Risk Management Magazine

As a young Soldier, I was not someone you would naturally point to as the next accident waiting to happen. I did what I was supposed to do and stayed out of trouble. I wasn’t a rebel. I also think I used common sense, even as a teenager, so I wasn’t prone to spontaneity and recklessness. This mindset suited me well as a young motorcyclist. I planned ahead, wore the proper clothing and protective equipment and preferred cruising over racing.

The weather in South Carolina is often unpredictable. I found that out firsthand one evening as I left work with clear skies showing only to get caught in a gully-washer a few miles down the road. That wouldn’t have been a problem had I been driving a car. On my motorcycle, however, it nearly cost me my life.

Motorcycle riders are a demographically diverse group. Some take up riding as a purely recreational pastime, while others choose a motorcycle for economic reasons such as getting 50 miles per gallon. Some like riding in big groups and going to large regional rallies, while others prefer to ride alone. I am more of a loner. I prefer freestyle rides without a map, letting the road be my destination.