. Whenever I'm on my bike, images of what could happen do cross my mind and keep me very aware of the road and other cagers. It's when you get comfortable and confident is when trouble starts.

I would not get rid of the pictures. I am sure not going to tell you how to run your site but I think the pictures say a million words. If you are going to take them down at least put them on a page that is accessible for people to see the dangers of riding. You are doing a good job with it and doing the online world a favor.

If you ride 'em, you wreck 'em and them's the facts. If you have never been in a bike accident, your turn is coming. The only way to prolong the wait is to ride as carefully as possible and even that won't stop it from happening. The more you ride, the better the chances of wrecks happening more frequently. I've had two wrecks that hospitalized me and numerous others resulting in only minimal physical damage. None of the wrecks were my fault or avoidable. There were things I could have done to make myself more visible. I could have stayed home on the couch, too.

I didn't really see anything wrong with the site. While the tone seemed a bit overzealous, I didn't see much distortion of facts (which you usually see on anti-xxxxx sites). The overall message was that motorcycling is dangerous, which it is. I think everyone considering motorcycle riding should see that site. Way too many people rationalize the dangers away without actually assessing the risks involved.

Get it wrong on a bike, and that's what happens. Not nice, but sticking head in sand won't make it less so. Best idea is not to fall off. Actually, reckon every applicant for a license of ANY sort should have to view those photos (and a few more). Then answer some test questions about them to make sure they looked closely.

If the pictures themselves don't make people stop and think and ease back on that twisty thing: try imagining your mother/wife/partner/father/husband/whatever having to go along to the morgue and identify you - when you're looking like that.

Scary stuff alright because it certainly provides a reality check a lot of us may be lacking. However I still don't give too much of a shit should I die on a Bike, though in saying that I would hate living with injuries or bearing disfiguring scars for the rest of my life after having an accident. I knew I needed to invest in some more gear and after seeing this I now don't need any more encouragement.

A timely reminder to all of us about our hobby. It is dangerous and we risk ending up like these unfortunate people. The best we can do is continue to be proactive in reducing our risk. In other words be careful !

Sharp reminder that this could happen to any of us in an instant. With the season approaching we need to keep this in mind!

There isn't any doubt that riding is significantly more dangerous than driving. I do agree with calculating using miles traveled, as the site author has done. I think it's understood that riding is inherently dangerous. But you can drastically lower the risks by taking simple steps. The first is don't drink and ride. Don't use inappropriate speed for the conditions. Wear good gear. Develop skills and pay attention. I can't tell you how many people go out buy a bike totally unprepared and think it's like tooling around in a car. It's not.

Wow, some of those images are graphic. It's a good reminder of how dangerous of a sport we enjoy.

This site is sort of a reality check to bring home the fact that the motorcycle rider does not have all of the engineering improvements that is afforded the other group of users of the open road.

An eye opener for all of us gearing up for a great riding season.

That last picture is just devastating. It gave me chills just looking at it. Those kind of stats really drive home the point. Ride Responsibly.

I don't want to see those pictures, and I don't want to think about that sorta stuff. Matter o' fact, the man holding his daughter nearly made me cry.

Crazy site! Really makes you think. Not very rider friendly though. Not something I would want my parents to look at. The truth hurts sometimes though I guess.

I agree with the fact that its' a good eye opener/reminder for ourselves to be careful and always wear the gear.

I ride like everyone on the road is out to kill me. That makes me safer. It's hard to relax on my bike because of that.

You get MUCH MUCH more respect making it to the next meeting spot then you would ending up in one of those pictures. I hope all the new riders this year get a chance to view this thread.

I don't get nauseous very easily, but that picture at the bottom really gets to me. I just bought a jacket after seeing that page.

The point of this thread is not to make anyone give up riding - it's just to show what is possible. Fact is, every time you get on that bike is a possible time for you to go down. Every time you go down is a possible time you won't get up again. Some will argue that this is the way with anything. After all, when you go to bed at night, there's always that chance that a plane will crash into your house and take you out. But no...motorcycle crashes and motorcycle fatalities are more frequent than that...just look at how many RIP threads we have on here...and that's just here.

My point is - crashing is a realistic possibility but there are things you can do about it to minimize the risks. So take up the responsibility and start outlining all your plans if you haven't already. MOST motorcyclist seem to just have 1 plan - they just think they'll never go down. I hope that's not all you have covering your A$$ when you're out there on the roads with all the dangerous, crazy, and stupid people out there.

Good read and reality check. Of course being in a cage is inherently safer than being exposed on a bike IF involved in an accident, but most riders tend to be more aware of their surroundings than people in cars talking on their cell phones etc. Pray for the best, but expect the worse...

great link....makes u think

that's disgusting. I hate seeing **** like this, even though it makes u think and slow it down a notch. I just wish bikers would have different streets and roads from cars, the fatality rate would probably lessen by 3-4 times

You can do everything possible to reduce your statistical chance of getting killed, then get nailed by someone coming out of left-field.

Reading and seeing stuff like that makes me want to give up riding.

same here, was about to take the bike out today. Needless to say I'm writing this and not riding.

Well I just hope I don't put my loved ones through that

Seeing them only reinforces how fragile we are in the wrong circumstances.

I found them interesting and informative. Will it change how I ride? Not much.

I guess all you can do is ride safely and be alert. Accidents can still happen, I guess it's the risk you must accept for riding a bike. I hope it never happens to me, but I have to accept that it can, you're just kidding yourself otherwise. Some nasty pics there though, couldn't look at a couple of them...

yeh very graphic, we all ride for the joy of riding but no one expects its going to happen to them, we expect someone else will cop it, but if you ride chances are we may cop it from some cage driver that just didn't see us. ride safe & stay alive.

Not meant to make you give it up just be more cautious. Had a little reality check day before yesterday. Was out testing my limits and came around a curve hot, a little hotter and wider, and I would have said hello to a truck grill. Pictures on there are quit disturbing Lets all be careful out there.

It's not just a matter of wearing your gears but also to ride smart, control your need to speed and emotions. Ride safe to ride a long is my new motto.

Reading and seeing stuff like that makes me want to give up riding.

Why, Why, Why, did I have to click on that link. After reading everyone's response here, I thought It wouldn't hurt to see what everyone was talking about.

NOT only was that site an eye opener,... but also freaked the hell out of me. It put all dangers or riding in perspective for ME. Not that I haven't already assessed the risks and aren't aware of the dangers, but more from the perspective of, "what would my son do if I wasn't around anymore?" I think I'm going to sell my bike. All that carnage and the gore isn't new to me, but I just can't get that picture out of my head of that little girl with her dad. They both looked happy at the moment. Riding isn't more important than my 2 yr. old, to me it's just transportation—a way to skim minutes from my commute. I would rather ride the bus for the rest of my life so that I can be with my son than to know that I was going to die because of some punks who stole a car.

Riding is like playing chess, you have to anticipate 6 moves ahead at all times.

Seriously I almost want to sell my bike now. I'm still new to riding and I always where Helmet, gloves, jacket (looking for boots) but some of those accidents.......No amount of gear on this planet would have protected those poor riders. I can think of plenty of other ways to die.......I don't to die because of something dumb I did or cager..... Seriously makes you think. I love riding but I don't have time to go to the track so typically I use my bike to commute. After this summer I will have to think about if I want to continue this.....riding on the street. Very sobering web site.

I think if everyone looked at that or something similar right before going on a ride we would all drive a lot safer and with more gear (even on those hot days)

RIP to all of those who died. In my opinion its good to see things like this once in a while as a personal reality check.

The clock starts ticking the moment you are born. So ride and drive responsibly and you may be able to enjoy longer. My birth certificate came with no warranty. Live now it’s not going to last.

This has opened my eyes even further to the fact that it is OUR responsibility as riders not to get ourselves in trouble. If we approach riding from that perspective first, it guides a lot of our choices.

I have always searched for articles or stories similar to this, I think viewing stuff like that has really kept me in check when on a motorcycle. Its good for people to see what can happen, or what "a little road rash" really is and how bad it can be.

Should show this to kids under 21 who want to get a liter as their starter bike.

Ouch, disturbing. Just a reminder you have to be on the look out from all sides all the time... I get cut off too frequently, mostly from jerks in SUV's talking on cell phones...

In my opinion every biker or anyone considering biking should view this website on a regular basis.

I think just watching these movies and looking at the pics will make you think twice when you ride.

Very graphic, but sometimes this is needed to make people wake up.

I’ve got to say that the contents of that site are very sobering. Anyone who is not effected by what they will see there is either completely stupid or a fool. I would make a review of that site a mandatory condition for obtaining a motorcycle license endorsement.

You can bet that my daughter and friends that ride will see that entire presentation very soon. I’m going to capture it to a DVD (for my own, no-commercial use) and sit there and make them watch it, including select videos. Thank you for posting it.

I cant thank you enough for this post. Hopefully it will create some awareness among us.

Keep up the good work making all parties aware of the dangers of the road .... even if it is mostly bike based.

I've got no problems at all with that site. If those pictures scare you or offend you, I suggest you critically rethink your position on riding. They are reality. Any one of them could be you. Your spouse, children, and friends don't need to see those. But you, as a rider, need to know.

Excellent site, very graphic pix and the videos are cool. It just reinforces my mantra: always ride with a helmet, no alcohol (not even one beer) and keep your eyes moving at all times. I know these things only increase my chances of an accident-free life and not guarantee one, but I'll do everything in my power to be around for my wife and kids (except not ride). Pretty inconsiderate and selfish of me, I know...

Sometimes we all need a reality check. Thank you for the post.

I think watching motorcycles accidents is bad fuckin carma, tabboo...you know like talking about wrecks before ya go out on a ride....this of course is just MHO:( But....Free country so post away.

I've seen folks die. Everyone dies. You are gonna' die too. Do I care? Not one bit. 'Cause until you understand that we are ALL only one second away from death at any single time in our life, you can't really appreciate living. By the way...I really loved the "viewer comments" on that site. What total bullshit. Nobody will ever convince me that the owner of that page didn't put half of those "how educational" comments in there themselves.

But I did find some interesting data on that site. I counted the bikes in your pictures. Amazing. 51 Import bikes. 8 HD's. 5 Unknown due to lack of enough detail. So, I guess if you're one of those idiots playing Ricky Roadracer on a sport bike, you have a 700% higher chance of eating shit when compared to an HD rider....hmmmmm.

[from same person, after he saw the favorable posts on other websites]:

Reality check? Hell, this guy ain't doing any of you any favors...his only reality is spamming that website all over every HD web forum he can find. I believe he's watching the number of hits pile up and jerking off while he looks at his pictures. There is NOTHING constructive about that site, period. No matter how he tries to frame it, he's a sick pig. How do you think the families of those casualties feel about having their fathers, sons, brothers, and friends forever immortalized like that.

I have been riding for 32+ years. I have seen plenty of death. Faced it myself. Each and every single one of us needs to learn and UNDERSTAND that we are only one second away from death at every moment of our lives. Until we KNOW that, how can we really appreciate all of the greatness we have in this life? That very knowledge is one of the main reasons I CHOOSE to ride my motorcycle. Life without risk is no life at all. Tell this guy to shove it up his ass. Don't feed into his bullshit.

I find it odd all the negative comments on [the feedback] page. I think the site is doing a public service. Being a paramedic for 5 years I saw many things as bad and even worse than on that page. I think everyone should realize how important it is to be safe and vigilant on these things and appreciate the message this person is putting out there. There is always someone out there who wants us to come back from that ride we are on. If not for ourselves then please let's be careful for them.

We're all getting back on the bikes here soon, partying, rallies etc, looking forward to a good riding season...it never hurts to pause for a minute and get a dose of reality...

Thanks for sharing. I think I'll slow down today - maybe a lot.

Being retired law enforcement - including 5 yrs on Hwy Patrol - I most hardly agree. Amen and prayers to those lost souls.

I'd say the risk is worth it but I'm not so sure now, I'd rather keep my guts inside my body.

I watched the videos at the bottom of the page. Saw one where a biker was sitting at a red light and a truck came flying up behind him and just plowed him over. WTF? Makes me wonder if the same thing is going to happen to me while I'm innocently waiting at a light. It's ridiculous. Idiots like that... who don't pay attention while driving should be suspended from driving before they kill me or someone like me in a similar situation.

Definitely always wear full safety gear, even if it's a pain in the ass for a quick trip down the road. Cos guaranteed, that's when it will happen, when you least expect it.

I looked at every picture...it's a good reminder to me and my family...

That was a very sobering site to visit. Each and every one of us who view this will think it only happens to the other riders and not us. I guess that makes sense or none of us would ride. Life is dangerous no matter what you do, so do it with the most care you can muster up. Thanks for sharing the site.

Thanks for the link. Those definitely DO make one stop and think. A lot of the situations that were described just reinforce my decision to wear ATGATT [All The Gear, All The Time]...even on those really nice days where it's tempting to go with the minimums.

One reason I stopped riding 18 years ago was an associate came around a bend near on his BMW and slammed into a car who pulled out from a entrance. I arrived on the scene as the ambulance left, but I spotted his bike. The car driver, of course, walked away. He lived, with permanent brain damage (yeh, he had a helmet on, and it was worth more than his bike). He was in hospital for months, but going to see him was pointless as he didn't even remember his Mom.
The bit that cut me the most was 2 weeks later I saw the blind cow he T Boned. Her car was fixed up and her life went on uninterrupted like nothing happened. He was still in Coma. He never got his old life back.

These things are dangerous, and they deserve our respect and complete attention. Never let your guard down.

We all should look at them from time to time - I am involved in the safety program with my trade and it is a fact that after showing a training film reminding the guys what happens when it goes wrong the accident rate drops

I don't need to look at your sick collection of gore. If I wanted to look at shit like that, I would go to another site.

Hey Guys - This is not about the gore factor. I've just spent 20 mins or so reading the articles about peoples losses.

It certainly makes you think. Cheers Softail for the link, I'm sure we'll all take it on board.

The pictures made me sick - but will make me ride more carefully.

I had a friend die by falling down a flight of stairs with her baby in her arms. She protected her son and it cost her her life. Does that mean I shouldn't go upstairs and use the bathroom? Don't think so. I've had friends die in cars. I've had friends die on motorcycles. I've had friends die on the stands at a soccer game. Everybody dies.....Its how you live that matters!!!!!!!!!! I thought the website was pure anti-motorcycle BS.

Folks like you crack me up Buttail. You'll NEVER really get it, will you? Most of the folks that think like me could NOT CARE LESS! The only reason this thread is still alive is simply because some of us in here get a little bored now and then...The actual content of your webpage means zip to me. And I know that it means even less to a lot of the folks I ride with. We don't need some "gonna' save the world" kinda' person to point out the obvious to us. I already know EXACTLY what it's like in the big ol' scary world out there. Like I said...you are doing us a favor by encouraging some folks to stay off of two wheels. Good...maybe someday there will be less crowds at my favorite camps. But if you REALLY cared, you'd invest your time in educating the cager masses to be aware of motorcycles, ensuring those fuckwads that do run us over are charged with manslaughter, instead of simply getting a slap on the wrist. This ain't your average "motorcycle enthusiast" forum. I ride hard and don't look back. I have a completely legal "living will" and a physician's directive on file. No life support...no attempts to keep me alive...DNR instructions are well documented and on file. I don't have a death wish, but I ain't gonna' worry about it one single bit. Living scared is not living at all. There's a reason I've survived all these miles and all these years riding all over this country...been in some hairy situations and have lived to tell the tale. Lots of us have. We don't need some little troll "reminding" us any damn thing. It may interest you to know...I actually pay more attention to what's going on behind when I'm stopping or at a stop than I do to the front. I pay extra attention at ALL intersections. I position myself to provide a "way out" when in traffic. I make sure I know that people see me. I flaunt it in their face. I want them to KNOW I am nearby. And even with all of that...I may get hit tomorrow. That's life, ain't it? But what would you know about that? Why don't you post the whole truth about your data on that crap you call a website? It's more than just "miles ridden". Why don't you do a little research on the average riding time of the typical accident victim? Let all those new folks that just mortgaged their house to buy a nice shiny new "toy" know that THEY need to be aware...because those folks are responsible for a huge portion (if not all) of that big spike these past couple of years. New folks that have been riding for less than a couple of years...and folks that "used" to ride some little wing ding 35 years ago who are getting back into it now that the kids are grown, mistakenly thinking that little bit of experience 35 years ago makes 'em a greybeard. Those are the folks that need to be made "aware". Because as long as they keep getting killed, the government is gonna' keep on passing stupid laws that are gonna' have an impact on my life...that dickwad Gary Busey is a PERFECT example of what I am speaking of....running around screaming "it's not my fault, I didn't know I might get hurt if I fall off my scooter...it's the government's responsibility to protect me, there outta' be a LAW!!" Puuuleeeeze....what a moron. Some of us are free thinkers, we don't need Big Brother nanny telling us how to protect ourselves. Heck, I just had a brilliant idea!! Why don't you invite all of your legislators and congressmen to view your site. And then tell them that it should be MANDATORY reading for EVERYONE that is considering buying a motorcyle or getting a motorcycle license for the first time. Yeah, I'll go for that!!!! Heck, I'll be one of the first to sign your petition....but first ya' gotta' get off that assinine "all states should have helmet laws/burden to society" bullshit.

I still ride and still ride in almost every condition, but seeing this site has made me even more glad of my decision to buy a car for when the weather is crap and it has put more enjoyment back into my riding..... keep up the good work making all parties aware of the dangers of the road .... even if it is mostly bike based.

Great Website! It is my opinion that no one should be able to ride a bike until they have completed an MSF class. Some of the most unsafe riding I ever did was when I was in a sport bike group for a couple of years. I still shake my head as why I didn’t get killed. We use to fly down the interstate well over a hundred with no helmet or other protective clothing on zipping in and out of traffic. CRAZY! I left the group and later found out that the youngest member, 21 years old, was killed on the interstate while riding crazy. I always wondered if they way we were riding helped contribute to his early demise? Today, I won’t even think of getting on my Kaw without my helmet and protective clothing on. Again, let’s continue to educate the driving public and each other! Be safe, ride defensively, and watch out for those “left-turners.”

This was a very disturbing, though perhaps timely, post for me. For economic reasons, I am faced with the decision of either selling one of my cars or my bike. I was totally on the fence until I saw the pictures and videos on this page... I was all geared up and ready to ride to work today - beautiful Orlando, Florida weather, plenty of time, etc. - but I found myself annoyed all morning getting ready for work. For whatever reason, I was in a lousy mood. I stared at the sunshine outside, stared at the bike, and decided I was just too agitated to ride. I took everything off and got in the car to commute on 4 wheels instead. Then I see these pictures... I'm thinking it's a BIG sign to help me with my unenviable choice. When I think of motorcycle accidents, I think of inexperienced riders, typically young (sorry if that upsets anyone), on a high-powered sport bike, wearing shorts, flip-flops, and no helmet, riding recklessly at excessive speeds. What I saw in these pictures were a fair share of cruisers, ridden by people wearing full gear.... and I thought, *that's ME...* I do believe the bike will have to go.

ya' know there is another way to look at this stuff being posted- it is a fact (ask any safety guy for damn near any trade) that viewing this kind of thing reduces accidents and the severity of accidents that do occur after thus stuff has been viewed - and IMO many of the posts protesting this seems to me to be fellas whistling past the graveyard

Have seen this posted before,, will give you bad dreams for a month with some of the stuff it show's.. not for the faint hearted but does put safety in the front of your mind after watching some of those vidio's...

Ignoring reality and fact is not living life on any terms - it is ignoring life. Trying to preserve life by using the lessons of those that died is not in any way degrading - and if anything gives value to the act of dying to those that did die.

It goes to show you that sometimes, no matter what gear you are wearing, no matter how well you ride, you may be seriously hurt or die. If you aren't prepared for this, then maybe motorcycling is not the sport for you. Ride the best that you can, learn all you can, wear the gear, be alert, and take nothing for granted. Do all you can to keep yourself from being a statistic. Possibly be prepared to meet your maker.

I think this thread should be named "Reality Check".

That site made my blood run cold. Talk about sobering somebody up. I am always careful when I ride. What scares the crap out of me is a sick ba$tard like that dump truck driver that ran over the cyclist at the light.

The scary thing is, no matter how cautious you drive your bike, people generally just don't see you. I always slow down until I *think*

I've made eye contact with the other driver. But I've had people look directly at me and yet they still pull right out in front of me. Rule of thumb: If there is somebody ahead waiting to make a turn into traffic, be ready, and expect them to pull out in front of you. I think that's the key to limiting chances of injury, assume no one has seen you even if it is your right of way.

Just looked through the whole site really makes you think about getting on a bike.

The web site was good; it shows the reality of not paying close attention to detail for both the motorcyclist and the vehicle driver. It is REALITY and has a good shock factor. After I was done viewing the web site I think that I will be a more vigilant driver on my motorcycle and truck. Thanks and keep it coming.

Great site. There will always be accidents and on a bike they always look ugly. I don't jump on my bike if I'm drinking, medicated, in a rage, or tired. In short if I can't focus on riding I don't ride. As for the helmet issue I wear one when I have to and don't wear one if I don't have to. Also the one I wear is not DOT approved and I'm sure wouldn't help if I went down. It's about T-shirts in the summer and leather in the cold. My choice is always boots. The line "how selfish can you be" regarding helmets did make me think, but I don't think it's gonna put a DOT helmet on my head any time soon. Than again I never say never. The site makes you think and that's good! If you think you are going to get hurt and you are not comfortable riding you will probably crash. I ride cause I can't not ride.

I am paralyzed as a result of this i have many more pictures for you (attached).

It was the day after thanksgiving 2003 i had to take a friend to work so i jumped on the bike. We both had helmets. A car cut in front of us. There was no chance to stop so i attempted to speed up to turn and avoid impact. And then boom. I lost 90% of use in my right arm. It is known as a BP (Brachial Plexus) injury. It is a VERY COMMON MOTORCYCLE INJURY. The nerves in my neck were avulsed (pulled out of my spine). No cuts no rash all impact as i was wearing my leather jacket. My friend was thrown into the grass. We are both alive today. And we both still ride. I have moded my bike to be able to ride with one hand and my friend is in perfect health. The pic of the hospital is an attempt to repair my arm 1 year after the accident. Yes i was going 15 mph but the other driver is also to blame for their driving. Feel free to post the pics and type up a simple write-up as you feel is needed. If you have further questions feel free to ask. i don't get offended by much i am aware that i am crippled please let others be aware of this as much as possible.

I didn't think you had that position, but many do when they use these tragic examples. As motorcyclist, we get tired of people using such examples to "make us aware" of the dangers. We get tired of it....so many of us get touchy when the subject comes up. My mom lost both her dad and her brother on motorcycles at different accidents. She doesn't have to share that with me, I know it. There are others that seem the need to share their feelings about death and motorcycles. That's why..... we have heard it over and over again.

59.3% of statistics is BS Meaning you can get things to bend your way! I like your Web Site because it will make riders think. Safe: absent of risk, So yes Motorcycle riding is not safe. However, I don't know to many hobbies/sports that is Safe. I will still ride my bike and enjoy the wind in my hair. Ride Free, Ride Proud and yes Ride with your eyes open!

After nearly seven months of riding a motorcycle, this was just the medicine that I needed that serves as a reminder of the dangers of motorcycling. These very statistics are part of the main reason that I didn't learn to ride much earlier in life. In my early Air Force years; I was pounded with eye lid busting briefings on drivers safety and how motorcycles could kill me.

I've decided not to look. I know the stats well enough--I don't need/want the pics in my head. I find the older I get the more sensitive I am to graphic stuff. Probably a direct correlation to less denial and increased realization of (ultimate) mortality.

Disturbing, but a good reminder at the beginning of the season.

I can normally handle queasy, disturbing and graphic...but that was enough to put my stomach at a high level of uneasiness. I work for a hospital, in an IT capacity however one of the systems I'm responsible for is a tracking system in our ED / Trauma Center. I've been down there when some nasty accident victims have been brought into the trauma center. I've seen a lot but that was just massively gross.

i saw absolutely NO "safety" value in that at all. That is one of the dumbest sites I've seen. It is purely sensationalistic and skewed. I'm not saying any of the photos were edited. I've seen most at one time or another on the internet. Its the way the info was presented. The thought that merely riding a motorcycle will lead to a very painful and disfiguring end or simply a closed gasket funeral is simplistic, short sighted, and ignorant. The only pics and stories that served any purpose whatsoever were the ones about a rider being hit while at a stop light. And that's why I am always on guard at a light, keep the bike in gear, and I keep looking in my mirrors.

A worthy website to keep us in check

Some graphic pics and vids but worth a check to remind us of what we face out there.

I have been riding bikes on the street for over 20 years now, and have been down a couple of times, nothing ever bad. When on the street I have learned to ride like you are invisible, no one can see you and plan. This has served me well. I always assume that I am going to be hit by any car I see, any dog in any yard everything is out to get me...everything is out to get you. That may sound bad, but it is not as bad as you think. I love to ride and do so every chance I get. You just have to be aware and ready for the unexpected. Every once and a while it will catch you, but if you where thinking that dumb a$$ is going to run a red light when the time comes you will be ready to lessen the impact. It has always worked for me

I just think for some folks a sobering reminder is always a good thing especially come Spring time when we get ready to spend a lot more time on our bikes.

Good site. Everybody PLEASE remember to ride extra careful this Spring. They ARE trying to kill you out there.

This info will probably illicit a variety of responses both negative and positive. Graphic pictures, yes, but very sobering as well. Whether a new rider or seasoned veteran on two wheels, scenes like this should cause us all to pause and reflect on our riding style and ways we can improve...improve in technique and attentiveness. Seasoned riders may be just as vulnerable as noobs if they let complacency rule the seat. I for one appreciated the info presented as a reminder of the dangers that accompany our love of the open road. Although I always try to ride within my limits and with care, this reality is always on my mind. Wolf, hopefully this link serves its purpose as a wake up call. ...it did for me...thank you.

If the pics on that page make just a few sit up and think about what they're doing they will have served their purpose. Thanks for the link.

I looked it over just to make sure that it wasn't another collection of urban-legend photos. It seems to be one of the better motorcycle-related collections out there. Thanks.

I hope I never see anything like that again.

OMG I was a EMT for years and these are some of the worst (graphic) images I have ever seen. While I believe that they have an impressive shock factor I hope my wife and other relatives never see that site. The wife would never ride again.

Those images were really horrific. I hope it scares the bejeezes out of the squids also.

Be very careful out there folks it's not only the cagers we have to watch for it's other riders too. I really like the fact this forum tries to steer new riders to a decent first bike.

It's pretty simple. Wear decent gear. Pay attention, lots of attention. Be visible. Don't ride like a dumbass who doesn't know the difference between Main Street and Laguna Seca. Get training. Don't ride under the influence. Take care of your bike. Do what you can do to stack the odds in your favor, you don't want to star in photos like these...

Hopefully this thread will fulfill it's intended purpose of making somebody think.

Thx for the reminders! I'm just getting back on after 20 years and this was an excellent reality check.

I read the warning and took a look. I could have done without looking at those pictures. I was a firefighter for 6 years in Louisiana and never seen sights as bad as most of those.

Jesus Christ those pictures are horrible.

Would you mind if I added a link to your site for educational purposes. I am the public relations director of a motorcycle club which promotes safety and awareness. We also tend to accident victims in the hospital. I believe your site could help me in my position to educate younger riders think about their purchase of over powered killing machine with out proper experience to control them. I think the graphic images might be the eye opener needed to help with a push for education of motorcycle and emphasize on safety. Thank you.

I think that everyone that rides a bike should see this site, but more IMPORTANTLY everyone that drives a car should too!
I used to think that a lot of bike accidents were from not being seen by those in cages, but now I have come to realize its not that they don't see us, its that they simply don't care. Ride Safe.

This site has really hit home with me. I’ve been contemplating selling my bike for several months now since seeing my best friend die on his bike due to a daydreaming truck driver. I don’t question my ability to ride. I question everyone else who is on the road. I too think it is stupid to stop an activity you love to do just because there are risks involved. However getting creamed at a stop light is not something I’m willing to put my family through. Those of you who bad mouth this site are selfish. This site isn’t saying don’t ride or we’re at fault. It’s just info. Take it with a grain of salt if you don’t agree. The families and friends of these people don’t need to hear your rude comments. THANKS

As riders, most of us know and understand the danger we face every time we throw a leg over the seat. Most of us take precautions to make sure we are seen and heard, ride defensively and are equipped to survive a crash. Your site serves as a good reminder. However, if it were directed more towards vehicle drivers and promoted as a motorcycle awareness thing to the general public, it would be much more effective. Thanks for caring enough to put this all together.

This may may make some a little more cautious out there on the road, as to not become a statistic. We all know that riding a bike is a risk. But not many of us really see it, including me. And when you see something like this, it really sends it home. That it does happen, and that we as bikers are not exempt of it happening to us just because we don't always see or hear of the accidents.

If by me posting this, and someone reads it and it makes them a little more aware of what's out there, and what can happen in the real world, then it served it's purpose. Just want everyone to be safe out there!

Sorry to have to post this but I spotted it on another forum and think it is worth sharing. It is a real reminder of how extremely venerable we are on our bikes. Think about it, and your families / friends, when you are out there.

I do hope this documentation does some good with young riders starting out and is not simply wasted on voyeurism.

I ran across someone's website that has done much research into motorcycle accidents. I usually pass these on hoping someone will find them interesting and educational. But this time... Well... I wasn't sure if I really wanted to share this site because the photos are sickening, heart wrenching, horrifying! So please be prepared.

A good point on the page: motorcycle riding is discretionary,,,,,,,,we do it because we love it, but you have to know that we take these chances every time we throw a leg over. No one is looking out for us except ourselves. Riders-defend yourselves-no one else will.

Your site is a great idea. I think ANYONE who is driving should be made more aware of bikers. I think most bikers ride safe, but are put into unavoidable situations by cars.

I ride and so does my son (18 year old who is away at college), and he forwarded this site to me. His exact comments was "Now I see why you are so damned insistent on wearing every bit of safety gear every time we (I) start the bike..."

I suspect you've saved a life or two with this site. If you're going to ride (and I still do, 43 with a wife and two kids) you should know the risks and do your best to minimize them. Thanks

Here's another site that is certainly a wakeup call. And if you notice many of the bikes aren't sport bikes. Many of the accidents were not caused by the rider and just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shows how important it is to be constantly aware of your surroundings and what is going on ALL AROUND you. Ride safe and AWARE people.

Hi my name is -----, I live up here in Ontario Canada where the bikes have to be put away for several months of the year due to the snow and all. Every spring there are a bunch of bike crashes due to new riders not being able to anticipate what is going to happen when there are cars out on the road. We, as bikers must remember that the cars are not used to seeing us on the road in the spring. We are hard to see even at the best of times. I have been riding for twenty years, and have been hit once. The bike was a write off, I was in better shape, but I came out a little more aware of the dangers out there. I think this site should be seen by all new riders. And anyone that seems to think they are invincible.

Your site has prompted me to take a refresher course with my local police rider training scheme. I normally attend every couple of years to make sure I’m not picking up any bad habits and re-enforcing my riding skills.

That sites seems made just to scare people away from riding. On the other hand though, my dad lost his best friend in a motorcycle accident about 30 years ago. He was riding home at night after dropping off his girlfriend, got hit by a car, and was fuckin decapitated. Yes, his head was cut right off and he was wearing a helmet. If I remember right the guy was only about 19 or 20 also.

Very sobering for drivers of cars and riders; both need to be paying attention and not shaving, reading, yacking on the phone or sleeping.

I don't ride because it's dangerous- the danger scares me actually. I ride because I love the feeling, it's type of freedom for me from the stresses of everyday life.

Motorcycling is inherently dangerous and we are very, very vulnerable.

After watching that one video where the motorcyclist gets blasted from behind..... I rode yesterday monitoring my mirrors a little more, especially when stopped or about to stop.

I personally don't have a problem w/your site. I've been riding for close to 10 years now, and I like the way your site shows the dangers of motorcycling. Both, for drivers and for motorcyclists. For motorcyclists I like it b/c for those that just hop on a bike and ride and never receive any formal training, they don't know to look for some of the things that happened in a lot of those stories. For car drivers, I like it b/c maybe it'll help them to learn to pay the $%*# attention out there on the road a little more and watch for us. I've been involved in 2 accident in the 10 years I've been riding, and both of them involved and were the fault of the car driver. For those cyclists looking at this site and reading these responses...if you've never received any formal rider training, I highly suggest you do so, it'll show you good ways to help avoid any of these situations happening to you.

This almost makes me want to give my bike up completely. I would never want my children to see me in that manner. Gives me (and I hope everyone here) a new perspective on this type of stuff. First, drive safe and not like an idiot. Second, wear protective gear - although I must say that in most of those pics, gear would not have been an issue - particularly the one at the bottom. Whatever happen to that poor guy, nothing would have helped.

Ditto to that. It really makes me think about what COULD happen on the bike, even with the correct gear and driving responsibly. I have seen that site before. They have added a lot more pictures from the last time I seen it.

Thanks for the site. I'll be sure to share it with some of my friends who ride and think that they're indestructible.

Not a pretty picture, but it's important to remember what CAN happen.

I hope more riders will see this sort of thing and hope it will hit home. Even more, and more unrealistically, I would like more auto drivers to see it.

I kind of realize the dangers of riding/wrecking. I've had a good friend get killed, another get paralyzed, and have myself wrecked as well. I've had close calls just like everybody else. I guess all these things and the realization of what happens if you do wreck keep me going pretty slow. Figure out your own personal level of acceptable risk.

It makes me more cautious out there on the road, and not become a statistic. We all know that riding a bike is a risk. But not many of us really see it, including me. And when you see something like this, it really sends it home.

I hate looking or reading anything that involves riders dying on our roads whether at fault or not. But from time to time we all, no matter how good we are or think we are - we all need to see the consequences of getting it wrong or just the the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I wear gear and I ride faster than I should on the road too often. I have had my fare share of accidents to date which is 6, and 2 of those at high speed - 60mph and over. To this day I have been very lucky.

Riding a bike, whether fast or not is like playing Poker...a numbers game, get your calculations wrong and the price can cost you your life!! Keep enjoying your bike but when playing hard, always keep in mind how vulnerable you/we all actually are.

I just looked at this. It really gets me thinking with a daughter do I really want to make her an orphan?? I have been riding for over 17years now (man I am getting old) and the older I get the more I question my unhealthy need for 2 wheel fun.

I knew I shouldn't have read this, much less looked at the pictures!! I say a prayer every time I get on that bike and again when I get back home. I often ask myself, "What are you doing?" being a single mother of two boys.

I went riding for 2 hours on Saturday just to get the cobwebs off the bike and almost got sideswiped twice (drivers on cell phones). Sadly, I wasn't pissed off but the only thing going through my head was my daughter and my son and what happens to them if I get all f^cked up and can't provide for my family

I have ridden motorcycles for most of my adult life. I am aware of the many dangers that involve motorcycle riding. All too often, I see young riders testing their non skills by doing wheelies, speeding in and around traffic and showing no regard to others on the road. Speed kills! Inexperience may kill you as well! As I viewed your video's and pictures, which by the way, are right on to what can and will happen when one chooses to disregard the rules of the road. We each have a choice to ride or not ride. You website is a good one and IF it saves one life from a tragic accident, then you have made a very good point.

I know when young riders first get their licenses they are out to prove that this type of thing can't happen to them. After all, hire a teenager....they know everything!

It is sad to see motorcyclists and other vehicles unable to share the road. The pictures are just that....pictures. That is only a short version of what people can see. Some are gruesome and some are to drive home a point. Motorcyclists are invisible to the traffic environment at large. Vehicle drivers are not programed to see motorcycles, just cars, trucks, trains, planes and other large vehicles. Back before cars and SUV were equipped with daytime running lights, motorcycles were using their headlights. Now that has changed and once again motorcyclists have to find another way to be seen. Modulating headlights work and I think every motorcycle should be equipped with one. Bright Orange vests, jackets should be worn! Black leather is cool and may offer some road rash protection but you can't be seen!

Make yourself more VISIBLE!!

I congratulate you on a website that hopefully makes more riders aware of the dangers and just maybe to slow some down. It isn't how fast you can get from point A to point B but the enjoyment of knowing that you arrived alive and safely.

I have seen the gore and hoopla about motorcycle wrecks. And for some reason, I am questioning why in the hell I ride. I guess it is a personal decision that only I can make but at this point in my life, I have to question why I am riding.

I know the only reason I ride and still want to ride is that I love it, and don't have a problem at this point accepting that every time I ride I could die. Some people do lose the feeling and there's no point pushing past it.

Who the hell wants to sit at home alone all the time? If I didnt ride, I would be doing absolutely NOTHING.

After my crash last year I had lots of thoughts going through my head. Many what ifs and questions. Every time I closed my eyes I relived the accident. I would go to bed at night and have one nightmare after another that ended in my demise. But, I did get back on the bike. But if you have even the slightest remote doubt about riding then don't do it.

Riding bikes reminds me of what my flight instructor told me many many moons ago, there are two types of pilots those that have landed gear up and those that will. Same for bikers those that have gone down and those that will. If you have your brain turned on you will get away with just a scratch.

I think this site is awesome, and agree it should be used as a learning tool. I have had my share of spills as any rider has and learned to appreciate my gear. I am always asked why I ride, even on the hottest days, in full leathers and riding boots, my answer, it only takes once to learn my lesson. I am glad someone took the time to make this site and hope others take the time to learn from it.

Great site - I sent it to all the motorcycle riders I know - and car riders. I find that some of the people out there forget their mortality - I have been on the front for over 30 years - I'm a grandmother 3 x's over - and you have to be alert . I have only flipped a bike once - it was small - it was in an intersection - and it was a mechanical problem - x husband didn't want to ride it home - so I did. I have on full leathers and gauntlet gloves. The leather got cut up - I came away with a scratch. After all these years of riding - I only have one trick I ride by. I pretend I'm invisible - no one can see me. They will try and drive over me - on top of me - share my lane and what ever else they can do because they do not see me. I turn 50 at the end of May /06 and I intend to ride a lot longer. Good for you to find a site like this. It is a good reminder that the other vehicles out there do not see us - so we have to see them - and expect them to all be stupid. Thanks for a great site.

Some of those pics made me feel sick, I was about to go for a blast but I might leave her parked for the night.

We know the risk, but are you willing to take it every time you thum the starter?

It is a shame when anyone dies needlessly and unexpectedly. It really hits home when motorcyclists are killed because we are so unprotected that most anything can take us out. We all ride with that knowledge.

Catchy e-mail address! Looks to me like another gory site aimed at riders. Those of us who pay attention know of the risks. I'm wondering why you didn't leave all the names on the pics, protecting the guilty, maybe? Why didn't you put the responders e-mail addresses with the letters? This may help, it may not. I rag my wife and step-son about paying attention, talking on the phone, etc. Does it change anything, I'm afraid not! Like a wise old man said once (or twice) 'It's a roll of the dice!' Later, and ride aware!

The site has been compiled by someone who, I think, is genuinely concerned about motorcycle fatalities both in the USA and overseas. I say I think because I am not one hundred percent sure. Many of the pictures and videos are shocking, disgusting and definitely not for younger people or people who are even a little sensitive. I debated with myself about even publishing the link on this forum, but perhaps someone, somewhere can use it to help educate car drivers and other road users about just being more damned careful and watchful for motorcyclists. It makes a strong point for having a separate lane for bikers and cyclists. Here in Australia it is illegal to talk on a hand held cell phone while driving. Hundreds of drivers still do it of course, I see it every day I ride to work. The bike crash victims in these pics and videos are often dead and/or lying around in bloody bits, not always connected. I strongly advise you to think about all of this before even entering the website. We all know it happens...but this site brings it right out into the open. Maybe that's a good thing or a bad thing, I don't know. This is the kind of site where one just has to make up one's own mind. BE WARNED ONCE MORE...some people who have already visited this site have decided to stop riding altogether, yes the site is THAT BAD!!!!!!!!

One thing I NEVER forget when I am riding is that at any moment an automobile can take me out just like that! When riding through traffic, My eyes are constantly scanning other drivers.

A guy I work with is being buried from injuries on his bike, today.

Man, that's some crazy shit. I remember some advice that I received from an old timer, who's still riding and bought ANOTHER new Harley last summer. He told me to ride like I was invisible. I ALWAYS assume cagers are Not going to stop, I always look for tire movement at intersections and where tires are in proximity to the lines on the road. I ALWAYS assume that drivers are going to pull away form a stop sign and have my clutch and brake at the ready. I never use the middle lane when there is one because you have NOWHERE to go and when I have to drive along parked cars I look for a person's outline-in case they fling the door open without looking. Ironically, it was on a country road last summer I lost it avoiding a raccoon and separated my clavicle from my shoulder blade, fractured my nose bruised some ribs and got a concussion. It's a roll of the dice all right. After seeing those pictures I feel blessed, maybe He DOES like me!

You never know when your number is going to be up. Hopefully it'll be quick, whatever is going on when the dice stops rolling. I was working at a dealership a few years ago. We had a bike in the basement that was in pretty good shape, but we couldn't sell it for some reason. I finally got the owner of the shop to let me in on the secret. A guy had been out on a country road with his friend on the back. Lost it on a corner (all by himself). Bike jumps the ditch and throws him off. He hits a barbed wire fence just right, and it complete decapitated him. His friend had a few scratches, but not even a broken bone. Literally got up and walked away. Talk about bum luck!

Wow, that was pretty tough to take. Although I've heard all the statistics, it's different to see it in pictures. And all the people turning left in front of bikes makes me want to go install huge neon flashing lights on me and my bike. Maybe I can at least put on a modulator and Hyperlites and get brighter clothing (mine is all black). After that I guess all we can do is drive as safe as possible and take our chances for a sport we love.

I found a site that promotes biking safety. The site starts off with some info and stats. But if you scroll down farther you'll see news clippings and pics...some of the pics can be VERY GRAPHIC. So if you don't want to see them don't scroll down far. But....if you're going to ride....you should be aware of the consequences with regards to lack of safety. I personally think every new rider should see some of this stuff....it will help keep you responsible.

The reality of these pics is doing plenty to encourage me to act safely.

We all enjoy our bikes but that site shows the "reality" that lack of respect for a modern day bike or not paying attention for one second can do - not too mention the crazies in their cages. If someone doesn't think they can die a horrible death on a bike, then they should definitely get a car.

It does not make motorcycles look good for prospective riders who are considering getting a motorbike. Everyone (with common sense - including myself) understands the importance of safety and the risks involved!!!, but we should encourage new riders and safety not scare the crap out of them to go and buy cars *cringe*. Sure, show this site to them AFTER they have purchased a motorbike, but maybe a few pictures of road rash and death statistics would be sufficient (until then), NOT mangled bodies that are unrecognizable....

As a kid I saw a fatal bike accident thanks to a driver pulling out without looking. Didn't stop me taking up riding. Just re-enforced the dangers associated with it.

WOW that is a Brilliant Web Site. I am not squeamish and looked through it ALL. It is a shame this has happened to the riders. But how about the families left behind.

It's websites like this that go through my head every time I ride, that remind me to check my mirrors, slow down, set up the front brake, do head checks, slow down, check mirrors...

I was in a bad motorcycle accident that required brain surgery (completed a masters degree after, so things still work up there) broken back, and about 7 other broken bones. For me the danger isn’t hypothetical, it’s pretty real. I don’t have to view graphic pictures on a website to be shocked into realizing the danger, I’ve got the photos in my own photo album.

Now I am completely freaked out. I don't know if I even want to ride any more. I have 3 kids all still at home and all of a sudden I realized that even if I ride with the best gear and the best reflexes there still stands a very good chance some idiot on a cell phone or some nut trying to get his CD out of the player will keep me from ever seeing them grow up. I always knew the possibility existed but man what a wake up call. And I haven't even gotten my new bike's title back in the mail yet. I love to ride but what now? I'll be thinking of these pics all the time. Good for me as far as making sure I pay attention but it may also distract me from the task at hand. I'm afraid to even ride it to work in the morning. I am considering selling it, without any words from the wife. (luckily she didn't see the pics) D@MN Internet!

I absolutely reject the notion presented on the site that we all have gone down or will do so. If you can't increase your odds of staying away from trouble after visiting this site then maybe I'm wrong about you, but riding smart should keep you from being the next picture on the site.

I think everyone here would agree that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous to your physical well being than driving a car. As another poster said, you can find equally graphic images of car crashes, but we all decide were the balance is between safety and convenience. And cars are way convenient. Bikes are not more convenient than a car is, so you are tipping the scale towards more danger in exchange for more fun/enjoyment.

Is the enjoyment worth the danger to a person with children? Only you can answer that. But it is my belief that those that think that those pictures don’t pertain to them are in denial.

I ride knowing that those pictures may happen to me. I try to use strategies that will decrease the likelihood of it happening, but I’m not in denial and I know it may happen to me.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, the enjoyment is worth the risk for me.

I tell people that are contemplating taking up riding, that if biking is in your blood, life is substantially better when you ride. On the other hand, if you are fine with not riding, then you are much safer. If you do try it, and it gets in your blood, then your stuck with it and the danger.

It is my belief that even with all the safety strategies that can be learned, riding a motorcycle increases your odds of becoming hurt or dead compared to a car. But to some of us it is worth it, and you don’t even have to be in denial for it to be worth it. But be aware that if it gets in your blood you may be stuck with it for life to be fully enjoyable.

You have to weigh your family etc with the danger and make your own decision. I’d support you either way if it was an informed decision and you weren’t in denial pretending that it can’t happen to you.

In addition to being as safe a rider as you can, to give some peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the event of a deadly crash is to have a big life insurance policy on yourself. No, I don't sell insurance or work for an insurance company.

So I am surfing another site and found this site. It maybe a repost. Either way it will make you stop and think. I am going to book mark it to keep as a reminder of what I am doing every time I suit up.....And it also has made me SERIOUSLY consider not buying a mesh jacket but instead getting a perforated leather one...

Seeing that site kept me awake last night... I am remembering Mike (Mike'sHardware) who died 2 Thanksgivings ago on his Busa and the fact that I've had 2 bike accidents, #1 in 1986, #2 in 1996, and it is 2006...

I am rethinking my riding over the last week and had 2 pucker factors. Water in the apex of a blind right curve with a decreasing radius and locking up the back when traffic decided to STOP on a mountain road. I believe I will exercise exess caution for the balance of this year.

I know it's hard to convince harley riders and squids to wear gear but this site might change their minds. I didn't even want to ride for a little while after seeing that site.

My gracious! That page is really scary. Eye opener for sure. We riders have to take a lot of the responsibility for our own safety, because no one else is going to.

Man, that makes me want to stay off my bike, which just isn't right. Just have to be VERY careful every time you get on. Never let your guard down.

If nothing else that serves to remind us of how vulnerable we are. I say a quick prayer each time I mount up. If I die motorcycling, I've died a happy man.

I've seen that site before. This site should be required viewing for anyone buying a motorcycle. I guarantee you it would slow some of us down, maybe even prevent some of us from getting into this dangerous sport. I made my son look at it. Hope it helped...

WOW.. that kind of stuff makes me want to push my bike home instead of riding it. That fence post thing got me to thinking. That would hurt like hell.

Well , I'm not riding till the chills go away..

What a waste of bandwidth. Wear you safety gear, take some classes, ride like their going to try and kill you. Get over it or stay the hell home OK?

Good morning! I just wanted you to know that I have looked at your website... and I find it quite sobering. I have been riding motorcycles for over 20 years (on and off) and have seen the changes in the way motorcycles have been perceived by the public. Thank you again.... I'll be sure to forward links to your site to all of my friends that ride.

Was a motor cop for 10 years in a town of about 50,000. I have seen the attitude a lot of vehicle drivers have about bikes first hand. I also investigated fatality accidents in which bikes were involved. I am happy to see someone, with the guts, put up a sight like this. There is a slim chance it may educate some of the idiots we have on the street. Keep up the good work. - a 24 year cop

I'm sure you get some people writing and telling you that your site is negative or "anti motorcycle" or whatever. I don't think so and I appreciate the time and effort that you put in to gather the images, videos and information. The site is a great reminder that people on the road - motorcyclists and motorists alike - do some really scary and really stupid crap sometimes. The site is also a great example of some of the reasons why we need to work much harder to eliminate the problem of impaired riding (statistics in some states are running as high as 65% of motorcycle fatalities being due to impaired riders) as well as to work on graduated licensing similar to what's in place in Europe. We need to continue to fight the "anti-helmet" types that spread so much misinformation about helmets and insist on point-of-sale license checks to guard against unendorsed riders buying bikes - which they frequently can't ride and upon which they frequently die. As a motorcycle instructor, I firmly believe in strong and repeated training for riders of all ages and of all experience levels. Finally, your site is also a great reminder that we need to work very hard to get cell-phone use banned in all motor vehicles and get regular motorist education about motorcycles out in front of the public's eyes. Have a good day!

Been there, done that, got the skull plates. The site illustrates the consequences of what we do. I've lost friends, as I'm sure many of you have. It's easy to push into the back of your mind, but the risk exists. Wear the gear, and be smart out there. Here's to a season of not giving that anti-bike site any new material.

Man, that site really makes you think. I just took the BRC 2 weeks ago. I was the only one in the class that got 100% on both the written and riding test. The thing is, I've scared the crap out of myself a couple of times since then while on my bike. That 100% don't mean shat if you aren't using those skills 100% of the time.

I'll tell you what, I am going to slow down, WAY down. I don't want to end up like any of these poor guys...

Not sure I can watch all the videos. The pictures alone were enough to make me question if riding is worth it. I know I am careful and watch what is going on around me but when you look at some of these and realize some of these folks had no way to escape their fate it makes you think hard about this passion we all have for riding.

Not fun to look at... however, if everyone could see things like this, it might help bikers and cagers alike to be more aware of their surroundings.

Normally, I don't get disturbed about statistics or pictures of motorcycle accidents. It's all part of the business of riding motorcycles. There is an inherit risk associated with riding motorcycles. We all know that and we accept it. We, especially the members of this board, do what we can to be responsible and safety conscious riders. That being said, these pictures, and I couldn't bring myself to watch the videos, were disturbing, to say the least. I wished I hadn't looked, but curiosity got the best of me. Now, I can't get the images out of my head. Respect for riding and the dangers associated with it is one thing, but fear is quite another. Fear doesn't help you ride safely, it hinders you. There are times when we all have to make split second decisions to avoid a potential accident and if we hesitate because we are fearful and not confident, the consequences can become tragic. I know what happens when everything goes wrong. I just wish I had the strength not to look and I hope it hasn't made me a poorer rider as well. I read this board all the time and even though you guys don't know it, I have grown fond of all the members from reading the funny, interesting and warm words you all post here. To all, please be careful out there, I don't have so many friends that I can afford to lose even one.

It is a mean cruel world out there! Even if you eliminate the 50% that are "our" fault, it is OUR responsibility to avoid the other 50%. We all know that in any accident the motorcyclist will come out on the short end of the stick. Dress to crash, sweat a little instead of bleeding and YOU are 110% responsible to keep yourself safe.

I still hold a healthy fear of motorcycling and I dress for the occasion as well.

I just got through looking at the site in detail. If this won't stop and make you think, nothing will.

I....don't have any words to express the agony the wives, sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers of those who have fallen must feel when they have to come to the morgue to identify their loved ones. I would be lying for sure if i said i never cracked the throttle to feel the exhilaration(?) and thrill of speed! triple digit travel is..well..one of the greatest thrills to experience. but I'm as stupid as everyone else when I do it. sure, a lot of cycle accidents are caused by the un-attentive auto and truck drivers that haven't a clue what may be going around them. but then some cycle riders are just asking for it! its just not having gear on but where is your mind set at when you swing that right leg over the seat left one for u goofy-footers!) you want to race, got to the track! you want to do tricks?, go to an abandoned air field. Our politicians say that more education would cure a lot of ills. why not with the cycle crowd. in Ohio our endorsement tests are a joke. your hog too big to control in tight turns and maneuvering bring a Honda 50 to the test. Ohio doesn't give a ****! just give us the money and you are free to do everything you want! I hear that Europe's m/c training is top notch. you really learn how to ride before you are let out on the road. Americans are more interested in their "rights" than their responsibilities! lets get with it guys and girls the butt you might save is...yours!

Interesting how most riders assume that the responsibility for motorcycle accidents are a 50/50 split. Or you'll hear someone say "Yeah I wrecked, but it wasn't my fault. I used to think the same thing after having been down twice in 25 years and assuming one accident was my fault, the other was not. A few years ago I decided to take the MSF course with a friend because he was new to riding and asked me to join him. I assumed with all the experience I had, I would learn little, if any new skills. (I aced the written and driving test by the way ) Anyway, during one of lectu