The number of the week is 26.
Twenty-six motorcycle enthusiasts have died on Maine roads so far this year. As various media reports all reiterated over the weekend, this number is more than double the total for all of 2014.
That is an eye-catching statistic, but as with all statistics, it only tells part of the story.
People who don’t like motorcycles will tell you they are inherently dangerous, and per mile traveled, they are more dangerous to their operators than a car. However, operating any kind of motor vehicle is an inherently risky proposition.
Grief is not guaranteed, of course, but piloting large metal objects on a narrow lane, intentionally aiming to miss oncoming large metal objects by a few scant feet, all at speeds humans were never designed to travel, presents a degree of risk.
Throw in controls to fiddle with, dials to look at, passengers to talk to, scenery to see, and, increasingly in recent years, a cellphone on hand; combined with all the other drivers on the road dealing with many of the same variables at the same time, and it’s a wonder anyone ever arrives safely.
It is no exaggeration to say operating a motor vehicle is the most dangerous thing a majority of people ever do, which is ironic because many people do it day in and day out and never give it a second thought.
Here’s another number: 80.66, as in 55 mph breaks down to 80.66 feet per second. In three seconds, about the time it takes to change the radio station, you have almost covered an entire football field.
It is easy to say look out for motorcycles, and we do: they are smaller, more nimble, and their passengers lack even the basic protection of a metal box around them.
The fact is, just riding in a car carries an element of risk. Everything does.
There are only so many things you can do, so many laws you can pass, courses you can take, and precautions you can build in before ultimately it just gets down to the ability of the people involved. It comes down to you.
Be careful out there.
