March 2023 - Chris Morrison

Fast Facts About Chris:

Has been riding 35 years
First bike was a 1985 Ninja 500
Spent six weeks in the hospital after being hit by a driver

As riders, we know the inherent risks associated with riding a motorcycle. One of the most dangerous is drivers turning left in front of you. In 2020 there were 2,741 fatal crashes involving a motorcycle vs. an automobile. In 42 percent (1,158) of those crashes the other vehicle was turning left.

We've all had that feeling approaching an intersection ahead, you notice an opposite-facing vehicle with its left turn indicator on and wonder if the driver can see you. What if they don’t? Would you have enough time to react?

[Mr. Subjective posted various techniques one should practice to help mitigate the risks on the blog.]

Unfortunately, this exact scenario played out for me last year.

I was riding home at about 4PM (96 DR 350) and had the green light at an uncontrolled intersection. I saw a car in the left turn lane, so I positioned myself as far right as I entered. About halfway through the intersection, the unthinkable happened. The driver turned directly into me. There was nowhere to go and absolutely nothing I could have done. It was a direct hit, center cut, a Bullseye!!!

My left side took the brunt of the impact, and I was ejected over the car approximately 20 feet onto the right shoulder. The pain was immediate and so severe I passed out. Both my bike and the other driver’s car were totaled.

I sustained a broken left hip, femur, ankle, foot, right wrist and right ring finger. The heel pad on my left foot was torn from just below the Achilles tendon down to mid arch.

I spent six weeks in the hospital, had three surgeries on my leg, and titanium rods holding it all together. I was in a wheelchair for 4 months and used a walker for 3 more after that. Once able to walk I started physical therapy 3 times per week and will continue until the end of this month. It’s taken months of hard work and a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, therapists, family, and friends to help get me back on my feet. My leg strength is such now that I no longer limp and am completely pain-free. My medical bills totaled well over 250k.

Reflecting back on that day I realize how lucky I was. I easily could have lost my leg, or worse, my life. As it happened the driver behind me had a dash cam and captured the entire incident. I plan to continue riding but mostly on the dirt (BLM trails all around). Be Careful out there!!

When did you first get back on your bike?
Once my leg/foot was strong enough to hold the bike upright.

How did you overcome any fear that you may have had?
By reminding myself I’ve been riding for 25 years and this is the only accident I’ve had on the street. I’m not going to lie though, I get a bit more tense when going through intersections.

Are you riding any differently now?
Yes, I’m going to spend the majority of my time riding dirt/fire trails now.

What precautions do you advise others to take while riding a motorcycle?
Always stay vigilant. Don’t ride scared and trust your instincts. AGATT. Keep your insurance premiums up to date. Add uninsured motorists to your policy. The person that hit me had the minimum required 25k. I would have been #$#% without it.

How long have you been riding?
35 years

Why did you first start riding/what was the draw?
California sunshine almost year-round and moto-friendly traffic laws. In California lane sharing/splitting is completely legal and motorcycles get unrestricted access in the HOV lane. My work commute (car) went from 90 minutes (each way) down to 30-40 minutes. That is roughly 10 hours per week not spent sitting in traffic. It feels like cheating :)

What was your first bike?
1985 Ninja 500

What is your current bike?
2016 GSXS 1000F, DR 350 (totaled)

What do you do for work?
Systems Engineer - Mobile Security

How did you first learn about Aerostich?
B.A.R.F (Bay Area Riders Forum)

Why do you like motorcycling?
Transportation/utility/commuting/dirt/sand/track...I like everything about motorcycles.

What is your favorite piece of Areostich gear?
Was my R3 (EMT’s cut it off - view pic) and the innershell ultralight.