Risk Management Magazine

The drive to Colorado was enjoyable as I saw the trees turning beautiful shades of gold, brown and red. As luck would have it, winter came early to Colorado, bringing with it the first of many snowstorms. We didn’t get a lot of snow where I lived in west Texas and, when it did fall, the highways, roads and schools all closed. Because of that, I didn’t know how to handle driving in the snow.

Considering the circumstances, I count myself lucky. When compared to the statistics, surviving a motorcycle accident is no small feat. There’s a saying that riders know all too well: It’s not a matter of if you will fall, crash or drop your bike, but a matter of when. That night, my "when" arrived.

Although many years have passed, I distinctly recall the practical exercise on changing a tire as a young private just starting my military career. The reason why this memory stands out is due to a run-in with a particularly loud and brash drill instructor who happened to see me working without eye protection. The ensuing 15-minute PT session ensured I learned one thing — personal protective equipment is important.