I decided to create this blogspot to share with others stories of my life experiences. I consider them to be pertinent as they are my life, they are what I am, who I am. I have considered writing a book. Maybe not, maybe this will allow me to share memories without pressures of what comes next. As I have tended to live my life without much structure, mostly to react to stimuli, as they say. These pages will come as they come back to me, as they strike, I will write. I can also be a bit of a storyteller as the mood hits me. Maybe some things here won't agree with you, but at least you'll get to know me and isn't that why you are here?

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Letter to the good senator from Oklahoma

I'm hoping that you will read this and maybe help me get involved.
Thanks,
Gary

Mr. Dorman,
I am Gary Manning, I live in Rush Springs and have since 2004. Today I talked to a woman in Lawton about her husband, John Foster, who is the Lawton motorcycle police officer who was severely injured in an accident when a car pulled out in front of his motorcycle. Also, recently, two people were killed just outside of Rush Springs when someone made a left turn in front of them while they were riding on a motorcycle.
My thought is this. With the ever increasing occurrences' of this nature, I have come to the realization that it is past time to do something. I believe that there should be a motorcycle awareness course that anyone involved in that type of accident should be required to attend. The cost should be paid by the offender with a time limit given with perhaps a temporary loss of the state driver's license if the course isn't taken. I'm thinking to involve the state motorcycle organizations in the preparation and implementation of the of the course. It could be taken at the regular state highway patrol locations. It also might be a good idea to require young drivers to complete the course as part of the regular licensing procedure. New riders may be required to take some sort of defensive driving course as well, before receiving a motorcycle license.
Sir, we must do something about this problem. With mounting fuel prices and the practicality and affordability of riding a motorcycle, their usage will continue to increase, as will the necessity of education for all drivers to prevent this all too common event from occurring.
I will also state that I am against helmet laws for the simple reason that people tend to feel "bullet-proof" while wearing them. I am a long-time rider and have taken several defensive driving courses that have kept me, so far, so good. When I wear my helmet, I also wear other protection, like glasses or goggles, leather and gloves. This is for protection from debris and weather changes or extremes. When you are struck by a moving vehicle, there is very little that your protection can do for you. Education is out best defense.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration,
Gary D. Manning
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