It’s Past Time To Get Serious About Motorcycle Deaths

I don't believe that I've ever heard it said out loud, but I get this feeling that the people of Lubbock feel that, to some small degree, that if you die on a motorcycle that you somehow asked for it or deserved it.  This is not acceptable.

We just had another death and it happened in a very typical Lubbock way. Someone pulled out of a parking lot in front of a motorcyclist.  How is it even possible that the car didn't see a motorcycle coming down that lane? There is only one explanation, that the cars driver only glanced (at best) down that lane.  I guess it could be argued that the motorcycle could've changed into that lane right before the car bolted out, but that's pretty doubtful.

The most common way motorcyclists die is for cars turning in front of them, most of the time in intersections. While it's true that a motorcyclist is probably an eighth the size of a car, saying you "didn't see them" really means you didn't look. If a man was floating down the street at you, you'd sure the hell notice, so the fact that they're on a motorcycle doesn't change the situation that much.

I feel the real problem is the "me first-get our of my way" attitude.  Trust me, you're not that important and neither is anything you do. If it's an emergency, then an ambulance should be involved, otherwise respect everyone on the road.  I want you to think about this; the other day I forgot my computer at home, this meant I had to drive from 82nd and Quaker, all the way to the Interstate and north Loop 289. That is nearly 100% across town. I timed the trip home and it was 11 minutes.  That's it.  Now, sure it was early in the morning, but if I can make it all the way across town in 11 minutes, then seriously, what is your hurry? How much time can you save by driving like a jerk and taking other peoples lives in your hand?  Another motorcyclist is dead because someone wanted to save SECONDS.

Killing someone is no joke. Accident or not, a lot of lives have taken a tragic turn. Don't be in the next family decimated by something like this.  Look twice, and look hard. Assume that someone is coming and then prove to yourself someone isn't, before proceeding. Motorcyclists lives matter. They don't deserved to die because Lubbock has established a pattern of disrespect. It's time to start a pattern of respect.  Let's set a goal of NO MORE motorcycle deaths in 2016.