Yes, motorcycles DO have something almost magic about them, that “je ne sais quoi” that makes us twist that throttle a tad too much at times, but doing so without being prepared to cope with the hazards in the way is not at all wise.
There is hardly a better demotivational example than the video after the jump. While some might be tempted to call the driver names, I'd like to ask them to review the entire video at least once. If they still believe that it was the driver's fault, I can only send in my early condolences because they haven't learned anything from this footage.
Instead of acting and thinking they own the roads, I'd like to point out that the rider was traveling quite fast, even though it doesn't look like he or she knows anything about scouting the road ahead. Any experienced, aware rider would have spotted the car stopped in the middle of the road, with the turn signal on, waiting to steer to the left. And would have done this in due time to slow down.
Slowing down early would have increased the chances of a safe and uneventful swerve around the car, with no crashing involved. In fact, we can almost see the surprise of the rider and how target fixation seems to take control.
By the time the bike reaches the car, it is no longer on a collision course with the vehicle, and the speed is low enough for a smooth maneuver... that never comes. Instead, the rider goes off the road like a newly L-licensed fellow and plows into the ditch.
And, actually, it's the fact that this fellow rides a sports bike despite lacking elementary skills what scares me the most...
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