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ROAD RASH : I'm not so stupid after all!

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
My daughter got her first taste of road rash today. She and the lovely Mrs_Bob took the scooters out for a drive in the country. My wife apparently stopped to pull off the roadway and drive down a dirt path along a creek. My daughter either didn't see my wife signal or didn't pay attention but she almost hit my wife, swerved, then hit some loose gravel and put the scooter over on its side while she skidded on the road.

Fortunately they were going pretty slow, probably under 20mph. My daughter had her helmet on.

My rule has always been that she have shoe on that securely tie to her feet (no flip flops, no clogs, no slip ons), long pants and a long sleeve shirt or a light jacket over a short sleeve shirt.

It was warm today, my daughter skipped the long sleeve shirt. My wife always thought my rules were excessive.

My daughter now has a nice scrape on her right elbow and forearm (pretty much the whole forearm from elbow to wrist). Another scrape on her left arm, but not as severe. The front cowling of the scooter is cracked up pretty good and a chunk was knocked out of it. It can be pretty easily repaired with epoxy. But both the wife and daughter learned a lesson and no real injury was incurred. The helmet has a good scrape on it, I gather it did it job pretty well too. Had she been wearing shorts and flip-flops I suspect it would have been a lot worse, probably still superficial, but painful never the less.

Both suggested today that maybe my rules for what my daughter needs to wear while riding are not so stupid after all!!!

BTW, my daughter is only 12, she's rode her own scooter all last summer. So she is pretty young to be riding on the roads.
 

REDDOGTWO

Unemployed Veg. Peddler
SUPER Site Supporter
When I ride, I wear leather boots, leather chaps, leather jacket, leather gloves and a helmet. It is much safer that way. Of course it is not on a scooter, even though some may call them scooters.
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
REDDOGTWO said:
When I ride, I wear leather boots, leather chaps, leather jacket, leather gloves and a helmet. It is much safer that way.
One of the problems with these scooters is that they are 'cute' so they don't seem like they could be dangerous or you could get hurt. But they will run 50mph, and they are still subject to all sorts of traffic accidents. My wife and daughter both looked at them as toys. My wife saw some danger, and agreed to the helmet without any hesitation, but never understood why I'd make my daughter change her clothes to drive the scooter. Now she does.
 

BoneheadNW

New member
Bob-
Talk about coincidence! This morning at about 8:30, we were dispatched to city hall where a woman rode her scooter into the side of the building. Turns out that she was going to work at city hall when she got confused riding her brand new scooter and accelerated instead of braked. She hit the side of the building right where there was a window and broke it, thus allowing some give. Luckily, she was wearing a full helmet, leather jacket, and long pants. A broken clavicle and some bruises, but it could have been much worse. Those scooters can still cause major damage!
Bone
 

bczoom

Super Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
REDDOGTWO said:
When I ride, I wear leather boots, leather chaps, leather jacket, leather gloves and a helmet. It is much safer that way. Of course it is not on a scooter, even though some may call them scooters.
I'll bet you're a site...

Yea, some may call them scooters but many go by the name brand: "Schwinn" or "Huffy". :yum: :moon: :tiphat: :StickOutT
 

elsmitro

floppy member
REDDOGTWO said:
When I ride, I wear leather boots, leather chaps, leather jacket, leather gloves and a helmet. It is much safer that way. Of course it is not on a scooter, even though some may call them scooters.
We really DONT want to hear about your sex life... :yum:
 

elsmitro

floppy member
B_Skurka said:
My rule has always been that she have shoe on that securely tie to her feet (no flip flops, no clogs, no slip ons), long pants and a long sleeve shirt or a light jacket over a short sleeve shirt.

The kids must love our "I told you so's" as much as we do! :thumb:

When I was leaving work yesterday I saw a genius on a crotch rocket wearing shorts and shower shoes… :smileywac Must have been an extremely well trained rider! :yum: :17875:
 

dzalphakilo

Banned
elsmitro said:
When I was leaving work yesterday I saw a genius on a crotch rocket wearing shorts and shower shoes… Must have been an extremely well trained rider!

I always like the guys who don't wear helmets but do wear sunglasses.

Hit a bug at a high rate of speed and you'll be surprised.
 

REDDOGTWO

Unemployed Veg. Peddler
SUPER Site Supporter
bczoom said:
I'll bet you're a site...

Yea, some may call them scooters but many go by the name brand: "Schwinn" or "Huffy". :yum: :moon: :tiphat: :StickOutT

Actually one of them is a 98 HD Ultra anniversary model. I usually do not wear the helmet unless required by law. On hot days the chaps and leather jacket go to, but a leather vest at minimum along with a good pair of jeans, boots and gloves.

Do they still make Schwinn and Huffy?:coolshade
 

REDDOGTWO

Unemployed Veg. Peddler
SUPER Site Supporter
elsmitro said:
We really DONT want to hear about your sex life... :yum:

After eight to nine hundred miles a day, there is none, all you want to do is sleep.:wave:
 

NorthernRedneck

Well-known member
GOLD Site Supporter
I don't know why helmets wouldn't be mandatory down therestraight accross the board. I'm glad I had one when I got rear-ended by a transport at 40 mph. I was slowing down to turn off the highway. There were two transports behind me and one in front. The second truck behind me pulled out to pass just as I started to turn. His passenger side headlight caught my handlebar and basically whipped the bike out from under me. The driver of the truck that hit me took a sharp left into the road I was turning onto to avoid running me over. I was sliding down the pavement. The first truck that was behind me somehow swerved around me to avoid running me over. I was wearing jeans, t-shirt, and a backpack. I managed to hold onto the bike as it slid roughly 50 ft before coming to a stop. The strap on the backpack actually is what saved my shoulder from becoming hamburger. The strap was thick enough to absord most of the road rash. I ended up with a dislocated shoulder, scratch the size of a quarter on my shoulder, SCRATCHED HELMETbusted windsheild and signal lights, and a bent handlebar. I still can't understand how I managed to walk away from that one with only a dislocated shoulder. His headlight hit my handlebar so hard it busted the headlight. I also don't understand how I still have a left hand as when the bike finally came to a stop, the handlebar was bent right down from hiting the pavement and I was still holding onto it. My left foot was also stuck under the bike when it came to a stop. Not even a scratch on my hand or foot. Witnesses say I was lucky to be alive after that.
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
I don't know why helmets wouldn't be mandatory down there straight accross the board.
Oh you Canadians :flagcan: you just love to regulate people!

But on this one, I actually don't understand why helmets are not required? Some say they are unsafe because you can't hear the sounds around you, others say they are just uncomfortable. While I don't wear one on our local low speed scooter rides, if I had a real motorcycle I would think it would be a real lifesaver. What I do know is that helmet laws are very much like gun laws down here in the US. They are considered "states rights" issues and many states have very strong opinions about regulating individual freedoms.
 

Bobcat

Je Suis Charlie Hebdo
GOLD Site Supporter
I think we should have the choice to wear or not. One of the reasons we are not a 'Dominion' like some other countries :poke: is because we decided everyone should have rights and liberty and choice and outdated stuff like that.

Having said that, I live in a state that does not require helmets, but I wear mine! My choice. You should be free to make yours; I would not presume to dictate to another adult. I am not your nanny and neither should be your government. Don't try to be mine. Where the heck is the 'free' in America these days?

But in the end, it is a smart and responsible person that wears their helmet and other protective gear, and makes sure their family does as well. B_Skurka, you have scored big 'parent points' in looking after your daughter. :applause: Keep up the good work. I trust the long sleeve rule has been reinstated?

To quasi-quote former anti-helmet rider/actor Gary Busey in an interview soon after his helmet-less motorcycle accident..."I er der still tink ahh no need ah don't hafta wear umm momosicle head ah helmets". :smileywac Since his recovery he has changed his mind.
http://www.bikernews.org/wtn/print.php?news.804
 
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RoadKing

Silver Member
Site Supporter
I think we should have the choice to wear or not. One of the reasons we are not a 'Dominion' like some other countries :poke: is because we decided everyone should have rights and liberty and choice and outdated stuff like that.

Having said that, I live in a state that does not require helmets, but I wear mine! My choice. You should be free to make yours; I would not presume to dictate to another adult. I am not your nanny and neither should be your government. Don't try to be mine. Where the heck is the 'free' in America these days?

But in the end, it is a smart and responsible person that wears their helmet and other protective gear, and makes sure their family does as well.

I'll second this opinion 100%. I've been riding over 30 yrs, in that time I've been very lucky, I've never put one down, and except for my first riding years when I did a lot of the stupid things that the immortality of youth allows. I'm a pretty conservative rider but I am solidly for helmet choice. I wear a helmet ( DOT Approved ) 85% of my miles because I feel better wearing it. There are times though that I just don't want to wear it. I think I should have that choice. My2cents
 

Big Dog

Large Member
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
It should be by choice! I have never wore a legal helmet on my HD, only on my quad and that was purely for warmth. Not required now that I live in PA but when I lived in LA it was. Ever wear a legal helmet in LA in the summer? The distraction from the sweltering heat inside the helmet was a safety issue in itself. I gutted a half helmet and cut a Styrofoam liner and wore a welding hat. It was 70% lighter and it allowed air flow across the top of the head.

My scooter's been in 43 states and 100,000k miles.

All that said, Bob continue to enforce the rules on Melen. She'll make her own when she turns 18.
 

Erik

SelfBane
Site Supporter
I always like the guys who don't wear helmets but do wear sunglasses.

around here we refer to those as organ donors...

Hit a bug at a high rate of speed and you'll be surprised.

head on with a cicada back in '86 was one of the things that convinced me my full face helmet was worth the sweat...
I saw it flying across a field next to the highway and it turned at the blacktop - hit me right above the visor and the head snap still just about knocked me off the bike...
 

urednecku

Active member
Site Supporter
The helmet law was stopped a few years ago in Florida. I under-stand the first motorcycle fatality, from a head injury, was one of the lead protesters of the law.

BTW, Yes, I wear one.
Good job, Skurka. Thank you.
 

Ross 650

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Howdy,
been riding since the 60s. I am in Texas and the helmet laws say if you have proof of health insurance and you are over 21 the helmet is optional. I hate to wear one!! I laid a Harley down on a Houston freeway doing about 65 mph. I got a broken ankle and a small gash on the head. I still dont wear one unless I am on a long trip. It is my life and I choose to live it as I want!!! Helmet laws SUCK!!!!!
 

daedong

New member
Both bobs

Research supports that wearing helmets even on push bikes prevents many unnecessary head injuries.

While you may feel it an individuals right to choose to wear or not wear the consequence of the latter costs the community huge dollars.

Howdy,
I am in Texas and the helmet laws say if you have proof of health insurance and you are over 21 the helmet is optional.

And to be fair I guess those that choose not to wear, pay a higher premium than those that choose to wear?
 

Bobcat

Je Suis Charlie Hebdo
GOLD Site Supporter
Both bobs

Research supports that wearing helmets even on push bikes prevents many unnecessary head injuries.

While you may feel it an individuals right to choose to wear or not wear the consequence of the latter costs the community huge dollars.



And to be fair I guess those that choose not to wear, pay a higher premium than those that choose to wear?

It shouldn't cost the community anything. I pay my own medical and/or insurance. That's another problem with socialized medicine. Once you tie an individuals choices to what it would cost the 'community', you justify limiting an individuals choices/freedom.

Should someone without a helmet pay a higher insurance premium? That should of course be up to the insurance company, but it seems obvious that they should. Insurance companies already charge smokers more for the same reason.

Again, I'm wearing my helmet. My choice.

What's a 'push bike'? Did Aktiv produce bicycles as well? :yum:
 

daedong

New member
It shouldn't cost the community anything. I pay my own medical and/or insurance. That's another problem with socialized medicine. Once you tie an individuals choices to what it would cost the 'community', you justify limiting an individuals choices/freedom.

Should someone without a helmet pay a higher insurance premium? That should of course be up to the insurance company, but it seems obvious that they should.

How do you work out that it costs nothing, about 50 million Americans have no health insurance, and from what I have read millions more only have partial cover.

I have had numerous arguments here about your health system and dozens of people here have admitted that every one will be treated in an emergency. I guess you have a socialist system by stealth and denial.


What's a 'push bike'? Did Aktiv produce bicycles as well? :yum:

I don't have a clue to what you are on about.
 

Ross 650

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Howdy,
just for the record, when I had my accident I didnt have insurance. I paid the hospital bill in monthly payments. If you are going to ride a bike, just know that you will be more susceptable to physical ihjury than cage drivers. Dont whimper about it, just recognize it. I still dont want you or anyone else telling me how to ride!!!! Have a goodun!!!
 

Erik

SelfBane
Site Supporter
Ross,
for the record, I agree that seat belt and helmet laws suck. yes, it's another instance where the government is legislating personal choices, which I disagree with.
I still wore a helmet when riding - and I feel it saved my life when I bongoed at 70mph. (run off the road by a mom in a station wagon with no clue what her mirrors were for) I also wear my seatbelt any time I go through the front gate and often when I'm out driving across the pasture. :tiphat:

Vic,
yes, we have a "stealth socialist society". social family services, social security, government subsidised housing for the poor, free/reduced cost school lunches for the poor, etc... but no national health care, which I'm glad of - and would be happier if the government would cut back on some of them if it meant they would quit taking such a bite out of my paycheck. (and no, I don't believe it's ever going to happen that a government cuts down on it's own slice of the pie for any reason)

Bob,
I really do commend you for what I'm hearing about your approach to the rules and privileges you're hitting Melen with as she grows. :respect:
 

Ross 650

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Howdy Erik,
I totally support your choice to wear helmets and wear seat belts. I would also support your choice to not use them if You didnt choose to. I am totally for individual rights!!! Have a goodun!!!
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
Bob,
I really do commend you for what I'm hearing about your approach to the rules and privileges you're hitting Melen with as she grows. :respect:
Howdy Erik,
I totally support your choice to wear helmets and wear seat belts. I would also support your choice to not use them if You didnt choose to. I am totally for individual rights!!! Have a goodun!!!
I also am one of those who doesn't like things like Helmet or Seatbelt laws. But I make my daughter wear helmets and seatbelts and I choose to wear a seatbelt in the car too. Just because they are smart to wear, does not mean that the government should mandate their usage.

I've said before I don't wear a helmet when riding on our scooters, but I suspect that if I actually rode a real motorcycle then I'd wear a helmet. I know that I can die on a scooter too, but we travel at slow speeds most of the time, rarely see cars on the rural roads we travel and I honestly think the risk/reward is reasonable for an adult. When my daughter grows up and moves out of the house, she can buy her own scooter/motorcycle and do as she pleases. Until then she will follow my rules. In fact she recently drove one of the scooters from its winter storage spot in my workshop to the house. She did not have a helmet on, nor was she wearing appropriate shoes. I gave her 'hell' but let her drive the 100 yard trip without adult supervision :rolleyes:
 

Erik

SelfBane
Site Supporter
I also am one of those who doesn't like things like Helmet or Seatbelt laws. But I make my daughter wear helmets and seatbelts and I choose to wear a seatbelt in the car too. Just because they are smart to wear, does not mean that the government should mandate their usage.
</p>
EXACTLY!Dad hit me with the skid lid rule - that so long as I was in his house and on his insurance I'd wear one. After the cicada "meeting", I never questioned him, and kept wearing one whenever I rode, along with blue jeans and a denim jacket or field jacket. (couldn't find a leather jacket that fit right)
 

NRAfemale

Banned
When my sister was young she was on the gack of a crotch rocket waering sandles. She had 3d degree burns on her ankle and legg because the boy almost laid it over while holding it up just sitting in one place talking
 

Ice Queen

Bronze Member
SUPER Site Supporter
Our beloved government has made it mandatory for us to wear seat belts and wear crash helmets, we have no freedom in this country. Whether or not I agree with the wearing of either is by the way, I do NOT agree with our Nanny state enforcing this things upon us.
 
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