Monday, August 29, 2005

A Motorcyclist Approach to Driving

The bell-shaped curve tells us that most people you run into will have an IQ of somewhere close to 100. And since 51% says what's normal, then accept the fact that riding and driving on the highways and byways of America is dangerous business...Especially for motorcyclists. I have a way to change that...To educate people to a higher standard...To show them the righteousness of getting their heads out of their asses.

Solution: Put them on a motorcycle for a week. (Editor's Note: Sure,lots of them will self-destruct, but it's just part of the learning curve).

Here's the catch...You have to actually pay attention and be both an offense and defensive driver. You know, do the right things at the right times (checking out the local laws would be a primer to all this).

What the Drivers Would Learn
1. Really understand that you are piloting a heavy vehicle, which is going fast enough to act like a guided missile...And cause fatal damage to you and others. You will explode if you hit an abutment at 60 mph.

2. Obey the laws and you should live to see another day. Repeat after me..."I will not barge into highway traffic going 15 mph slower than highway traffic (and think it is ok to do that)"...And "remember that MERGE is lots different than YIELD"

3. It is fun learning how to control a vehicle...And make it respond to your touch. For once you have excelled at something that could save your life. You can attack a series of tight turns with surgical precision...And not even flinch. Having control of your ride now becomes a tool to quickly get you out of jams or away from sloppy-skilled motorists.

4. You will learn that you don't have time to put your make-up on or talk on the cell phone while driving a bike. You will be too busy watching out for potholes, deer/dogs/kids running into the street in front of you, gravel patches on the road, and watching drivers who are two and three (and more) spots in front of you (for brake lights, swerving, or being cut off by someone barging in from a yield entrance ramp). Paying attention will keep you out of accidents.

5. And you will learn to be responsible for your actions...That if you screw up, justice (and pain)will be quickly served. And just by knowing that, will make you pay more attention to driving and thus be a better driver. Pain is an excellent deterrent to keeping your eyes, ears, and nose open...Always protecting yourself.

The Results
It's sad that many people would hurt or kill themselves if they did jump on a bike. Yet the key to making it out alive is as simple as obeying traffic laws. Common sense will be infused in your mind as you learn...Let's not think people will have it prior to any of this.

Surviving the challenge of riding a motorcycle will improve your driving skills, reduce your chances of causing or being involved in an accident, and possibly saving the life of the people in your car...Or the lives of that pregnant woman in the car next to you.

Lesson #1...The Virtual Start
Start by leaving the cells phones turned off and concentrating on what you are doing...Before you kill ME.

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