Vehicular accidents happen worldwide every day and have proved to be detrimental to the lives of many, physically and mentally. They can be fatal, destroy families and heavily alter the lives of people. Fortunately, vehicle safety has significantly improved over the course of a century, with technology such as airbags, the three-point seat belt and software designed to prevent crashes. With these being utilized, they have helped save the lives of countless drivers all around the world.

Unfortunately, this level of safety cannot be applied to motorcycles. Since motorcycles do not have any crash protection, there is almost nothing that separates a rider from the ground. This makes motorcycle accidents much more dangerous, where a wrong move and turn can lead to one sliding into deep trouble. On the night of Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, that is exactly what happened to me.

I remember it being at night, riding down the highway. Enjoying the cold, autumn breeze, while looking at the night skies, accompanied by the comforting grumble of my motorcycle engine. I was looking forward to studying for my Spanish test, mentally practicing my vocabulary, when the unbelievable happened. As I reached a somewhat sharp turn, my steering wheel started to wobble aggressively, feeling control slip away from my hands. With not enough time and room to regain control, I careened towards a guardrail. I hit it hard, and before I knew it, I found myself airborne.

Within the span of a few seconds, I went from peacefully riding my motorcycle, to tumbling down a hill at an unbelievably fast speed. That was the last thing I could remember, before the lights were shut off for a decent amount of time. I woke up, finding myself in the hospital. Describing the realization as shocking would be an understatement. I remember seeing my parents alongside me, whilst medical providers analyzed my vitals. 

From accounts of paramedics and other bystanders during the time of my accident, after I fell over the guard rail, I laid there unconscious until help arrived. Gracefully, my motorcycle gear and helmet took a large chunk of the impact, which protected me from serious harm. When my parents showed me the gear, I could see scuffs and cracks on my helmet, alongside deep scuffs and tears on my suit. I would make a speedy recovery and be discharged from the hospital within two days. Though, my head still hurt quite a bit after that, which was not pleasant to say the least. I still had to go to school right after this accident, quite counterintuitive, as I should be resting in my bed without a doubt.

With this in mind, some of my friends posed a great question: Why do I ride motorcycles, if I know the horrific extent of motorcycle accidents? For me, it’s about the experience and memories that the rider makes. A motorcycle gives the rider a more open and unrestricted experience, compared to a car. Being able to feel the breeze hit their body as they drive down, whilst freely seeing the sights and views around them, is a feeling that a car cannot give. As the saying goes, nobody forgets their first motorcycle ride, and I surely did not forget mine. Additionally, many riders feel a strong bondage between them and their motorcycle, not just as a form of transportation, but as a friend, emotionally and therapeutically. Even after my accident, I will continue to ride my motorcycle, as the moments that I have made with it are too precious to store as history. And besides, who wouldn’t want to look cool in traffic? I didn’t pay for a $20,000 museum piece.

This accident has served as a reminder and lesson for me to be safe on the roads, and most importantly, cherish life and the privilege of being alive. Many around the world often take many invaluable things for granted. Being able to wake up in the morning, not being in pain or being able to live life normally — until the point that it does not. Appreciate the life you have right now. In a different life, I would not be alive here to tell the story.