Is it wise to read/view bike accidents?

redgar · 06-08-2008, 12:18 PM

I want know peoples opinions on reading about or viewing videos of motorcycle accidents. See, they scare the hell out of me. I'm not sure if it would be counter-productive or wise to read and view these stories. My wife is constantly telling me about accidents to the point I told her that I don't want to here them anymore. She doesn't do it to scare me, but in "matter-of-fact" type ways. But then I think maybe I should look at them to try and learn. Anyway, I have never been down (but had about three close very close calls) and I don't ever want to go down. Drop me some knowledge on this please!

snakesht · 06-08-2008, 12:32 PM

First of all, accept the reality that you're going to go down. I think reading the stories behind crashes can provide you with some insight on how to avoid them. As far as watching vids, much of it has to do with an inherent morbid fascination than a desire to become informed, IMO. But they don't bother me. I watch car and bike crashes, and even plane crashes (I'm a pilot) and they don't bother me. But again, if it bugs you to watch, don't. No biggie.

636blurr · 06-08-2008, 12:41 PM

I dont agree with the "your going to go down mentality" That sets a dangerous precident and thought pattern. Do you think a boxer gets in the ring thinking "IM gonna get knocked out?" hell no. In boxing,when you start thinking about getting knocked down, its time to hang up the gloves.

That applies to the street as well, focus on your ride, focus on having a good ride, what you will do and how you will do it.

As far as watching readin about wrecks, I do all the time, I like to see what other people did wrong and how it could of been prevented, and I am a bit of a Morbid bastard so that stuff doesnt bother me.

Up to you, but if it sticks in your mind to much, I would strongly suggest not doing it anymore.
As to your wife telling you about accidents so much, tell her to shut the hell up, I cant stand that negative shit by someone you love. Seriously, she is going to cause you to wreck at some point simply becouse you are so worried about wrecking, you will make it happen.

snakesht · 06-08-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 636blurr

I dont agree with the "your going to go down mentality" That sets a dangerous precident and thought pattern. Do you think a boxer gets in the ring thinking "IM gonna get knocked out?" hell no. In boxing,when you start thinking about getting knocked down, its time to hang up the gloves.

I guess that was a bit over the top. I don't mean to insinuate that you should begin each ride with the assumption that you are going to go down. I just think that you should accept it as something that is more than likely going to happen if you ride for any period of time. I've seen too many people with the "it's not going to happen to me" attitude get complacent and end up getting hurt because they didn't take the necessary precautions (gear, paying attention to inept cagers, etc.)

bumblebee · 06-08-2008, 01:22 PM

Anything you read or see that teaches you how to be safer, is worth it

coronadozx · 06-08-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumblebee

Anything you read or see that teaches you how to be safer, is worth it

+1

i think it depends on why you are watching the video ... are you watching to see the mistakes and possibly learn from it or are you watching for entertainment.

i think trying to learn from the riders' mistake(s) is better for your soul.

Anthonyd5189 · 06-08-2008, 02:43 PM

For me, I like reading about accidents...whether it be aviation or motorcycles. By reading about things other people did wrong you can learn a lot about what you should do in that same situation(applies more to flying than motorcycles). Either way take the opportunity to learn from others mistakes.

bendosia · 06-08-2008, 04:45 PM

Ditto on what everyone says. I get a real shitty feeling when I read about motorcycle accidents, specially since it usually ends up with the person seriously injured or dead. However, it's good to use that information and see how you can apply to your riding and make sure you can avoid the same thing.

One important thing I've learned from a lot of videos as well as information on this site, is to always be on the lookout for cars that might invade your space. Oncoming cars that might turn left across you, cars that might merge into your lane, intersections, red light runners, etc.

Another thing videos have taught me is to always ride within my limits and to dial my speed down when I get a bit frisky. Yes, that can even happen on a 250!

Optimus Leo · 06-08-2008, 05:16 PM

"There is no knowledge that is not power"

Many times, I have read about accidents where later on, I have faced the same situation and came out unharmed. Maybe it's luck, maybe it's because I had read how to react, maybe it's a mix of both.

Squid Killer · 06-08-2008, 06:00 PM

To learn from someone elses crash you must know WHY they crashed. The answer isnt always obvious.

You might see "They ran off the road into a ditch"
I might see "They reached their mental limit on how far they can lean and then fixated on a place to crash"

You might see "They hit the car that pulled out in front of them"
I see "They locked the front wheel by being too quick on the front brake and then didnt release it in time to prevent being slamed down to the left"

When a non rider tells a rider about a motorcycle accident then the non rider needs to hear about 5 car accidents and how dangerous it is to drive so they better get a motorcycle to be safer.