WanderMotorcycle mishap and road safety wisdom: Lessons from a biker’s close call
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MALAYSIA: The day I had mentally prepared for finally arrived, one year and almost two weeks after obtaining my Class 2B licence. I experienced my first road incident. I hesitate to call it an accident, as it did not involve other vehicles or pedestrians, thankfully. It was just me, on a bike packed to the brim with luggage, having a very different centre of gravity from what I was accustomed to.
As relatively new riders, we were on a six-night road trip through Malaysia, aiming to reach the country’s most north-eastern point. After long hours of riding through quaint towns, endless expressways, crowded roads, and deserted routes flanked by balmy palm trees, we finally arrived at the bustling town of Kota Bharu. This religious town turned out to be rich in history, heritage, and crafts, far more bustling than our research had led us to believe.
The unexpected detour: When adventure turns to misadventure
Reaching Kota Bharu was a significant milestone on our trip, just a border away from Thailand. This was where we planned to turn back towards Singapore, exploring other Malaysian towns we had never visited, such as Taiping and Sekinchan. Having frequented Johor Bahru, we were curious about what other small Malaysian towns had to offer. Penang, a good six to seven hours’ ride away, seemed an ideal pitstop for cultural immersion and the delicious food it’s renowned for.
The unsung hero: The humble shoelace
The journey home proved fraught with challenges. Fresh from a sumptuous hotel breakfast in Kota Bharu, I heard a loud bang as I accelerated my Mutt Hilts 125. Initially dismissing it, I soon noticed an unusual clanging sound emanating from my bike. After a quick examination, we discovered that a screw from my chain guard had come loose, causing the guard to hit the chains.
Here’s where the humble shoelace proved its worth as an essential travel item. My companion used one to secure the dangling chain guard temporarily. Travel tip: Always pack spare shoelaces. They’re lightweight, take up minimal space, and can be incredibly useful in unexpected situations.
The solo motorcycle dance: A moment of hubris
Despite numerous smooth-sailing overseas riding trips and experience with various bike types, a momentary lapse in concentration proved disastrous. On a clear, straight road, I made the ill-fated decision to adjust my fanny pack while riding. This simple action led to the dreaded ‘death wobble’ – a potentially deadly loss of control.
Before I could correct the steering, I found myself losing control of the motorbike.
The immediate aftermath: A blur of pain and confusion
My riding companion behind me later recounted the ‘traumatic experience’. In a matter of seconds of my handlebar wobbling, I was lying face down, motionless. All I recalled through my blurry consciousness was being dragged to the side of the road, unable to move on my own.
My leg felt immobilised, refusing to obey my commands. The people around me told me to wriggle my toes, which I could, and they assured me I was going to be alright since a fracture was unlikely. I was feeling pain, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly where. Weak and unable to move on my own, I was concerned about the bike’s condition and was told that the damage wasn’t that bad. How nice of my riding companions to tell white lies. But truthfully, I had other things to be concerned about.
First time riding the ambulance: A surreal experience
Subsequently, the ambulance arrived. ‘Pi-po pi-po’. Yay, my first ambulance experience! I wonder where my glee came from in spite of the blur of motion around me and the motionless limbs I couldn’t feel. It was only later I realised that it must have been the adrenaline coursing through my body that numbed my pain, momentarily. I heard that I was fortunate because the hospital was just a few minutes’ ride away. Double lucky!
The clothes and shoes I was wearing took part of the brunt of the fall. They were completely shredded. My jacket, shirt, pants, and rain pants were destroyed beyond repair. My helmet visor came off as the helmet (which I had secured properly) flew off my head. When I saw the shredded shoelace on my right boot, I realised why my right ankle was so swollen and immobile. My Timberland ankle-high boots probably helped cushion the bulk of the impact, just ask my right shredded shoelaces!
Read my honest review of the Timberland Classic Boots I was wearing during the accident!
At the hospital: The full extent of the damage
It was at the hospital that I realised the full extent of my injuries. I had broken two ribs, severely twisted my right ankle, and suffered several deep cuts and road rash on my knees, elbows, wrist and tummy. The abrasions and bruises on the right side of my body were more pronounced. I had probably fallen on my right side. At the hospital, my right foot felt dead. I wasn’t even able to step off the bed and make my way to the toilet without assistance. So many basic things we take for granted every day were amplified to me there and then.
Never taking things for granted again
And boy, the pain and aches that followed in the days and weeks to come! Simple acts such as taking deep breaths, shifting my body, holding even lightweight things became painful, no thanks to my two broken ribs. Even propping my body on the crutches was a painful affair. It was excruciatingly painful for my right foot to come into contact with the ground and I could only hop from one (short) distance to another.
Scars are beautiful roadmaps to a life well-lived.
The worst was not being mobile enough to even hobble to the toilet and take a bath on my own. And boy, the searing pain that followed when water touched my numerous open wounds. Even the act of lying down proved to be an eternally painful affair as there was no angle I could position my arms comfortably without coming into contact with my open wounds. And so I laid and then sat up in bed like that for weeks, willing my body to heal.
The road to recovery: Lessons learned
The recovery process was slow and painful. Despite the ordeal, I remain thankful to be alive and have no regrets about learning to ride or embarking on the trip. This downtime, ironically, offered me time for reflection. Yes, it could have been worse. Thinking back, I could have had even more wounds and scars. An oncoming vehicle could have rolled over me when I fell had they been going fast. I could have been permanently injured if not for my partner who was riding behind me, who reacted fast to drag me to the safety of the grass patch at the side while I was still concussed and unable to move on my own.
Read why bikers continue to ride, despite the high risks.
Top tips for staying safe on the roads
- Never compromise on safety gear: Wear a PSB-approved helmet, protective gloves (armoured gloves are even better), jacket (choose bright-coloured jackets to increase visibility), pants, and sturdy ankle-high boots.
- Treat your bike with TLC (Tender Loving Care): Regularly check tyre tread depth and pressure, brakes, lights, signals, horn, and fluid levels.
- Practice defensive riding:
- Stay visible with bright or reflective apparel and use headlights during the day.
- Look ahead and anticipate potential hazards.
- Remain alert and minimise distractions.
- Know your skill level and ride within your limits.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Never ride when tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication.
Reflections of a bike accident survivor
The pain gave me sleepless nights and frustration at the slow speed of healing. The worst was the immobility and having to be dependent on my partner for every single thing. Even mundane tasks which I never gave thought to such as boiling water, cooking, holding a small bowl, carrying my 1.5kg laptop proved tumultous. In the beginning, even taking a shower was extremely challenging. I can’t even imagine those who have been through worse accidents.
As Mark Twain wisely said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So… Explore, Dream, Discover.”
Read Quotes on travel that resonates.
Despite the pain and frustration of recovery, and the new scars that have formed on my legs and arms, I’m still looking forward to my next ride. As I say so myself, scars are beautiful roadmaps to a life well-lived afterall! If you understand the joys of riding, you would too. However, this experience has taught me to never take my body, or anything else, for granted again. When I resume riding, I’ll be sure to properly gear up to protect myself from avoidable injuries.
Remember, the right protective gear and cautious riding can make all the difference between a close call and a life-altering accident. Stay safe on the roads, fellow bikers!
Read our adventure about night riding and tips on staying safe while riding in the rain.
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