I’m a person who is less phobic and more risk averse. For example, I used to ride a motorcycle daily for my commute (on long-term hiatus). I did a great deal to mitigate risks involved including taking two and three wheel MSF courses, riding only when safe, sane and sober, researching gear safety standards and testing requirements, using that information to buy the best gear that I could afford, and riding ATGATT.
Despite all of the risk mitigation, I still ended up in the hospital after getting sideswiped by an SUV. I avoided moving in case I had a neck injury since I involuntarily slowed myself with the visor of my helmet and got hit by my bike after sliding for a bit (high-side get-off - nothing quite as profanity-inducing as looking back to see a 480lb/218kg chunk of metal and plastic gaining on you while you’re sliding, uncontrolled down a highway at about 25mph/40kph). I was even able to give my wife a phone call before the ambulance arrived to let her know I’d be late and remove my gear non-destructively with some help from the EMTs.
After being triaged in the trauma ward, I was wheeled out into the hall because my injuries were so minor and another motorcyclist was being admitted who wasn’t wearing a helmet. The guy was actively bleeding from his head, extremely confused, and kept getting off of his gurney and wandering around yelling every time the medical staff wasn’t paying attention. It wasn’t good.
My discharge came about 16 hours with my worst injuries being a severe ankle sprain, a unilateral adrenal gland hemorrhage (an esoteric injury that required no surgical intervention - basically internal bruising/bleeding of an adrenal gland), and a minor abrasion about the size of a nickel (~21mm diameter) that was treated with a bit of antiseptic ointment and an adhesive bandage. I was sent home with a cane and prescription for pain meds. Now, my main lingering issue is an ankle that appears to react to changes in atmospheric pressure.
With replacement gear, I’d definitely be riding again but, have a wife with GAD who is very loss averse and don’t feel right putting her through increased anxiety.
TL;DR - Always wear appropriate PPE for the risks that may be present.
I’m risk adverse enough you’d never catch me on those death machines!
But like, he was afraid of stepstools where he was perfectly happy on 40’ ladders. There were a lot of things. (Personally, the reason you’re more likely to die falling off a stepstool is cuz you don’t respect it. He knew that, but also… “nope”,)
He was good at his job, and he was always polite and considerate. (Including some small but memorable gestures.)
I’m a person who is less phobic and more risk averse. For example, I used to ride a motorcycle daily for my commute (on long-term hiatus). I did a great deal to mitigate risks involved including taking two and three wheel MSF courses, riding only when safe, sane and sober, researching gear safety standards and testing requirements, using that information to buy the best gear that I could afford, and riding ATGATT.
Despite all of the risk mitigation, I still ended up in the hospital after getting sideswiped by an SUV. I avoided moving in case I had a neck injury since I involuntarily slowed myself with the visor of my helmet and got hit by my bike after sliding for a bit (high-side get-off - nothing quite as profanity-inducing as looking back to see a 480lb/218kg chunk of metal and plastic gaining on you while you’re sliding, uncontrolled down a highway at about 25mph/40kph). I was even able to give my wife a phone call before the ambulance arrived to let her know I’d be late and remove my gear non-destructively with some help from the EMTs.
After being triaged in the trauma ward, I was wheeled out into the hall because my injuries were so minor and another motorcyclist was being admitted who wasn’t wearing a helmet. The guy was actively bleeding from his head, extremely confused, and kept getting off of his gurney and wandering around yelling every time the medical staff wasn’t paying attention. It wasn’t good.
My discharge came about 16 hours with my worst injuries being a severe ankle sprain, a unilateral adrenal gland hemorrhage (an esoteric injury that required no surgical intervention - basically internal bruising/bleeding of an adrenal gland), and a minor abrasion about the size of a nickel (~21mm diameter) that was treated with a bit of antiseptic ointment and an adhesive bandage. I was sent home with a cane and prescription for pain meds. Now, my main lingering issue is an ankle that appears to react to changes in atmospheric pressure.
With replacement gear, I’d definitely be riding again but, have a wife with GAD who is very loss averse and don’t feel right putting her through increased anxiety.
TL;DR - Always wear appropriate PPE for the risks that may be present.
I’m glad you’re safe!
I’m risk adverse enough you’d never catch me on those death machines!
But like, he was afraid of stepstools where he was perfectly happy on 40’ ladders. There were a lot of things. (Personally, the reason you’re more likely to die falling off a stepstool is cuz you don’t respect it. He knew that, but also… “nope”,)
He was good at his job, and he was always polite and considerate. (Including some small but memorable gestures.)