Was she not holding on to something... Anything? I agree, both parties are responsible for her injuries. As the driver, he is responsible for her safety. I go over safety with any new passengers. If I don't like their attire, they don't climb on behind me. Period. I also give them the chance to make an informed decision: I will do all that I can, to ensure their safety, but riding motorcycle is dangerous -- if they agree to ride, they agree to accept the risks, including death. Not being a jerk, just being honest with them.
My best friend's daughter, 16, wants a ride on my 750, as she thinks it is much 'cooler' than her Dad's Gold Wing. I have a hard time with this, but he says it's alright. Not a gender/age issue (she's like a daughter to me), just a safety issue. Last year, I called her to offer that ride. She was gone, so I ended up giving my youngest son, 22, a ride instead. The rear tube blew out, and we low-sided at 40 MPH, on a county highway. He suffered road rash on his one thigh, and hand, but not bad. He had on a modular helmet, and an armored jacket. It would have been much worse if he had not had any gear (of course, I would not have let him climb on, if that had been the case). Every ride is a risk. Every passenger has to assume that risk. I normally do not give rides, anymore, because of the risks, and liabilities. I do, however, tour, two-up, with my wife, all over. But that is another story. Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII
Locked
