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What is the Most Common Major Motorcycle Injury?

A broken bone in a motorcycle accident can require surgery. Depending on the severity, multiple surgeries may be necessary, as well as months of physical therapy. Some motorcycle injuries will result in lifelong impairment. Road rash is another common injury. It can cause bruising and irritation to the skin, and may also cause infections. Although the pain and discomfort associated with this injury is temporary, it can lead to permanent disability.

Even if a minor motorcycle injury does not result in a fatality, the impact can be devastating. In fact, motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. Not only do motorcycle accidents cause devastating injuries, but they are also more likely to be fatal. Read on to learn more about the most common motorcycle injuries. Once you have a better understanding of what constitutes a motorcycle accident, you can better prepare for a crash.

Head injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can cause permanent damage to the head, including partial or full paralysis and the inability to hear. Even minor head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injury, which is the most serious type of motorcycle accident injury. Because the brain is such an important organ, traumatic brain injuries can leave a victim with severe disabilities. The symptoms and prognosis of these injuries are unpredictable.

Why Do Motorcyclist Get Killed?

In 2017, sixty percent of fatal motorcycle crashes took place in urban areas, compared to forty percent in rural areas. These higher numbers are due to several factors. For one thing, urban areas have more traffic than rural areas, as well as more pedestrians and bicyclists, making them more difficult for motorcyclists to avoid. They may also be exposed to more potholes and debris on the road, as well as more emergency vehicles.

Among the factors responsible for this high fatality rate is that motorcyclists tend to ride more often and are more likely to be involved in collisions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there were 5,579 motorcycle-related fatalities in 2020, the highest number on record. Motorcycle fatalities represented fourteen percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the United States, more than double the rate in 1997. Among fatalities in 2019, 67 percent of those involved in motorcycle accidents were unlicensed and unrestrained. Interestingly, these statistics have increased from 2019 to 2020.

The southern states have higher motorcycle fatality rates. In fact, Mississippi has the highest motorcycle-related fatality rate in the entire country, while Texas has four times higher rates than northern states. In terms of alcohol, motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol in 32% of cases. Of these, 26% of fatalities were caused by legally intoxicated individuals and 15 percent involved blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. This is a significant factor, but not the only one.

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Why Do Motorcycles Lose Control?

Many motorcycle accidents happen because the driver lost control. Despite motorcycles’ small size, they can appear slower than the speed limit, and this can cause the driver to pull out in front of them. This is an especially dangerous scenario because motorcycles can cause fatal injuries. The traumatic brain injury suffered by a motorcyclist can be fatal. To avoid such an unfortunate situation, you should follow some basic motorcycle safety tips. Here are some of them:

Speed: A mistake in judgment can cause a motorcycle to lose control when it is going too fast for a bend. When this happens, the rider is unable to hold the turn and crosses over into another lane of traffic. Another common mistake is over-reacting. The weight is shifted to the front wheel, increasing the risk of sliding off the road or slipping out of control. In any of these situations, you must approach the turn with care and apply both brakes. Be sure to look through the turn and lean slightly to one side, rather than letting the motorcycle swerve to one side.

What Happens When a Motorcycle is Rear Ended?

A motorcycle is often vulnerable to accidents because it is smaller than a car. As such, motorists rarely stop for it. Consequently, they often don’t see it when making a turn, changing lanes, or right turns. Motorists need to leave at least four seconds for a motorcycle to stop. Even if the motorcycle stops in front of them, it can still cause the accident.

A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries for the motorcyclist. The victim may suffer broken bones, spinal cord damage, and brain trauma. The costs of medical care are usually expensive, as are lost wages from not being able to work. In addition to medical bills, the motorcycle rider may also face lost income. The accident can lead to severe injuries for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from financial ruin in a motorcycle accident.

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Even minor injuries can be very serious, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A motorcycle rider may suffer brain trauma or spinal cord injury, which could lead to life-altering costs. Some victims experience paralysis or even death, which are serious and may require years of rehabilitation. This is all on top of the pain and inconvenience of having to miss work. And of course, the financial loss of lost income is just the start.

Can You Get Decapitated on a Motorcycle?

While a motorcycle accident rarely results in decapitation, the risk of spinal cord damage is real. Serious neck injuries can result in permanent paralysis or even death. The forces of a motorcycle accident can also injure internal organs such as the liver and abdomen. The most obvious symptom of an internal injury is pain, but some are difficult to detect until later on. The following information is meant to help you understand the risks of riding a motorcycle and how to prevent them.

One common cause of motorcycle accidents is the loss of control during a curve. The resultant accident can cause a motorcycle rider to lose control and veer off the road. Loss of control during a curve increases the chances of a motorcycle accident and a motorcycle rider suffering severe injuries. An accident involving a motorcycle has a 20 percent chance of death or injury, while a car has an 80 percent chance of causing fatality. In addition to this, many fatal motorcycle accidents are head-on collisions caused by cars that fail to see the motorcycle and cause the crash.

at What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Deaths Occur?

According to the National Highway and Transport Safety Authority (NHTSA), nearly one-third of motorcycle accidents occur because the drivers were speeding. Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than other vehicles, yet they often have impressive performance capabilities. Motorcycle riders also do not have the protection provided by enclosed vehicles. Motorcycle accidents result in significant injuries and even death. The motorcycle lacks an effective head-protection system, and the rider absorbs much of the impact of an accident.

Most motorcycle accidents occur at night when visibility is low. They also occur most often between three and six p.m. on weekdays and from six to nine p.m. on weekends. Heavy traffic causes more dangerous driving conditions and motorcycle riders must be particularly vigilant during these times. One in three motorcycle accidents results in fatalities because of speeding. Drivers should be aware of all road users and proceed slowly when approaching an intersection, especially when it is heavily traveled.

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Where Do Most Motorcycle Deaths Happen?

While motorcyclists may be inclined to travel on interstate highways, most fatal crashes occur on non-interstate roads. Many motorcycle riders choose to enjoy the scenery while riding, so they’re more likely to ride in non-interstate settings. Despite the dangers of riding on busy roadways, there are ways to avoid motorcycle accidents. Consider these strategies:

Drivers often fail to yield to motorcyclists at intersections. Many of these collisions are the result of distracted or drunk drivers failing to yield to motorcyclists. While these accidents usually result in fatalities, they’re often the result of negligent driving or aggressive behavior from drivers. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to accidents at intersections, which can contain potholes, standing water, or loose asphalt.

A typical motorcycle accident gives a motorcyclist less than two seconds to take collision avoidance action. Unlike car crashes, motorcycles are prone to injuries. In addition, motorcycle accidents tend to involve more passengers than cars. Those in passenger-carrying vehicles were the least likely to suffer fatal injuries. In addition, a motorcycle’s small size makes it more vulnerable to collisions with cars. Unfortunately, this mismatch in force is one of the major reasons why motorcycles are so vulnerable to collisions.

What are Most Motorcycle Crashes Caused By?

While there are many other reasons for motorcycle crashes, alcohol use is a leading cause. Motorcycle accidents can be particularly deadly if an operator is intoxicated. In fact, 30% of fatal motorcycle accident victims tested over the legal limit of alcohol. Nearly half of those who died had alcohol in their system. These statistics highlight the importance of being sober before operating a motorcycle. Here are five ways to avoid getting into a motorcycle accident while under the influence of alcohol.

Inattentiveness – A motorcycle crash can be fatal if one is not paying attention to the road. The human brain can only do so much. It constantly switches between multiple tasks, and the focus it needs to stay focused is compromised. Motorcycle riders should put away their smartphones and turn off their Bluetooth music. Alcohol and drugs are also common causes of impairment, and although the laws vary by country and state, they can lead to arrest and injury.