Risk Management Magazine

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.

Every day, accidents occur throughout the country due to distracted drivers. While cellphones are often to blame, other factors can contribute to these mishaps, such as a driver’s psychological state. The following story illustrates the extent to which mental distractions can affect an individual’s ability to focus behind the wheel.

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.