"But, keeping with the intent of this thread, I think "false or over-confidence" is what probably trips up most newbies. They begin to think after a few months or a few years that they've got this motorcycling thing "down pat", and then will find themselves in over their heads in some situation that they might not have encountered before." Being a newbie with a gray beard, I appreciate the insights shared above. Arrogance is not a survival strategy. From my +30 years in construction I have yeared that successful safety has four components in order of importance: attitude, education, practice, and gear. Take responsibility for all four, and you have a decent chance of survival.
