Developing a Motorcycle Survival Strategy - Learning from David L. Hough

We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. No matter what we do, there will always be an element of risk. But, does that mean we should not ride, or are there things we can do to reduce the inherent dangers of riding. In this video I talk about some of the things I learned via an email conversation with David L. Hough, the god father of modern motorcycle safety.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[@roberthackbart7247]

Excellent video! I’m 73, 6’4, 240 lbs. I rode in my youth until I was 31 and then stopped for 37 years. I started again when I was 68 because of KZbin videos and I physically knew I could do it. ( I passed the MSF course to requalify for my WI license). I’ve ridden 80,000 miles in the last 5 years and I love it. I’m at a point now where I’m physically not as strong. I gauge myself by how fast I can run the stairs two steps at a time and how I handle the weight of the bike backing out of the garage and at stops. I prepare for a ride by dressing ATGATT. I take a caffeine pill for mental alertness. I do a short visualization of my ride before going to get my mind settled and ready. I don’t use the bike in the city to go to the hardware store etc. I get out of town as soon as possible and ride state highways with good visibility. I go on rides midday when deer are less active and I avoid roads that I’ve seen multiple deer. I ride no more than 75% of my ability. When approaching an intersection at speed in the country (not city) where a car is stopped I will do a weave/wiggle a few times because drivers are are not used to seeing headlights do this and it increases my chance of being seen. I take shorter rides now to avoid mental fatigue. The decision to quit is not an easy one for most of us and I personally am struggling with it. I’m hoping to ride a year or two more. People say I should look at a three wheeler but that doesn’t interest me. I may look at smaller bikes to see if any are comfortable. At some point I know it will be time to quit. It’s a decision all motorcyclists will need to make. Until you face your own decision, enjoy yourself and ride safe.

[@rickconstant6106]

All very good points. I'm in the south east of England, and I wish we had empty roads like the ones in your video, but we have to share them with a lot of traffic. I've been riding for over 50 years, and I left the need to ride at racetrack speeds behind me years ago. My bikes are my main everyday transport, especially since I retired and have more time for them. I always wear protective gear and am well aware of the risks every time I take to the road, but I don't rely on other drivers to look after my safety, I'm constantly doing their thinking for them and doing everything possible to avoid putting myself in danger. I've survived this long, so it seems to be working so far. The important thing is to stay vigilant and not get complacent, always think "what could go wrong here?". My only concession to getting older has been to buy a bike with electric start, ready for when I can't kickstart my Triumph any more. I'll keep riding as long as I'm able, physically and mentally, not to be a danger to myself or others.

[@samtuck6400]

Let's face it, motorcycling is a high-risk endeavor. There are so many variables that we all face. I just don't know how anyone can put a finger on one particular issue that might contribute to these challenges. I do agree with many, actually all of your observations. I had a friend the other day confide to me that he had started feeling uncomfortable in some of his riding situations. This from an extremely accomplished and high time rider! I think we all have a little voice inside us that we should pay attention to when we hear it and not just ignore it. Keep up the good work and be safe out there.

[@dominickdesantis1083]

I wanted to tell you I am enjoying watching your videos and have subscribed. Last year I purchase a 2023 Honda ADV 150; my son (41) will be buying that from me. I recently purchased a 2024 NC750x DCT. I am enjoying it. This video is important for everyone. Over the years I didn't realize how important practice and slow speed ability was. I became a firearm safety instructor years ago in an effort to reduce accidents and death of children playing with guns. Government is NOT tuned into what's needed and my goal was to have more trained and assumidly safe gun owners. For Motorcycles I believe less reckless motorcycle drivers and better riding gear will reduce fatalities. Not sure how to reduce recklessness. The other, I believe most important, is teaching automobile and truck drivers about motorcycle safety or not running over someone on a motorcycle. Cell phones; and distractions while driving cause pedestrian, auto and motorcycle accidents. I am 69 and wish you the best in living your life on 2 Wheels.

[@mikeb3536]

I've been riding for 55 years and read many articles by David Hough. Thanks to him I have only had one minor crash in over 100k miles. I started wearing Hi-Viz gear (along with use of high beams) starting in the 1990s. What seems notable to me is that I've never had a car pull out in front of me. Is it the Hi-Viz and headlights? Or is it the fact that I anticipate and slow down when I perceive a threat? I still feel pretty safe on the road at age 69. My major concession to age is reducing my miles per day to avoid making mistakes when I get too tired. So far those mistakes have been non-safety related, like misplacing my wallet or some other item, but eventually I will have to retire from the road. PS, my current riding buddy is in his mid 80s and seems to be doing well!

[@psjasker]

There should be some kind of public service award for people like you who take the time to make this content

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you!

[@DiwasShaves]

Fantastic video, all the points discussed are apt and to the point. As a rider belonging to one of the most populous countries India, one skill I developed is anticipation. It has saved me many times from hazardous and threatening situations such as animals such as cattle on the roads, vehicles coming from opposite lanes (wrong side driving), speed devils on bikes (we call the ‘chapris’ riders here). Motorcycling is definitely dangerous but risks can definitely be reduced though not eliminated by taking full responsibility on ourselves.

[@rayweeks1056]

I think situational awareness is key for a safe ride for me. Practicing road strategies, emergency breaking etc will help me be as safe as I can be.

[@davidruggles996]

Great video Craig. I am sorry to hear that David Hough isn't riding anymore but I love that he's still active in the community. Proficient Motorcycling is probably my most-read book. As for choices leading strategy, skills and gear... I fully agree. An amazing MMA instructor used to say, "I may have 5 black belts but I still don't go to the ATM at midnight."

[@allenpreddy5970]

I am turning 68 in a few weeks and began driving a motorcycle again when I turned 62. Some of the most important aspects driving again was reestablishing the skills and mental awareness needed to stay alive. I have embraced this approach to where I recently receive my motor officer training certification to be able to teach a motor officer their basic 40 hr training class. I have also found that continuously practicing the training every week reinforces the perishable skills. I believe you are on point with the direction you are going. I look forward to future videos.

[@MikeBMW1028]

As usual, your riding video’s as an older rider ( I turned 65 this year) is very timely for me. I’ve always ridden in a “sporting manner”, not simply for enjoyment of riding. Last summer, I had my first real mishap. I lost concentration for a moment (age?) and went fast into a corner, grabbed too much front brake and went into a grassy ditch and broke 5 ribs. I got helped out of the ditch, the bike sustained minimal damage and rode home (then drove myself to the emergency room). I’m fortunate to be in good physical shape and despite the painful injury, recovered (and back riding) in 6 weeks. All this said, I’ve made a decision to revise my riding, reduce my average speed and benefit from seeing more of the sights around my rides rather than the pure rush of “performance riding”. Will see how this goes this upcoming riding season!

[@steve2515]

Great video, as always, but I believe you've neglected an important point: BALANCE. As we age, our sense of balance, and our abilities to maintain balance, will deteriorate. But this deterioration can be mitigated, even prevented, through appropriate exercies. It behjooves older rider - such as myself - to perform balance exercises daily. Rock on.

[@garymaclean6903]

The loss of balance in seniors is typically due to a normal physical deterioration of the neurological balance centres in our inner ear that help us regulate our balance. Exercises will do essentially zero to prevent, let alone reverse, such deterioration. What does happen is we learn to better adapt to the loss of balance by developing such things as more reliance on visual cues to assist our brains to adapt to the loss of our normal balance cues.

[@steve2515]

@@garymaclean6903 I'll have to respectfully disagree, Gary. Ask any physical therapist and they'll confirm that balance exercies are important to maintain - and improve - balance. Some great exercises can be found on the "Bob & Brad" youtube channel, as well as many others. Rock on.

[@steve2515]

I think we're talking about different things, though. IIm referring to stength and coordination needed to maintain balance . . you are referring to our internal gyroscope (inner ear).

[@charlespulling394]

I have been teased for riding slow. I always choose to be at the back of the group and I leave a fairly large follow gap. I agree with you that we have a lot to do with avoiding an accident by taking steps to do so.

[@johnsikes5404]

You do you, Charles. Peer pressure can make riding in groups dangerous. Years back I took a ride with a co worker. He showed up on his sport bike with a bald back tire. I never worried about his skill level, or that he might crash trying to keep up. We turned around at the top of a twisty road. As we took off he raced to the lead-failed to make the first turn. Brake skid straight into a dirt pullout. He then imitated a skateboarder up the wall of a swimming pool. I saw him and his sport bike fall back to earth from about a nine feet in the air. I felt mad at him-not sorry for him.

[@charlespulling394]

Thanks John, I have never really responded to peer pressure, want to be safe, particularly when I have my wife with me. I appreciate your share. Thank you!@@johnsikes5404

[@detch5307]

Craig, this is such a great forum...thanks for doing this. So many excellent comments here. I'm 69 and I intend to keep riding as long as I am mentally and physically able. I think we all need to eat well and exercise to be strong as possible (like you're doing). However, I'm just not as strong as I used to be and I have no business trying to lug around a big heavy adv bike loaded with gear. This year I'm stepping down to a lighter bike and reducing the amount and weight of gear. Secondly, your Step #5 Situational Awareness, is what it's all about. I cannot control the idiots on the road. My points: tire rubber and pressure, pre-flight checklist, awareness of surface condition, slower driving, constant vision, anticipation, scanning the mirrors, blind spots (don't allow anyone to hang in my BS, don't be in the BS of other drivers), always maintain adequate braking distance, and do I have an evasive maneuver if needed . Regarding HiViz riding gear...I will start shopping immediately.

[@rockymtnbri]

Thanks so much for these videos, especially this one. As a nearly 60-year old on a three-wheel Spyder that I've only been riding since last May when I bought it, I still take into account that I could STILL get into an accident. I am a firm believer in ATGATT, and I have multiple sets of gear to prove that, and they are worn in rotation. I also have very high-visibility lighting on the Spyder - front, side, and rear. I am always aware of my surroundings, and create a buffer between myself and other motorists.

[@larryechols6606]

I have to agree with you. I'm 63 and I haven't ridden in 10 years due to a traumatic brain injury from a dump truck accident, I was the driver of the dump truck, and I was ejected from the truck when it overturned. Now I'm getting back on the road with a new motorcycle and I'm very aware of the danger involved. It's my responsibility to be as safe a rider as I possibly can be, and to be mindful of that little voice in my head that tells me when it's time to stop riding and stop driving a car too. I've thoroughly discussed returning to motorcycle riding with my doctors. and they've given me the green light while reminding me that I'm older and that I should slowly reacclimate with riding. I'm going to go with a good full-face helmet and high-viz clothing, and I'm going to be very mindful that I'm older, and that I'm not a young man anymore so. This is something that we all need to do as we age and continue to ride. I will go when my time comes and so will the rest of us. Please ride as safely as you can!

[@clemc5457]

Thank you for this great topic. I watch a lot of motorcycle education videos on KZbin and practice in the parking lot occasionally. Recently, I’ve been taking motorcycle safety classes again. I’m 70 yrs old and have decades and probably 300k miles on two wheels but I understand this, in itself, does not make me a good rider. I believe it has been beneficial. I just signed up for a track day, which is coming up in March. If I’ve learned anything, it’s having a more realistic understanding of my capabilities on two wheels and where I need the most work. Yes, I’m pretty good at some stuff and suck at others. I think that all the things I’ve been taught, practicing them, having a realistic understanding of my capabilities, riding within my comfort zone and skill level, situational awareness and a willingness to keep learning are what keeps me safe. By the way, I ride a Harley bagger 😮

[@gregjablunovsky841]

I think your analysis is spot-on. I think there's value in watching video of crashes here with some analysis from other content creators. This allows us to supplement our own experience and hazards and dangerous conditions.

[@eddie8279]

well said! good thought provoking information. Thank you Craig for the reminders that you share with us.👍

[@dasrotrad]

EXCELLENT VIDEO for any age rider. As an older rider, I am happy to learn you plan more of such videos. I look forward to further discussion you present.

[@marklammers6117]

I recently made the switch from a Roadglide to a Tiger 900 b/c my knees are finished and I was beginning to worry about my ability to support the weight of a heavy bagger. I must admit, I miss the comforts of the big tourer but the Tiger is extremely nimble and weighs half as much as the HD. I have customized the Tiger with a new Corbin seat and added an offset riser clamp to get the handlebars into a slightly taller and more rearward grip position. Hoping to do some travelling on the Tiger this summer but so far recognizing my physical limitations and trying to work with them rather than choosing to ignore them has proven to be a good choice.

[@20111111jorg]

Great review and wrapup from a rider of 70+ years. They say if teens make it through the first year they might survive the rest of the time. I think this is the learning curve or the 'situational awareness' you're taking about. A few things I do is stay away from all cars as much as possible. Watch every driveway for one coming out. Analyze every accident I've ever had and close call or potential accidents, and keep a finger (or two) on my brake and horn during heavy traffic trying not to ride next to or close to them. I also never over ride my line of sight, so will never roar around blind corners hoping all it well. I also watch the road far more intently for oil, gravel, pot holes etc. By being always a little nervous while motorcycling and extremely defensive, in my 50+ years of riding I've only had one minor accident.

[@jimmin9802]

I watched your hi viz take and after that consciously payed attention to colors on bikes while i drove to work and around, Colors that blend in to the backgrounds, black,grey etc i did notice less and whites, neons helmets and jackets stoodout. Just watching you ride here, backcountry road but the white and yellow on the road standout also the yellow arrows standout, the green city signs just blend in. Make yourself visible helps, lights help, being aware of your surroundings help but a distracted driver is your worst enemy, loud pipes and stay out of the blindspot yours or theirs speed up/ slowdown dont fight it as you will lose against a car,truck. Enjoyed the video thanks for making us think.

[@tnetroP]

Getting your licence is much harder in the UK and Europe. This is our process: 1) First get a CBT certificate (Compulsory Basic Training). This is a very basic day's training split into some basic road rule questions, a few hours manouvres in an enclosed area and then a few hours on the road with an instructor following you with comms. They will only issue a certificate if they feel you are safe. Once you have a CBT then you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike for two years. 2) Before progressing any further you have to pass a theory and hazard perception test. This tests you on the Highway Code (our road rules) and a computer simulated "game" where you have to react when there is an emerging hazard. 3) Module 1. This is a few days training on a higher cc bike in an enclosed area. You learn to manouvre the bike, emergency stops, u-turns, slaloms, figure of eights, emergency obstacle avoidance, etc. At the end of the training you are tested by an independent DVLA appointed examiner (the DVLA is our government run body to oversee licences). 4) If you managed to pass Module 1 then you move to Module 2. This is another few days training but on the road, again on higher capacity bikes. Once again you are tested at the end of it by an independent DVLA examiner. 5) If you are over the age of 24 when you pass all of the abover then this gives you a full "A" licence to ride a bike of any capacity. But if you are under 24 then you get an "A2" licence which only allows you to ride a reduced power bike of up to 47 bhp. Once you are 24 years old then you have to take the Mod 1 and Mod 2 again to get a full "A" unrestricted licence. 6) Within the first two years of getting either your first licence (whether the motorcycle or your car licence is first) then the number of penalty points (endorsements) you are allows to acrue through infringements is only 6 instead of the usual 12 (most infrincements result in 3 to 6 points). If you reach the maximum number of points then you lose your licence and have to start again. I don't know if our safety record is better or worse over here. But the training is quite hard to get a licence.

[@johnsikes5404]

I really think this will be great content. Motorcycle safety courses too often are taken as a " have to do" step ( like going to a traffic school to get out of a speeding ticket on your record). IMO content of other YT channels often consists of watching crash videos with a commentator saying what went wrong, or aimed at an experience level or age group. I think commuters ( or riders that don't avoid highways ) need skillsets that protect them. Track speed riders on twisties different skillsets. Just because I head to backroads asap, and don't seek speeds to thrill/scare myself doesn't mean I will be safe.

[@benbianchi3074]

Well spelled out👍 Quite sobering, but more than necessary when choosing to ride atop your steel-steed. Towards the end of your video you mention “positive IMPACT”…perhaps when one is discussing motorbike rider safety, we may want to avoid using those terms😅 In all seriousness, many thanks for sharing your thoughtful commentary-may we all heed your warning⚠️

[@Richard-xu4cj]

Great message to us oldsters (I'm 70) and those who will be if they live that long. Hough's Proficient Motorcycling should be required reading for all riders regardless of their age and experience level- I re-read it every spring. I thought my hi-viz helmet worked wonders until i replaced it with one that wasn't, but every little bit helps.

[@Kevin-ne3tl]

Another great vid. Thanks man!

[@robwinegar9033]

I've been cut off far more on a loud Harley Road King than on a Kawasaki Concours or Yamaha Super Tenere. On the Harley I've had people look right at me and still pull out in front of me. I can only guess it's because they couldn't see me as well. The Harley sits lower.

[@macxpert3588]

In Australia we have graduated licensing and harder tests for a motorcycle licence. I've read David's books and taken several advanced skill classes, yet I still practice my low speed exercises at least once a week. I believe riding to stay alive starts with your self checks before you even start the bike. Am I OK? Do I have a headache, am I running late, did I just have a fight with my wife and so on. Being tough with yourself before you get on the bike pays off. I've lost count of the number of times I had planned to ride but I decided to take the car because I failed the am I OK test. Then it's road strategy. Been riding for 52 years and only come off once when I was 17 and riding a bit too fast on a gravel fire trail.

[@4940markhutchins]

Love your approach to the risk involved. I agree that we have no control over the overall stats, but I can control what I do, how to use my skills, what I ride and what I wear. It’s my approach to life too and what’s kept me out of trouble over decades of riding, even daily commuting on the L.A. freeways. Risk and adventure, with all its requisite danger and wildness, is a deeply spiritual longing. The alternative is to retreat from the difficulties of living in favor of living like a slug in front of a TV set. No thanks!

[@markboudette8380]

Hi Craig, I've really enjoyed your latest series of videos. As and older (61) rider, I've found them quite timely. RevZilla just released a video on motorcycle death statistics. Seems a large percentage of deaths are "rider error" and, in my opinion, many fit into the category of "you can't fix stupid". At this point in my riding, my situational awareness is relatively good. My biggest fear is now being rear-ended by a distracted driver. Luckily, there aren't many stop signs or traffic lights where I live in northern Vermont. To be honest, I'm not sure I'd be still riding if I still lived in south eastern Mass. I grew up in Medfield and had to travel back there recently. The traffic was getting bad when I left in 1988, now it's horrendous. Keep the rubber side down and again, thanks for the time and effort putting together your videos. They are appreciated and inspirational to me, and I'm sure many others.

[@smudgemo]

I'm ambivalent about other riders that I don't know, and their safety via education or graduated licensing. I focus on my daughters who both got their M1 this past year, and making them as safe as possible. Start on the 125cc Super Cub and after that gets boring, we'll talk about that 300 dual sport or 500 street bike. I don't feel comfortable telling anyone else what to do, although the one guy I tour with was kind of scaring me one or twice where I felt I needed to say something to help him be safer, and I think he listened.

[@LTVoyager]

I have worn high-vis gear for well over a decade now and I think it makes a difference, but I certainly can’t prove that. And after 48 years of road riding, and 55 total riding years, I absolutely agree with Hough that situation awareness and good decision making are far and away the most important safety attributes of a rider. These two things far outweigh riding skills. And as a pilot, I can say the exact same holds true for pilots. The safest pilots aren’t the best stick and rudder pilots, they are the pilots who maintain the best situational awareness and use the best ADM, aeronautical decision making.

[@rinyvisser1142]

Very wise words Craig! In the Netherlands, where I live, too many bikers ride way above the speedlimit. Even those guys who use loud pipes. What's the point to use them if you ride like a kamikaze pilot. Also many car drivers drive above the speedlimit, don't keep enough distance, are distracted by their cell phones etc. And don't forget the mistakes and distractions that happens to every driver (off course including myself!) It's all about taking your responsability. Freedom is not doing what you like and fuck the world, but being responsible for your own behaviour.

[@gillesRrider1954]

Hi Craig, I think it's best to anticipate + practice motorcycle control and always avoid being in an uncomfortable situation. However, physical fitness and motorcycle control practice are essential. All this can help you to keep riding and enjoy.

[@jps8941]

Another very informative video. Here in Ontario Canada they've changed the testing for M2 motorcycle riders and made it even more difficult, I don't believe it's because they care about us I believe it's a way to get us off the road so they don't have to deal with us anymore. I've been riding for over 6 years I've ridden my bike to the Pacific ocean and back to Ontario and I've spent countless hours in a parking lot. I watch training videos from MC Rider and other trainers. And I put their perspectives into practice every time I'm on the road. So to have them change the M2 which is our graduated licensing to make it harder for individuals to ride is very disappointing. Also to get your M1 here you have to write the driver's test then you have to write a sign test and then a motorcycle test, and whoever wrote that motorcycle test is not a biker not even close.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

That's why I make my videos on KZbin about resistance training. Your muscles are your largest organ, not your skin as it use to be taught. My physique at 70 has helped me do anything I want to do and will in the future, hopefully. Doing resistance training will help physically as well as mentally. The mind and body works together. Keeping your body at a lower fat percentage helps the brain receive and transmit correct signals to your muscles. Staying hydrated with electrolytes will also help the communication between the brain and your muscles. Take care of yourself will help you maintain the life that you enjoy.

[@ejdtm]

So many KZbin channels teaching figure eights and Uturns BUT the best thing to learn for safety is hard stopping and avoidance. Intersection safety should be stressed. Especially 4 lane intersections.

[@jimweagant8920]

Good video 👍👍

[@northerniltree]

At 65, I continue to ride and will do so until I can't. Evolving and surviving the recklessness of my youth, I now twist the throttle with the knowledge that risks that were once acceptable to me have no place in what future of mine remains. This includes eliminating any drinking, riding on mostly lonely roads, obeying the speed limit (unless it is too tempting on a "safe" stretch) and riding solo. Still, there is risk. I accept that, knowing that applies to most everything in life. I'd rather die on a motorcycle than from bedsores in a nursing home.

[@geneclarke2205]

The USDOT states that the speed of impact is the determining factor in assessing injury in a crash and the average speed of impact for motorcycle accidents is 21.5 mph. They make the same recommendation as Hough, learn emergency stopping and swerve to a stop techniques. They go on to fault pre-license training for not adequately emphasizing and teaching emergency stopping techniques and recommend states look into using motorcycle riding simulators designed to train and test motorcycle riders on actual road conditions over and above existing "parking lot" training. Basically, better to crash multiple times in a simulator and live to tell about it.

[@robertkoch1936]

I use Klim riding gear and use Hi-viz. I am waiting for the new Shoei Neotec 3 to get here. I still think you develop a six census after riding a long time that someone is going to turn in front of you. Even if they do not just assume they will and be prepared. I simply do not take risk, slow down when visibility is reduced. Live to be an older rider and enjoy the sport.

[@JimmyHamAnp]

Nice job!

[@garyallmond6535]

As I ride, I keep two thoughts in mind. 1) I think "If I were not here, what would that car do?" I plan in the event that they prove my thoughts correct. 2) I assume that every other vehicle is a paid assassins and that there is a premium on me that day. I started riding every now and then in high school, more seriously about 15-20 years ago. I have taken the MSF course twice (once about 20 years ago and the second time about 5 years ago), and spent a couple days at the BMW Riding School. If someone takes the training serious, no matter their experience, they will learn something. The last couple of years I have been putting between 15,000 and 30,000 miles a year on motorcycles. My wife and I pray together each time I pull out of the driveway, knowing that could be the last time we are together. I agree, motorcycles are dangerous. But life itself is dangerous. Plan accordingly.

[@ejdtm]

There was a study out there that people recognize motorcyclist more if their body was more present to them i.e. white helmet, white gloves, white sleeves. Not so much high viz.

[@ElectraWillem]

After decades on two wheels you learned to listen to your Guardian Angel as he shouts "Don't do it!" or "Stop this BS". It's the only way to avoid that the Gremlins get's your ass.

[@Winter_Sportster]

Solid Truth.

[@blandrooker6541]

Couple of thoughts, first about the way licensing is handled in America versus Europe for example. Germany comes to mind, where they do indeed have a strictly graduated testing and licensing system, they take riding and driving to be very serious responsibilities, which is just being Germans. That's opposed to our country where any 18 year old with no riding experience can buy the most powerful motorcycle in the shop and promptly kill themselves squidding, or guys our age in their 60s with no riding experience having a midlife crisis, buying an HD or an Indian as their first bike and promptly falling over or not being able to turn or stop. Stereotypes, but every stereotype has a grain of truth. I laughed at the "dress like a Power Ranger" comment, as I ride with the "banana suit" jacket as some call HiViz. I also run aux riding and brake lights. Personally, I've found that it does make a bit of difference in my own experience, just by observing driver reactions. As for the inherent dangers of riding, Yep, without a doubt, it's dangerous, but consider this: my retirement job is being a non emergency medical transportation driver, running 10 hours a day, 5 days a week for an average of 1500 to 2000 miles a week, in a MINIVAN. People STILL don't see me, they pull out from the right, turn in front of me making left turns, switch lanes without a signal or checking their blind spots, brake for no apparent reason or don't brake behind me or are just high, drunk or distracted, and my skills are tested every single day. Yes, the physical dynamics of riding are different, but the mental discipline is the same to avoid accidents, to drive or ride to stay alive.

[@Bearded.Wonder]

I appreciate the intent behind graduated licensing requirements, like they have in some European countries, and I'm sure there is legitimacy to the increase in lives saved by limiting licenses. However, this does nothing for the liberty of freedom to chose. If the idea is to solve the problem at all costs then graduated licenses are a next step, but this is part of the imposition of a governing overreach. That governing overreach may ultimately determine motorcycles should be banned altogether. Shouldn't we be accountable for our own choices? That's one of the requirements of freedom. We must be responsible for the choices we make. It will mean some will make bad choices, but I guess it depends on how much liberty we are willing to forfeit.

[@marekpapro4897]

Wszystko co powiedziałeś jest prawdą. Dodam tylko, że bardzo ważną kwestią, jest bycie w uważności po angielsku mindfullnes. Tak naprawdę obejmuje to aspekty, które wymieniłeś. pozdrawiam

[@randychandler64]

Thank God we live in a free country. I am not for restricting people’s choices, but requiring helmets is probably a good idea. As much as it’s a good idea to wear seatbelts. The real key to safe riding is riding to expect drivers to make mistakes. I know I would likely have had an accident with a car by now if I did not ride defensively (185,000 miles in 25 years.). Too many riders are aggressive and pushing their limits while expecting drivers to stay out of their right of away. They may become “dead right!” We should encourage more responsibility by having riders pay higher insurance rates if no helmet, no training and ticketed for aggressive riding. All these things can add to health care costs not just motorcycle repair costs.

[@garymaclean6903]

Yes, the comments you got about aging just demonstrate their ignorance about the real changes that occur, whether that ignorance is real or just denial of reality. Harder tests isn't the way to go, but more comprehensive training that requires competency tests to achieve your licence is. Also, mandatory re-training for high numbers of tickets or accidents should be required. Totally agree that high speed riding and lack of defensive driving skills are two primary factors in causing accidents. And it's not just us riders who are at risk in accidents.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Craig, very well stated. That 75 -90% of the bikes strike the cars is the big take away. High Viz won't fix that. Only situational awareness will do so. And riding with lots of common sense, of course. At least, so says this 72 year old.

[@nitrousninja882]

I am going to be 69 in May of 2024 and was planning on putting a turbocharger on my Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R. After watching this video I have changed my mind. I am too old to be riding a 280 hp motorcycle. I think I will start looking for a smaller displacement and lighter bike instead.

[@LTVoyager]

Everything has risk. That is the reality at the safety nannies would have us ignore. Sit on the couch and eat chips all day and after 20 years tell me how safe that was as you lie in the hospital after your quadruple bypass…. Nothing is safe. As you said, it is about risk and reward and choosing the place on the spectrum that fits your personality and desires.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I honestly believe a motorcycle is 75% less prone to having an accident, it just makes sense, better maneuvering, MUCH LESS SURFACE AREA the logic behind my opinion, usually people are more careful on a motorcycle..hopefully lol, problem comes in that, if one does have a accident, the stakes are way higher, much more dangerous if one does accident!!fact is a huge percentage of motorcycle accidents are most definitely preventable, most are goofeballs who can't help but go double the speed limit when they are casually riding! Another percentage is likely driving under influence, if you cut out those 2 circumstances, motorcycling is to me safer overall COMPLACENCY IS A KILLER!!

[@LTVoyager]

Your logic is flawed. Surface doesn’t matter in most accidents. Most involve going off a road in a turn or sliding out due to road debris or braking too hard. Surface area has no impact here. And the fact that motorcycles tip over on their own when stopped adds a huge risk that cars don’t have. And when a crash occurs, the protection a car offers far, far offsets the greater surface area of a car.

[@alainmichaud6747]

At least proper helmet should have a minimum ECE 22.05 or the new standard 22.06 standard, DOT is nothing.. Also some of the equipment requirement, boots. gloves, clothes should be indicated for safety rating . ( Europe have a bit more standard) I am hiviz , Thus Name of the bike is yellow and also most of the equipment .. help in the city but not that much , I did get a new Helmet light since when I slow down without braking this will light up at a higher level from view. AWARENESS I agree 100% and will be watching all you video as this i think the big one . I am on a 3 wheel a bit different but not that much in the traffic. thank you for your effort to bring more safety to the motorcycle world . 4 trip already plan for April and May , I ride with some of my motorcycle friends with big Harley and its either an ego or culture thing as they are not the safest bunch when it come to equipment but its their choice , they now my views on this. I also watch a local Utube pascal fournier and he also discuss in some of is video on safety , he is very realistic and I suggested to a few friend to watch . Alain & Yellow

[@davidmcnaughty4889]

Slow down.

[@painsrides]

"Motorcycle safety" is oxymoron and far too over thought.... What gets motorcyclists injured or killed is simply speed. 1. Traveling at a speed that is beyond the rider's ability to react. 2. Traveling at a speed that is beyond what other drivers can react to. and 3. Traveling at a speed that is wrong for conditions. The rest is just fluff and semantics.... The most important thing we can do as riders to be "safer" is to be completely honest with ourselves to understand our ability in relation to conditions.... and ride smart. On another note, has Hough lost his mind...or does he live in Commiefornia(I mean California)? 😶

[@LTVoyager]

As much as I respect Hough, I think it rather hypocritical for someone who as aged out of riding to try to prevent young people from entering. That is just wrong.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't think he wants to prevent them from riding, just make is harder to get a license. Like they do in the UK and many European countries. Those who are not willing to learn and go through the process, will opt out on their own. The NHTSA has recently recommended a similar approach. I am not a fan of this, but it may be coming for future generations of riders.

[@LTVoyager]

@@LivingOffTheSlab That is just semantics. If you make it too hard and too expensive, you effectively prevent an activity without outright legally banning it. The end result is the same and that is how government generally operates. For example, the EPA hasn’t banned coal fired powerplants, they just pass rules that make them economically unviable. That has better PR optics than “banning” something, but the result is the same and the intention is the same.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

​@@LTVoyager I am not a fan of this approach, but those who are would argue that we already limit who can drive a car by age and training requirements. Here in MA a 16 year old cannot drive at night or carry other minors in the vehicle with them for the first year. We do this to save kids lives by hopefully allowing the young driver to acquire at least some limited experience. Yet, a 16 year old can, after taking one very basic course, go out and purchase a 186hp motorcycle, or a 800 pound cruiser without restriction.

[@LTVoyager]

@@LivingOffTheSlab True, but I have yet to see statistics that say that these restrictions have helped. What has happened is many 16 year olds no longer pursue a driver’s license … which generally is the intent of government regulations. So, you may save lives by reducing the number of young drivers, but I’d like to see statistics to show that the RATE of young driver accidents has decreased since these regulations were enacted. Generally, when statistics seem to support a government regulation, they are shouted from the rooftops. When you hear crickets, it generally means the statistics don’t support the narrative.

[@kevingonyea]

The other side of the coin, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqlfWuqo9J1jsksi=th0mRF4_DCtn6ANI. While I agree there are inherent risks that come with riding a motorcycle, however I disagree motorcycles are dangerous, I do agree there are dangerous motorcycle riders and I equate them to drug addicts, smokers and alcoholics in that no amount of training, education or preaching will save them. The statistics for alcohol related fatalities, not wearing a helmet, and unlicensed riders are the vast majority of motorcycle deaths.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Our outlook is not that different. I would suspect that during your wife's career, did she just she just say, screw the danger. I imagine she took steps to midigate the risks so that she came home at the end of her shift. That is what I am talking about here.

[@kevingonyea]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I understand what you are saying, I just think no matter what rational people say or do, there always has been and always will be those who have to learn the hard way. I do enjoy your videos.

[@Pompomgrenade]

You're not going to try to tell me that evasion is the 🪄 conflict resolution that prevents road rashe$?