Blue Knights - Report on recent accident

[trip]

Some of you may know that I'm also a member of the Blue Knights, Chapter 34 here in Texas.

A couple of months ago, our Chapter President as well as other members were on a trip to attend the RGC Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas. During that trip, our President, Richard Cashell and another member were involved in a motorcycle accident that placed Richard in intensive care for several weeks.

Recently, Richard wrote a letter to be printed in the Blue Knight newsletter about his experience from the accident. I thought I'd include his write-up for you guys to read. - Trip

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First off, I would like to thank the members of the fastest growing conference in Blue Knights International for honoring me with the position of Vice-Chairman. I am walking in some mighty big shoes following our illustrious Chairman, Ken Reeves. He has been an inspiration to us all while serving as Vice-Chairman.

This was a rough RGC for riders as we had several incidents. As many of you know, I was involved in one of the major crashes. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The crash was caused by a young woman who either “Did not see” us, or “Thought she could make it”. We were riding in a group of five bikes in staggered formation. She tried a left turn in front of us. I T-boned her car on the passenger door. My Ultra Classic went from 40-0 instantly. I, however, went another 35 feet. My Chapter Sgt.-At-Arms, was directly behind me. He said I went straight up, then head over heels. I landed on my head and shoulder. If I had not been wearing a helmet, I have no doubt that I would not be writing this article. The Blue Knights International Constitution states that one of the purposes of Blue Knights is, “to promote by example... safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles” and recommends helmet use. My home chapter, Texas XXXIV, goes a step further.

We require helmets to be worn when wearing colors or participating in a club sanctioned ride. My point here is to encourage each of you to wear appropriate safety equipment when riding. How many times have you seen people wearing shorts, flip flops, and a do-rag or ball cap while riding? It might not kill you, but life might not be so worthwhile if you are in a crash and not wearing appropriate clothing or a helmet. During my stay in the hospital in Tyler, the guy next to me was a rider. He hit a dog and now has three metal plates in his head because he was not wearing a helmet. I heard several of his friends and family lamenting that his memories and personality were altered. Having been though a severe crash and the beginning of rehab, keep in mind those who have to care for you in the aftermath of a crash.

I realize this article may seem more of a safety officer's, but I want each and every one of you to continue in good health to help this organization remain the best motorcycle club in existence and to continue to grow. We need to be the largest conference by 2012 when the International Convention comes to Tyler.

Our Chairman and I both want to tell every one of you that it is NOT necessary to have a near fatal crash as a requirement for the office of Vice-Chairman or any other board position.

Ride With Pride

Richard Cashell
Texas XXXIV
Rio Grande Conference
Vice-Chairman

[MarkG]

Thanks Trip, it is good that Richard is recovering. Every major safety study has found that the left hand turn situation is dangerous to the motorcycle. This is another reminder on how important the gear is when an accident happens.

[ringadingh]

That guys lucky, his bike sure is a mess. You never know when things will happen to you, luckily he was prepared with his equipment.

[Cajunrider]

Thanks for posting this important reminder Trip. I feel many will benefit from it.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Thanks for posting Trip this is a lesson to us all, wear your helmet.

[Idaho]

Thanks for posting this Trip. I'm a hard core believer in helmets. Glad that Richard was wearing his.