Many of the accidents could be attributed to drivers on their cell phones in traffic. These are the drivers that are not paying attention to any body else on the roads. It is disconcerting when I see people that are pulling out of their driveways at home and immediately get on the cell phone. Utah has got to get some laws on the books making cell phone use while driving a felony just as serious as a DUI. Cell phone use while driving has been proven as serious and dangerous as a drunk driver yet law makers are dragging their feet as more people get killed with massive property destruction. Some motorcycle drivers have cause for concern too as I see more and more children as passergers on motorcycles on the freeways. Saving gas is one thing but adding children to the danger zone is another. I would like to see legislation passed that would allow the use of certain ATV's with lights be allowed on the roads, not freeways, for local short errand running. Instead of running a 4-6-8+ cylinder vehicle it would allow the use of a 1 or 2 cyl vehicle that is safer than a motorcycle.

The first thing to do is blame someone else. If you ride a motorcycle you take that risk.

"a motorcyclist was critically injured when he CAREENED his bike in front of another vehicle."

Geez, I wish more people in the press could still use the language.

Take your Prozac and mellow out

Drive defensively. Helmet and at least gloves and long sleeves/pants to help if anything does go wrong. Hope for the best.

Works for me (especially that first one--i.e., no careening).

"Get Your Son a Motorcycle for His Last Birthday"

ATGATT = All The Gear ALL The Time. Too many riders with the "won't happen to me" attitude. Also, for the "it's too hot to wear my gear crowd"; if it is too hot to wear protective gear then it is too hot for you to ride!

The problem isn't all about riders. Some, like mentioned in the article were young, foolish, inexperienced, or all three. I can't count the number of times some idiot has pulled out in front of me. Drivers just don't pay attention to anyone else. Yes, cell phones are a BIG problem. The best advice I have been given when riding is, "watch out for them, because they sure as hell won't watch for you."

I am new to riding. I bought my motorcycle to combat against high gas prices. I do not drive between cars, or speed. However, I have been cut off and tailgated more times than I can count. I wear the protective gear, which came in handy last week when a car in front of me flicked their lit cigarette out the window and it hit me.

I have people look at me like I don't belong on the road. it is too bad there are a few idiots out on the road that give all bikers a bad name. It is no different to say all drivers are idiots that do everything while driving, except drive.