The Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents: Staying Safe

Driving a motorcycle is a whole lot different from if you were driving a truck or car. On the one hand, the former has its benefits, such as greater maneuverability, exposure to natural elements, and improved fitness and health. However, on the other end, there are associated dangers with riding a motorcycle, especially if you are not riding safely.

This article will focus on the dangers of riding a motorcycle, a risk which is relatively greater than driving a car. Unlike a car, motorcycles do not have a metal cage to protect the driver’s body, and it is often difficult to see the road. We cannot deny that riding a motorcycle is fun, but we must also be aware of the dangers.

Several injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, including: traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, organ damage, spinal injuries, and facial disfigurement. These injuries are categorized into categories for better understanding; let us look at them individually.

Motorcycle Injuries in Categories

Motorcycle injuries are categorized into two extremities: lower-extremities and upper-extremities injuries.

Lower Extremities

Injuries at the lower extremities are those sustained below the waist, usually the legs and pelvis. According to the NHTSA’s research, this type of motorcycle injury is the most common among motorcyclist accident victims. That makes sense, especially because your pelvis and legs tend to withstand more of the impact from a collision when motorcycle riding.

The position of your lower legs and pelvis on the motorcycle makes them more prone to injuries than other parts. “In severe cases, lower-extremity injuries may temporarily or permanently disable a victim from walking” says Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.

Upper Extremities

The second category is upper-extremity injury; this type of motorcycle injury is also common among motorcyclists. These cover injuries to the head, face, thorax, neck, and abdomen; these injuries are particularly common among older riders. Motorcycle riders above the age of forty are substantially more prone to these types of injuries — broken ribs especially.

There are many reasons why this is the case, including the fact that older riders tend to ride larger and heavier motorcycles. These rides typically offer more coverage for their lower extremities but overturn them more easily. Furthermore, larger motorcycles take up more space on the road, increasing the risk of a collision with highway structures.

Riding Your Motorcycle Safely and Responsibly

Now that you are familiar with the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents, the burden is on you to protect yourself. This means you must drive cautiously and responsibly if you want to avoid these injuries as much as possible. That said, below are tips for safer motorcycle riding that will inevitably reduce the likelihood of severe injuries if a collision occurs:

• Have your helmet on always, and ensure it is the right fit – that is, it must not be loose or too tight.
• After protecting your head, protect the rest of your body by putting on your safety gear. This includes your sturdy boots to reduce ankle and foot injuries and protective pants and jackets for protection against road rash.
• Wear colorful clothes that will make you easily seen on the road, especially while riding at night. Also, you might want to carry spare lights in case you need to do some replacing while riding.
• Avoid driving in bad weather; even if you do not get hit, you could skid on a slippery surface.
• Know and follow the road rules you use; they are there to keep you and other road users safe from hurt.

Conclusion

While you cannot fully eliminate the possibility of motorcycle accidents, you can  potentially reduce the risk of injuries. By being familiar with the common injuries and practicing safe motorcycle riding, preventing injuries is entirely possible.