Motorcycle Accident

The team ortho surgeon for the Ottawa Senators was in a bad accident on the weekend. The story has been really bothering me all day. It looks like an elderly woman drove right into his path. This guy has helped countless people get over major injuries.

While looking it up tonight I was hit even harder when I noticed that he was driving a 1st gen...an 85 VF1000 I believe....damn...

He is clinging to life, but it doesn't look good.

All day I have been thinking that I have to go out and by a safety-yellow Joe Rocket or Tourmaster jacket. I really think that these can make a difference between being seen and not seen.

Here is the story:

CTV Ottawa- Well-known surgeon identified as crash victim - CTV News

Sens' orthopedic surgeon critically injured in crash - NHL - Yahoo! Sports

 

Hang in there, Doc!

 

Prayers for the doc. I hope he makes it. What's wrong with these old people creeping out in front of bikes?
We can never be too careful.

 

No matter what bike you ride I hope he gets through ok!

 

Wish I had not looked. Terrible. Please be careful, all of you.

 

I am going through one of those periods where I am contemplating whether I should be riding. This happened to me when I stopped riding on the street 20+ years ago. Friends had a few falls and I had one too many close calls. I have a 2 year old and a 7 year old and the thought of them standing next to me laying there in a coma is really bothering me.

I also read another news story yesterday about this squid in Toronto. This past weekend he was trying to outrun police on a major highway WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND ON THE BACK!! Witnesses said he was doing 180kph or so. She fell off and was literally torn in pieces, decapitated, etc. Witnesses described dodging her parts on the highway. To top it off, the jackass kept riding!!! I hope he gets put away for a long time.

Clearly this is a horrible case that does not really apply to my responsible riding, but it shows what can happen to your body at speed with other cars and other obstacles around. Reading that while in my mood just put me in a deeper hole...

To do:
- Get a new high-vis jacket
- Continue trying to stay completely alert (no day dreaming!)
- Do continuous threat assessment and accident avoidance planning while riding
- Continue trying to improve my riding
- Look into the safety courses that they offer for experienced riders
- Practice emergency braking regularly
- Keep reading accident avoidance, safety tips and lessons-learned info on the web

 

Well noted.

Also to consider, a solid white (full face of course) helmet is great addition to one's riding gear locker.

 

I've added reflective tapes to parts of my helmet and bike.

Brightly colored gear is also a must.

I noticed when going from my 1st gen (which I installed an HID light on) and my 2nd Gen (stock lights) that people would pull out infront of me more.

I installed an HID headlight on my 2nd gen and it's helped bunch.

Mike, if you really enjoy riding you shouldn't stop. Yes your kids could lose their dad if you get in a bad accident....but they will lose a bit of their dad if he stops doing something he loves.

P.S. Watch "Love the Beast" with Eric Bana.....good documentary.

 

Screw fashion and coolness! Check out my new high-vis jacket! People were dawning their shades and lowering their sun visors when I drove in today!!

If only a few people see me that would not have otherwise than it is worthwhile.

BTW - the jacket is a Tourmaster Transition Series 2. It has the best features, comfort, armor and price of all the jackets I checked out. It is also available in normal, non-battery operated colors as well...

 

Ditto on the high vis

I too wear a high vis yellow jacket. I have the same tourmaster for the winter and a mesh fieldsheer for the Summer. I swear by them, I may not be "cool looking" but if they stop one cager from pulling out or over, then it is money well spent.

I cannot tell you how many people pull up to an intersection and actually have to quick stop because they were just going to roll thru; until they have to do a double take because of the jacket.

My advice-GET ONE if you do not have one. ATGATT!

 

All the best! Hope that he survives and is able to ride bike when he gets back home.

 

Nice! What brand and model pants are you wearing?

 

Joe Rocket Alter Ego. I have not tried the zipper on the Tourmaster to see if it meshes with the pants, but the jacket comes with the "pant side" that I could sew on if I needed too.

Link:

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/237/130/Pants/Alter_Ego_Pant

 

Nice Jacket.

Linky?

 

Lazy Canuck. Is the heat getting to you??


Tour Master :: Textile Jackets :: Transition Series 2 Jacket

 

Any word on the good doctor?

 

Still in critical condition.

I was at the bike shop where he does most of his shopping. Apparently he knows the owner quite well. The sales person told me that they are all really shaken up. She said that the doctor just got his daughter a bike and fitted her up with all the gear this year. Sad stuff.

 

Personally I think that jacket looks sharp.

 

LOL....well I won't ever learn if you just give me what I want all the time. :tongue: