Let me offer a few pieces of advice given to me and proven in well over 400,000 miles without an accident;
Riding is not dangerous, presuming you are properly trained, attired and in the right frame of mind. Riding is RISKY. YOU are in control of managing those risk…when you ride, where you ride and how you ride. Everything in life involves risk, and management of those risks. Saying motorcycling is “dangerous” gives we as riders an out by laying blame on other elements that may cause an accident; that guy pulled out in front of me, the road was slick or my bike was faulty.
Which leads me to the second piece of advice given to me;
You HAVE TO BE 100% responsible. You are responsible for everything that happens to you. Period. You are responsible for the car that stops, the car that turns left in front of you, and the quart of oil dropped in the apex of your turn. Once you accept this simple fact, you will begin to ride with more awareness, concentration…and fun because you are then 100% in control.
These two points are very important, and I don’t offer them lightly. They have served me well and I know they will serve you well too.