Another Rider Down - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

blackie1491 · 08-21-2006, 11:14 PM

At 6am Monday, a motorcycle rider, traveling too fast, entered a curve on a local bridge, he went wide and his foot peg hit the curb of the sidewalk.
He was thrown head first into the railing and died.
The helmet he was wearing was a chrome novelty helmet with the disclaimer
that it was not intended for safety.
The helmet is being shown, damaged, on TV news, in the hopes that other riders will not make the same choice of helmets.

Please place a higher value on your life than this rider did.

Captain Steve · 08-22-2006, 12:09 AM

I was in the gear store today for some perforated gloves... I noticed that they had about an equal number of "novelty" helmets and DOT helmets.

I'm not a big fan of non-fullface helmets to begin with, but WTF is up with the toy helmets? I don't think they're even legal in my state. I guess some guys get them to get around the helmet law in MA. Their reasoning must be that they won't get pulled over if they appear to have a helmet on.

Accidents like this remind us all why it's a good idea to wear a REAL helmet.

Atlas68 · 08-22-2006, 12:23 AM

Wow. Missed that one on the news. Patullo bridge?? Thought I heard it was closed but didn't hear the reason. Sucks to hear about all the fatalities this year. My daughter witnessed one in mid July...reduced her to tears.
While I'm presently a full faced guy (as you know Bob), any reminders are worth taking note of. Thanks Blackie.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 07:11 AM

In Georgia the law states that you must have a head covering that consist of a hard surface. The Novelty helmets cover this.

Not a good law, but the law none the less.

stp1971 · 08-22-2006, 07:26 AM

Funny thing,, well not really funny,,more of ironic. The majority of the really thin novelty helmet wearers nowadays in Georgia are the Hyabusa, ZX-14, and the like riders. The ones that go the fastest are the ones wearing the plasticky chrome helmets.

Apertureguy · 08-22-2006, 07:52 AM

Novelty Helmets are something which always amazed me.

Here in NY you can get a ticket if you don't have a DOT approved helmet. Well...that's not a bad idea, but obviously the law has meant very little to most of the people.

Because if it meant more to folks you wouldn't be able to go to any bike meet (or store for that matter), to buy those fake DOT stickers for use on those same Novelty helmets.

I would have thought a "Bike Meet" organizer would strive to keep it's vendors from doing illegal or immoral activities and instead try to do things for the benefit of riders as well as the other customers/participants.

But no...instead it's the usual mad dash for the almighty dollar. Vendors from one end to the other...all with novelty helmets and the fake DOT stickers so you don't get a ticket.

I guess it doesn't seem to bother anyone else...Perhaps I should try to not be so sensitive.

**Clint** · 08-22-2006, 07:56 AM

That went beyond ignorance. That was just plain stupid. I find it hard to have much sympathy.

chadrob30 · 08-22-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

That went beyond ignorance. That was just plain stupid. I find it hard to have much sympathy.

Agreed.

BlueMax · 08-22-2006, 09:46 AM

After watching all those safety films and the Big Ben crash, I find it hard to believe that anyone would ride without a DOT approved helmet. I am not sure about this but someone told me that if Big Ben would have been riding with a full face DOT helmet he would have been able to get up and walk away from his crash.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 10:54 AM

I was called to get a blood sample from an accident victim at Grady Memorial Hospital (for those of you who don't know about Grady, it is a level 4 trauma center with a burn unit). When I arrived at the ER, there was a guy on the gurney with chaps and boots, his leather jacket was in the corner. I told the doctor there "He wasn't wearing a helmet was he". The doc replied with "Yes he was, it's over on the counter". I picked the helmet up (a novelty helmet) and the first thing I noticed was a sticker on the back that said "Helmet laws Suck !!!" and a crack running down the other side of it. I didn't feel sorry for him because he didn't know anything was wrong (Coma) but I did feel sorry for his family who either is taking care of him today or had to bury him the following week. I have four helmets, two HJC Half Helmets, and two HJC Von Breaker full face, I love me, my family, and waking up every morning knowing I can take care of myself without any help.

**Trapper** · 08-22-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

I picked the helmet up (a novelty helmet) and the first thing I noticed was a sticker on the back that said "Helmet laws Suck !!!" and a crack running down the other side of it.

I wish you had a picture of that.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 11:00 AM

I do....it's burned into my memory....I'll never get rid of it.

blackie1491 · 08-22-2006, 11:25 AM

The police and media were working together to show that had he had a DOT helmet he may have survived.
The chrome plated helmet under the thin fiberglass layer, just had a thin rubber pad. The helmet was split were it came in contact with the railing. It was not a cruiser but may have been a V-Rod.
The bridge is 50 years old and there are lots of accidents, all due to speed.
But the worsest part was no one stopped for the accident, just drove around him.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 11:41 AM

Human compasion at it's finest.

Apertureguy · 08-22-2006, 11:49 AM

Yeah, that's something I could never understand. If you see someone in dire need of help...how can people just pass them by?
Is it a lack of morals, fear of the unknown, or a combination of these and others?

Perhaps I was raised poorly then...because when I see someone in distress & needing help, I offer it. Maybe it's just to call for professional help (fire/police/ambulance), but it sure as heck isn't just me walking by.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 11:53 AM

NOPE !!

We were raised to respect other peoples stuff, the law, and have compassion for your fellow man (or woman). It's called having morals and a concious, and a good heart for your fellow humans.

SNAFU · 08-22-2006, 11:55 AM

It's always sad to hear a rider die and I would never wish any rider, be it motorcycles or scooters to experience an accident.

But it's mind Boggling to see how many people are out there with no helmets or no gear, wearing shorts and sandals or tank tops. Especially the scooter riders. Those things are smaller then motorcycles and make a lot less noise. I'm worried about getting side swiped by cagers or being rear ended at stop lights but they seem oblivious to this.

Smurf · 08-22-2006, 12:01 PM

Before I get on my bike, I think for a couple of minutes........which gear do I wear......alway helmet.......boots or tennis shoes.......light jacket or heavy......chaps or blue jeans. Never, Never, Never shorts, tank top, flip flops and no helmet.

When I make my decision.......I know I will have to live with the consequences.

geoffsimpson · 08-22-2006, 02:12 PM

It's a shame, I watched it on the news and found that I was actually looking at the situation and thought about what could have happened. Was it quick? Could he have taken out others? Could it have actually been worse? And yes blackie, looks like he was riding what looked like a brand new V-Rod.

We all asume a certain amount of risk of course but what a way to go.

Peekaboo · 08-22-2006, 02:56 PM

Novelty helmet??? I've never even heard of that!! What the hell is the point of a novelty helmet? For show???

08-21-2006, 11:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,332	Another Rider Down At 6am Monday, a motorcycle rider, traveling too fast, entered a curve on a local bridge, he went wide and his foot peg hit the curb of the sidewalk. He was thrown head first into the railing and died. The helmet he was wearing was a chrome novelty helmet with the disclaimer that it was not intended for safety. The helmet is being shown, damaged, on TV news, in the hopes that other riders will not make the same choice of helmets. Please place a higher value on your life than this rider did.

08-22-2006, 12:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
Captain Steve Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2006 Black C50 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 37	I was in the gear store today for some perforated gloves... I noticed that they had about an equal number of "novelty" helmets and DOT helmets. I'm not a big fan of non-fullface helmets to begin with, but WTF is up with the toy helmets? I don't think they're even legal in my state. I guess some guys get them to get around the helmet law in MA. Their reasoning must be that they won't get pulled over if they appear to have a helmet on. Accidents like this remind us all why it's a good idea to wear a REAL helmet. __________________

08-22-2006, 12:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
Atlas68 Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 SOLD '05 Anniversary Edition VMax #1878 Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada Posts: 1,728	Wow. Missed that one on the news. Patullo bridge?? Thought I heard it was closed but didn't hear the reason. Sucks to hear about all the fatalities this year. My daughter witnessed one in mid July...reduced her to tears. While I'm presently a full faced guy (as you know Bob), any reminders are worth taking note of. Thanks Blackie. __________________ Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength. SuperTrapp Exhaust

08-22-2006, 07:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	In Georgia the law states that you must have a head covering that consist of a hard surface. The Novelty helmets cover this. Not a good law, but the law none the less. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

08-22-2006, 07:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	Funny thing,, well not really funny,,more of ironic. The majority of the really thin novelty helmet wearers nowadays in Georgia are the Hyabusa, ZX-14, and the like riders. The ones that go the fastest are the ones wearing the plasticky chrome helmets. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

08-22-2006, 07:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	Novelty Helmets are something which always amazed me. Here in NY you can get a ticket if you don't have a DOT approved helmet. Well...that's not a bad idea, but obviously the law has meant very little to most of the people. Because if it meant more to folks you wouldn't be able to go to any bike meet (or store for that matter), to buy those fake DOT stickers for use on those same Novelty helmets. I would have thought a "Bike Meet" organizer would strive to keep it's vendors from doing illegal or immoral activities and instead try to do things for the benefit of riders as well as the other customers/participants. But no...instead it's the usual mad dash for the almighty dollar. Vendors from one end to the other...all with novelty helmets and the fake DOT stickers so you don't get a ticket. I guess it doesn't seem to bother anyone else...Perhaps I should try to not be so sensitive.

08-22-2006, 09:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
BlueMax Found second gear by accident Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: Northeast Houston Posts: 316	After watching all those safety films and the Big Ben crash, I find it hard to believe that anyone would ride without a DOT approved helmet. I am not sure about this but someone told me that if Big Ben would have been riding with a full face DOT helmet he would have been able to get up and walk away from his crash. __________________ Good luck and safe riding, BlueMax

08-22-2006, 10:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	I was called to get a blood sample from an accident victim at Grady Memorial Hospital (for those of you who don't know about Grady, it is a level 4 trauma center with a burn unit). When I arrived at the ER, there was a guy on the gurney with chaps and boots, his leather jacket was in the corner. I told the doctor there "He wasn't wearing a helmet was he". The doc replied with "Yes he was, it's over on the counter". I picked the helmet up (a novelty helmet) and the first thing I noticed was a sticker on the back that said "Helmet laws Suck !!!" and a crack running down the other side of it. I didn't feel sorry for him because he didn't know anything was wrong (Coma) but I did feel sorry for his family who either is taking care of him today or had to bury him the following week. I have four helmets, two HJC Half Helmets, and two HJC Von Breaker full face, I love me, my family, and waking up every morning knowing I can take care of myself without any help. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

08-22-2006, 11:00 AM	#12 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	I do....it's burned into my memory....I'll never get rid of it. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

08-22-2006, 11:25 AM	#13 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,332	The police and media were working together to show that had he had a DOT helmet he may have survived. The chrome plated helmet under the thin fiberglass layer, just had a thin rubber pad. The helmet was split were it came in contact with the railing. It was not a cruiser but may have been a V-Rod. The bridge is 50 years old and there are lots of accidents, all due to speed. But the worsest part was no one stopped for the accident, just drove around him. Last edited by blackie1491; 08-22-2006 at 05:41 PM.

08-22-2006, 11:41 AM	#14 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	Human compasion at it's finest. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

08-22-2006, 11:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	Yeah, that's something I could never understand. If you see someone in dire need of help...how can people just pass them by? Is it a lack of morals, fear of the unknown, or a combination of these and others? Perhaps I was raised poorly then...because when I see someone in distress & needing help, I offer it. Maybe it's just to call for professional help (fire/police/ambulance), but it sure as heck isn't just me walking by.

08-22-2006, 11:53 AM	#16 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	NOPE !! We were raised to respect other peoples stuff, the law, and have compassion for your fellow man (or woman). It's called having morals and a concious, and a good heart for your fellow humans. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

08-22-2006, 11:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
SNAFU Just Won't Go Away ! Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 5,020	It's always sad to hear a rider die and I would never wish any rider, be it motorcycles or scooters to experience an accident. But it's mind Boggling to see how many people are out there with no helmets or no gear, wearing shorts and sandals or tank tops. Especially the scooter riders. Those things are smaller then motorcycles and make a lot less noise. I'm worried about getting side swiped by cagers or being rear ended at stop lights but they seem oblivious to this. __________________

08-22-2006, 12:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	Before I get on my bike, I think for a couple of minutes........which gear do I wear......alway helmet.......boots or tennis shoes.......light jacket or heavy......chaps or blue jeans. Never, Never, Never shorts, tank top, flip flops and no helmet. When I make my decision.......I know I will have to live with the consequences. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

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08-22-2006, 02:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
geoffsimpson Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Grey, not silver, GREY 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 * 1983 GS750E Cafe Racer project Location: Prince George BC Posts: 3,126	It's a shame, I watched it on the news and found that I was actually looking at the situation and thought about what could have happened. Was it quick? Could he have taken out others? Could it have actually been worse? And yes blackie, looks like he was riding what looked like a brand new V-Rod. We all asume a certain amount of risk of course but what a way to go. __________________ Please Note: All opinions contained herein are worth exactly what you paid for them. It's true that every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets its wings... But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap "snap", and Angel gets set on fire... Grey * De-badged * V & H Straightshots w/ Thunder-Monster Baffles and Billet Hot-Tips * POWAH COMMANDAH!! * Kury Wide Style Levers * Kury Zombie Pegs (what's left of them) * Johnskit Forward Controls * Johnskit 2.5" Lowering Kit * Carbon Fibre-esque Trim kit * your mom * Memphis Shades HellCat windshield * Passenger Backrest * Baddass MO-FO behind the bars * Metz 880's w/ lettering * Flamed Thunder MFG Teardrop Intake *

08-22-2006, 02:56 PM	#20 (permalink)
Peekaboo Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Honda Hawk Location: OILERVILLE Posts: 85	Novelty helmet??? I've never even heard of that!! What the hell is the point of a novelty helmet? For show???

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