Motorcycles are a fun and fuel-efficient method of transportation, but they also require more skill and coordination to operate than cars. This coupled with the relative lack of protection offered by motorcycles can lead to injury. The NHTSA reports that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death. What are the most common types of injury in motorcycle crashes?
- Bone fractures. The Center for Neuro Skills reports that broken legs are among the most common injuries sustained while biking. This is because motorcycles cannot stand on their own, so when a rider falls over, often their leg is trapped beneath the motorcycle. Wrist and arm fractures are also common as riders attempt to brace themselves for impact.
- Road rash. Failure to wear adequate protective clothing can lead to a skin injury called road rash. These skin abrasions can be mild or very severe. Doctors use a scale from 1 to 3 to rate the degree of road rash; third degree road rash occurs when the underlying fat and tissues of skin are exposed, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Traumatic brain injury. It’s the leading cause of death and disability in motorcycle accidents. Wearing a helmet goes a long way toward reducing motorcycle accident deaths, but many states do not require the use of a helmet.
For more information on preventative measures to take to protect yourself in motorcycle accidents, go here.
2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”