three years since ’scooter vs. mustang’
Published by Crystal November 4th, 2007 in accidents, news & gossip, safety.
Three years ago today was the day that I was hit by a car. I planned to go for a ride, but since we didn’t get home until after dark, I had to settle for asking Dwayne to take this posed picture of me with Rosa.
No one likes to hear about accidents, and I hope none of you ever have to go through what I did. I would rather that it never happened, but despite the difficulties in the aftermath, I know in some ways it has made me a better scooterist. It sure has made me more appreciative of learning how to ride and dress as safe as I can.
For example, I now wear armored gear when I ride, and in case you haven’t noticed, I tend to get on a soapbox about rider education, safety gear, and wearing helmets.
I spent a couple of hours at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles the other day, getting my new license, registration, and plate. When I was home putting my new plate on the scooter, I was thinking about how just a few years ago when I left Vermont for Maryland, I had never ever considered buying a scooter, and here I was putting a Vermont plate on my third one.
My Met made it to Vermont a couple of times, and I’ve ridden some of the same roads with both Ilene and Rosa. My little yellow Metropolitan started it all and I’m sad the poor little thing met an untimely end on November 4, 2004. I’m grateful I didn’t.
Three years ago this photo made the scooter- community rounds in what seemed like a matter of minutes. I happened to have my work camera with me when I was hit, which was advantageous since the police officers didn’t have film in their camera. I remember being in pain and in shock, but knowing that there needed to be a photo taken. So I crawled over to the scooter (I had crawled away from it to get out of the road) and got the camera out of the trunk and took this photo just before they put me on the ambulance gurney. Within minutes of it being posted, I was receiving notes from people from all over who had heard about my situation from various forums all over the web.
I thought about writing another list-y post, but I think you already know what I would suggest. Get training. Practice. Get armored. Get legal. Get insured. Ride safe.
Mostly I just want to write here today to thank you for being a part of my recovery. Thank you.
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4 Responses to “three years since ’scooter vs. mustang’”
- 1 Pingback on Feb 26th, 2008 at 6:53 am
And may it never happen again!
What a horrible anniversary to commemorate, but thanks for reminding us of the importance of taking precautions for situations which we might not have control over.
I echo what both Lesley and Lisa said. Any time I hear about a two-wheeled accident I sort of stop and think about risk. Sort of a check to make sure I am riding with my eyes wide open so to speak.
Glad you are ok and congratulations on your recovery and continued riding and writing.
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks