Ban motorcycles!!!

[L8 Braker]

Full story in link below...

Auto Erotica: It's time to ban the motorcycle - Sun-Sentinel.com (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/citylink/sfl-auto-erotica-its-time-to-ban-the-motorcycle-20110613,0,4414821.story)

Auto Erotica: It's time to ban the motorcycle
There, I said it. It needed to be said.

What if I were to tell you that the fatality rate for those of us who drive a car or truck is 14 out of every 100,000 drivers? That’s a distressing statistic but it’s far below what it once was.

Now, what if I were to tell you that there’s a vehicle on the road today that increases your chances of being killed while driving it by more than 500 percent, producing an average of 72 fatalities for every 100,000 users?

That vehicle would represent a pretty silly and dangerous way to get around, don’t you think? But wait — there’s more. What if this vehicle produced 11 percent of all driving fatalities, effectively erasing gains made from years of declining motor-vehicle deaths? Would you want to drive that vehicle? Would you want your loved ones to drive it?

Surprisingly, registrations for this vehicle increased by more than 63 percent from 1997 to 2005, with the fatalities that resulted rising at a disproportionately high rate.

Add to all that the fact that this vehicle can emit 10 to 20 times the quantity of nitrogen oxide than standard automobiles because so many of these vehicles don’t require a catalytic converter. In some states, they don’t even require insurance.

This deathtrap, of course, is the motorcycle, and it’s time for the grownups to take a stand and say enough is enough.

The above statistics come from a U.S. Department of Transportation study released in October 2007 entitled, “Action Plan To Reduce Motorcycle Fatalities.” Ironically, the welcome page is from then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, who talks about breaking her collarbone while riding one.

I’m not a motorcyclist. What, then, gives me the right to call for the end of what many millions of Americans love to do? Well, first, there is the emotional factor. A friend’s older brother — only in his early 20s — was killed in a head-on collision. Another friend’s father shattered his leg going around a curve. A few weeks ago, a friend was hit by a car and suffered a puncturedlung and a partially collapsed lung, two shattered vertebra, a broken scapula and clavicle, fivebroken ribs — some in multiple places — and has lost feeling in his lower back and left leg. He’s 23.

Then, there’s the economic impact that motorcycle crashes have on you and me. The cost to us all in terms of increased health-insurance costs — if not direct taxpayer costs — to cover those people injured in and by motorcycle accidents who can’t afford to pay. The increased cost of auto insurance from damage inflicted and received, not to mention untold billions in insurance payouts to motorcycle drivers. The court time taken up by accidents involving motorcycle drivers. The cost of accident-scene public services such as police and fire.

It’s good news that motorcycle fatalities dropped 24 percent in Florida in 2009, and yet, the Florida Department of Transportation estimates Floridians will still have to pay $190 million to cover unpaid costs associated with motorcycle crashes this year alone, as reported by WFTV News in Orlando.

Look at the above statistics again. If a certain model of car produced that kind of horrendous increase in deaths — 72 fatalities per 100,000 compared to the car and truck norm of 14 per 100,000 — the public would demand an instant halt to the production and sale of that flawed vehicle.

Driving is not a right — it’s a privilege, granted by us, the American people, to those deemed responsible enough to exercise that privilege. We are doing a disservice to our fellow Americans when we indulge their interests in an inherently unsafe vehicle. Maybe there was a time in the past when cars and trucks drove slowly enough or were small enough to allow the luxury of a vehicle that has no seat belt, no door or hood or metal around it. But no more.

Beyond the actual costs to taxpayers is the realization that we’re losing more than 4,300 motorcycle drivers a year nationally who would have been far more likely to survive with airbags and crumple zones around them.

And I won’t even mention the obvious stupidity of not legally requiring — or wanting — the wearing of helmets.

Perhaps it’s time for those people who have lost a loved one or friend in a motorcycle accident to stand up and ask that, at the very least, these vehicles be restricted to off-road areas and tracks. Friends try to keep friends from engaging in needless risks, and that’s what motorcycles are, even when operated by well-trained, responsible drivers.

[L8 Braker]

Here's the authors email if you'd like to give him your opinion of his article...

Contact Hugh Curran at kanga573@aol.com

[Corey]

Let's ban cars too. That will really make a huge impact on lowering driving related fatalities. Interesting how there's no mention of inattentive drivers in cars who are more busy paying attention to sending their text messages, eating their lunch, talking on the phone, putting on make-up, and doing all of those other things that have nothing to do with driving and everything to do with being dangerous distractions. Wouldn't want to bring in those people who have no problem turning in from of a motorcyclist because they "didn't see them". The same "privilege, not right" thinking applies to cars. Ban them too. Make people take public transportation and remove the need for them to make responsible decisions about how to drive their vehicles. The changes in the fatality rates from removing car drivers would monumentally dwarf the motorcycle riders.

[azoomm]

He sure has a lot of statistics. I wonder if he has the number of motorcyclists killed by car drivers?

[Particle Man]

He sure has a lot of statistics. I wonder if he has the number of motorcyclists killed by car drivers?

Exactly. Was thinking of this through the entire article.

[Avatard]

What a cunt.

[Trip]

Here's the authors email if you'd like to give him your opinion of his article...

Contact Hugh Curran at kanga573@aol.com

As soon as I can make a comment that doesn't begin and end in profanities, I will be emailing this fucker.

[fasternyou929]

We are doing a disservice to our fellow Americans when we indulge their interests in an inherently unsafe vehicle.
Big brother quote of the year.

Here's the authors email if you'd like to give him your opinion of his article...

Contact Hugh Curran at kanga573@aol.com

I really hope nobody e-mails him, he's not worth the time. Anybody that thinks they're in the position to indulge others in their interests will not have a mind open to new ideas or facts from e-mail written by strangers.

It would be nice to see the Sun-Sentinel's subscriptions/online views plummet for them allowing such an ignorant article in their paper. I'll take that over an e-mail to a nobody-journalist any day.

['73 H1 Triple]

He sure has a lot of statistics. I wonder if he has the number of motorcyclists killed by car drivers?

But that wouldn't fit his "ban the motorcycles" rant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let's take a look at his side ( regardless of ignorant it is ) and how to reduce motorcycle injuries/deaths.

maybe graduated licenses for ALL drivers ( 2 and 4 wheels )
New drivers are limited to lower HP and hours of operation.

Involved in an accident that was deemed "reckless" ? Move back a couple places on your license or farther reduced time allotments.

( but you know this would never work because it would require PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY --- There is too much of it's not my fault because ..... )

please excuse me for pouring gas on the fire

[goof2]

This article and the attitude that motivated it is why I tend to be reluctant to tell people what they can and can't do without, in my opinion, pretty damn compelling reasons. Lots of people like to play that game and sooner or later they will come for something you like because it is a safety hazard. Its why I don't care if weed is legalized and I view the "fuck smokers, ban smoking" attitude I notice around here as pretty short sighted.:shrug:

[VatorMan]

And yet, almost every time I mention I ride I have to hear a story about someone they knew that was killed or hurt on a M/C.

God help if they start outlawing everything that isn't "safe".

['73 H1 Triple]

And yet, almost every time I mention I ride I have to hear a story about someone they knew that was killed or hurt on a M/C.

God help if they start outlawing everything that isn't "safe".

:iagree:

We should ban farming, I'm sure that is much more dangerous than motorcycles.


Maybe we should go back a few decades , remove all the lawyer / lawsuit induced warnings and just let people be themselves. If somebody wants to put an aluminum ladder in their pool to do some electrical wiring with the circuit hot, go for it. :lol:

There are risks to everything you do. Accept those risks and enjoy life. There is no guarantee that you will be here tomorrow this time.

[Porkchop]

As soon as I can make a comment that doesn't begin and end in profanities, I will be emailing this fucker.

:lol: I opened up the email and started to type "Hugh, Fuck You". Then I decided to not be a moron and feed his point. I went with...

While you put up excellent statistics showing the dangers of riding a motorcycle (like any mother would), you failed to show how many of these accidents were caused by drivers in automobiles. Sure you have your goof-balls (I am using that as a gentle term of what I really mean) that ride at excessive amounts of speed and testicular fortitude. But what about all of the injuries caused by distracted soccer moms, teenagers texting on their cell phones, seniors that can't see farther than 15 feet, or people driving large SUVs that don't take a second look at what is next to them while merging. Instead of blindly blaming the activity as the main factor on why people are dying, how about writing instead on the actions that can be taken to make the roads a safer place for EVERYONE... cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrian alike. How about writing about stepping up penalties for texting while driving. How about more stringent education of teenage drivers, as well as more stringent testing of sight and reaction for seniors. As you say in your article, driving is a privilege, not a right. Motorcycling is a dangerous activity, and that fact is fully taken on by every rider every time they get on a bike. And while many riders keep safety and responsibility in mind, just like with any activity, some individuals take their freedom too far. Please please please reconsider before posting an emotionally fueled article like this next time. I have had many friends, family members, and acquaintances die on motorcycles and in motor vehicles. That has not stopped me from doing either. Would you never drive a car again if your best friend died in an accident? Because with this mentality, how about we ban cars, planes, and trains too. Too many people are dying in those too. And while you're at it.... too many kids are getting hit in the head with baseballs, too many kids are breaking their necks playing football, and too many seniors are having heart attacks while playing golf. We should just eliminate everything hazardous in our life, and all sit at home in our little boxes and stare at the wall...


There was more, some links to studies and stuff, but that was the meat of it. Idiot.

[Avatard]

This article and the attitude that motivated it is why I tend to be reluctant to tell people what they can and can't do without, in my opinion, pretty damn compelling reasons. Lots of people like to play that game and sooner or later they will come for something you like because it is a safety hazard. Its why I don't care if weed is legalized and I view the "fuck smokers, ban smoking" attitude I notice around here as pretty short sighted.:shrug:

"Ban everything you don't like" is a great idea...until someone wants to ban something YOU like.

The shortsightedness of such an attitude always amazes me. Why can't people think things through to their logical conclusion?

[Particle Man]

"Ban everything you don't like" is a great idea...until someone wants to ban something YOU like.

The shortsightedness of such an attitude always amazes me. Why can't people think things through to their logical conclusion?

Because then they'd actually have to THINK... and maybe accept responsibility for their own opinion *gasp* (the R word... Ruuuuuuuuuun)

[Gas Man]

Honestly, the increase in MC deaths can be attributed to two factors, IMO.

Increased sportbike sales to young and un-trained, rookie riders.
The increase of dumb ass aging drinking idiot riders on their bar hopping cruisers.

All the rest of us fall in between and really aren't causing that many problems.

[Avatard]

In a truly free country, you should be free to do even things that are bad for you.

Seems nowadays, everything is bad for you. Trying to quantify that shit could render you fucking insane. Let's just err on the side of freedom, huh?

[Gas Man]

In a truly free country, you should be free to do even things that are bad for you.

Seems nowadays, everything is bad for you. Trying to quantify that shit could render you fucking insane. Let's just err on the side of freedom, huh?
I must agree.

[tommymac]

Honestly, the increase in MC deaths can be attributed to two factors, IMO.

Increased sportbike sales to young and un-trained, rookie riders.
The increase of dumb ass aging drinking idiot riders on their bar hopping cruisers.

All the rest of us fall in between and really aren't causing that many problems.

Doesnt help that these newer sprtbikes are much more powerful than wha tthey were just 5 or 10 yrs ago, you can get yourself in a bad way real easy on one.

I also remember reading somewhere that a good amount of the wrecks/fatalities were the 50 somethings getting back into motorcycling or just starting it as a mid life crisis sort of thing.

[Avatard]

There's no age on stupid. Again, let's avoid trying to quantify this shit.

Suffice to say that in a free country, you should be...what's the word I'm looking for...oh yeah; free.

[L8 Braker]

As soon as I can make a comment that doesn't begin and end in profanities, I will be emailing this fucker.I kept mine simple...

I could go into the countless legal things that kill people at a much higher rate than motorcycles, but it's easier just to call you a closed minded jackass. Have a nice day.

[Avatard]

Bravo. Wish I could be as witty, and non-profane. Much like Trip, I think I'm gonna hafta wait, or every 3rd word will be a profanity.

[Method]

In a truly free country, you should be free to do even things that are bad for you.

Seems nowadays, everything is bad for you. Trying to quantify that shit could render you fucking insane. Let's just err on the side of freedom, huh?
I'm a little late to this thread but: This.


"Author" (And I struggle to use the term) is a shortsighted cunt.

[Rangerscott]

A new study shows a high rate of whores sufficating from too much dong down the throat.

[anthonyk]

He sure has a lot of statistics. I wonder if he has the number of motorcyclists killed by car drivers?

Given this little tidbit by the author, I'm not sure that question matters:

Maybe there was a time in the past when cars and trucks drove slowly enough or were small enough to allow the luxury of a vehicle that has no seat belt, no door or hood or metal around it. But no more.

To me, that sounds like he's saying we ought to stay off the roads and away from those big fast cars and trucks, if we know what's good for us.


Ah, the abdication of personal responsibility...America's new pastime. When people get out of the habit of taking responsibility for their own damn self, they can't even understand why personal choice is so important. After all, it's someone else's responsibility to make sure you make it to your deathbed intact. :wtfru:

[Porkchop]

I kept mine simple...

I could go into the countless legal things that kill people at a much higher rate than motorcycles, but it's easier just to call you a closed minded jackass. Have a nice day.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfdQnjPZ1YI/TaS49bMRQSI/AAAAAAAAAV8/ZI_VCv2CnE8/s1600/charlie-sheen-winning-tshirt.jpg

[Rangerscott]

This seems to be a, "Our website needs more hits so lets write about something stupid.."

[Particle Man]

I'm a little late to this thread but: This.


"Author" (And I struggle to use the term) is a shortsighted cunt.

It has to be bad for you to come out of the woodwork :lol:

[Papa_Complex]

This guy REALLY doesn't want to see the death rates on canoes then.

[Avatard]

This guy REALLY doesn't want to see the death rates on canoes then.

No, please do tell him. He needs to understand just how stupid what he said is.

[the chi]

As soon as I can make a comment that doesn't begin and end in profanities, I will be emailing this fucker.

Bravo. Wish I could be as witty, and non-profane. Much like Trip, I think I'm gonna hafta wait, or every 3rd word will be a profanity.


You guys are both phenominal at this kinda stuff. Please have at. I'm still so stunned by the stupidity I cant even formulate a response.

My thought is how many of us who engage in this "horrible" activity have lost friends and family to it or had them be injured and we still do it? How many times have I picked up a buddy and dusted him off, staunched the bleeding and bandaged him up and then got right back on a bike? A few to be sure...

Like PC said, its a risk we accept every single time, knowing what the consequences can be, and the same argument I have to use everytime some person who knows whats better for me than I do tries to talk me out of riding.

Make sure to post your letters too!

Porkchop - BRAVO!! :clap:

[askmrjesus]

Dear Mr. Curran,

As much as your hand picked statistics would suggest that motorcycles are inherently dangerous, you have left out a few choice details that are worth mentioning.

For starters, if you are truly interested in public safety, one would think you would be more focused on the leading cause of death in this country: Obesity.

Now Hugh, I've seen your photo, and lets face it, you're a fatty pants. Your cholesterol level is much more likely to end up costing the public money, than all motorcyclists combined. We are, you see, a very small minority in the US, whereas as you, and your doughnut loving friends, are bankrupting the healthcare system, simply because you don't have the discipline to pass up a Baskin Robins every once in a while.

Of course, that also explains your problem with motorcycles. It's hard to stuff a Whopper into your saggy jowls, while riding one.

The solution seems clear: It's time to ban fat people. Specifically, fat people with online degrees in "journalism", who write articles that are meant to create controversy, rather than be of any informative value.

But wait, that would infringe on your right to stuff your face behind the wheel, while not paying attention to the road, and that, of course, is what America is all about; the freedom from personal responsibility.

I'll cut this short. It's close to lunch time, and I know the KFC down the street from your little cubby hole, has an all you can eat deal this week.

Bon Appetite.

JC

[Papa_Complex]

Must....

..... remember ......

...... to ......

...... BREATH!

[azoomm]

Best.letter.ever.

[KSGregman]

Dear Mr. Curran,

As much as your hand picked statistics would suggest that motorcycles are inherently dangerous, you have left out a few choice details that are worth mentioning.

For starters, if you are truly interested in public safety, one would think you would be more focused on the leading cause of death in this country: Obesity.

Now Hugh, I've seen your photo, and lets face it, you're a fatty pants. Your cholesterol level is much more likely to end up costing the public money, than all motorcyclists combined. We are, you see, a very small minority in the US, whereas as you, and your doughnut loving friends, are bankrupting the healthcare system, simply because you don't have the discipline to pass up a Baskin Robins every once in a while.

Of course, that also explains your problem with motorcycles. It's hard to stuff a Whopper into your saggy jowls, while riding one.

The solution seems clear: It's time to ban fat people. Specifically, fat people with online degrees in "journalism", who write articles that are meant to create controversy, rather than be of any informative value.

But wait, that would infringe on your right to stuff your face behind the wheel, while not paying attention to the road, and that, of course, is what America is all about; the freedom from personal responsibility.

I'll cut this short. It's close to lunch time, and I know the KFC down the street from your little cubby hole, has an all you can eat deal this week.

Bon Appetite.

JC

Fatty pants....

Fecking hell I'm dying laughing. :lmao:

[Tmall]

Bravo AMJ!

[KSGregman]

Speaking of fat people....

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot....383 pounds at 19?!

Seriously?!

How is that fuck is that even POSSIBLE?!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/22/surgery.obese.teens/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

I'm all for banning lard asses....IMMEDIATELY.

Imagine how much it's gonna cost to attempt to fix lard induced blindness. Never even knew such a thing was possible...and it sounds horribly expensive to fix.

[Rangerscott]

If I owned a company and was providing health insurance Id never hire a hefty person.

[the chi]

This is what kills me:

"I kept trying and I just couldn't do it," he says...

Umm, stop eating would be a start...

ETA: I know that sounds cruel, but I bust my rear almost every day to eat right and work out so I dont weigh 200 lbs, getting obese without an actual health reason (thyroid or whatever) is just crap. Let's see some willpower and good decisions. Shit irritates me bc people who dont work as hard as I do like to bitch at me and complain about being fat while drinking a Coke, downing Waffle House and watching tv all day on the couch.

[Porkchop]

This is what kills me:



Umm, stop eating would be a start...

ETA: I know that sounds cruel, but I bust my rear almost every day to eat right and work out so I dont weigh 200 lbs, getting obese without an actual health reason (thyroid or whatever) is just crap. Let's see some willpower and good decisions. Shit irritates me bc people who dont work as hard as I do like to bitch at me and complain about being fat while drinking a Coke, downing Waffle House and watching tv all day on the couch.

But, I like cake.... :lol

[defector]

I'm not fat, I'm retaining.....



meat.

[the chi]

:lol: Me too PC...

[Captain Morgan]

This is what kills me:



Umm, stop eating would be a start...

ETA: I know that sounds cruel, but I bust my rear almost every day to eat right and work out so I dont weigh 200 lbs, getting obese without an actual health reason (thyroid or whatever) is just crap. Let's see some willpower and good decisions. Shit irritates me bc people who dont work as hard as I do like to bitch at me and complain about being fat while drinking a Coke, downing Waffle House and watching tv all day on the couch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EpuTs2zz-M

[Avatard]

Speaking of fat people....

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot....383 pounds at 19?!

Seriously?!

How is that fuck is that even POSSIBLE?!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/22/surgery.obese.teens/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

I'm all for banning lard asses....IMMEDIATELY.

Imagine how much it's gonna cost to attempt to fix lard induced blindness. Never even knew such a thing was possible...and it sounds horribly expensive to fix.

Shoulda let the fat bitch go blind, then they could hide the fucking Twinkies.