Student death sheds light on motorcycle safety

As rising gas prices cause many Americans to reevaluate their methods of transportation, some notable alternatives have become very popular. Many, such as hybrid cars, have gone from being associated with liberal environmentalism to now being associated with economic appropriateness. And although technological advances have granted hybrid cars the ability to be reasonably priced, extreme demand for these vehicles has kept the availability - and ultimately how low the prices will go - very limited.

Luckily, hybrid vehicles are not the only source of transportation that is energy (and economically) friendly. After all, there is always walking, public transportation, car pooling, etc. But, of course, where you live dictates the availability and appropriateness of such alternatives. Plus these options can sometimes only offer very limited freedom to meet any one individual's needs.

Predictably, many Americans have sought out an affordable alternative to hybrids that still grants the user freedom and flexibility on the road. In this regard, there has not been a more popular choice than the motorcycle.

Motorcycles offer affordability. Just about every major motorcycle manufacturer offers a selection of brand-new bikes for around $4,000. Some manufacturers even offer new bikes for well under this price.

Motorcycles offer a break at the pump. Depending on size, type and displacement, many motorbikes offer 40-50 miles per gallon. Some smaller bikes and scooters can offer upwards of 60, 70 or even 100 miles per gallon.

Motorcycles offer freedom. The affordability factor alone affords many cash-strapped commuters the opportunity to roam around town a little bit further, to enjoy the scenery of the "long way" home or just the ability to get out more. Plus ownership of your own vehicle won't limit your ability to commute on your own terms, like public transportation, walking and carpooling may. Additionally, they offer freedom from parking problems. Motorcycles are compact enough that they can go and fit into just about anywhere.

But the number one reason why motorcycles have been gaining popularity is for their excitement. There is nothing like being one with the road and one with the environment. It is a freedom that can only be experienced on a motorcycle. Plus the performance-per-dollar pay off is exceptional with motorcycles.

"There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that I can beat that Corvette sitting next to me at the red light off the line - especially considering he spent $50,000 on the 'Vette, and I barely have $10,000 in mine," bragged the owner of a brand new Yamaha bike.

But with the growing popularity of motorcycles comes a growing concern for motorcycle safety. With the recent high-profile motorcycle accident involving Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger, mandatory helmet laws have become an integral part of this discussion. Ben Roethlisberger, who became the youngest quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory last year, sustained fairly serious injuries that initially looked to be potentially career threatening. Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet.

Not all serious motorcycle accidents involve the lack of proper protective equipment. Recently, this became all too well known to the University of South Alabama family. On June 30, Chandrashekhar Hiremath, a USA doctoral student in the instructional design & development program, was killed in a motorcycle accident.

But with the proper precautions and a little bit of awareness from other drivers on the road, motorcycles can become more than just an economical and exhilarating form of transportation: They can be safe.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of motorcycle accidents do not occur because of some young kid trying to show off or some other form of reckless endangerment brought forth from the rider himself.

More than half of all motorcycle accidents involve passenger automobiles failing to yield the right of way to motorcycles. Many times the automobile driver just didn't see the motorcyclist.

According to Randy, a self-proclaimed motorcycle safety expert, "The most important rule of safety while on a motorcycle is being seen." The data seems to back up his advice.

Just as important is wearing a DOT-approved helmet. Doing so is recognized as the single most important feature in minimalizing the severity of injuries in case of an accident.

Even still, many motorcyclists rebuff if not despise mandatory helmet laws. David Dittmann, owner of Mobile Leather Locker, a store that specializes in motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel, states that among riders' biggest complaints are the fact that the state of Alabama has mandatory helmet laws. While noting that he is also "strongly against any motorcyclist being forced by law to wear a helmet," he also strongly suggests "under normal circumstances, it would be in the best interest of all motorcyclists to invest in - and wear - a helmet.

Among Mobile Leather Locker's best-selling motorcycle patches are those declaring "Helmet Laws Suck" and "I am not Wearing This Helmet by Choice."

Many Mobile riders enjoy riding in Pensacola or Mississippi, where helmets are not required. Since Jeb Bush repealed Florida's helmet law in 2000, motorcycle fatalities have increased tremendously. But this fact does not seem to bother most riders.

Alabama cyclists have even put forth their own little rebellion against mandatory helmet laws. According to sales records at area motorcycle shops, among their best selling helmets are novelty helmets. These helmets are not street legal and provide absolutely no protection in case of accident. Yet many riders choose to wear them.

"If I can't go without a helmet, I'm going to do the next best thing to going natural," a patron at the Harley Davidson shop explained as he proudly pointed out there was much less padding in these helmets. "These helmets are just so much more comfortable. And they don't look like a giant mushroom stuck on top of my head."