Motorcycle Safety Reduces Accidents

• June 23, 2015
• Motorcycles, Automobile Accidents

• 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in 2012 — a 7% increase from 2011.
• In 2012, motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupants injured.
• From 2003 to 2012, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 33%.

Source: Traffic Safety Facts, 2012, Motorcycles

Whether you are an experienced motorcyclist or just starting out, motorcycle safety should be top of mind. Understanding the risks involved will help you prepare for the worst.

Motorcycle Protective Gear Helps Reduce Serious Injuries

Using the right motorcycle safety gear, such as helmets, eye protection, specific clothing, and knee and elbow pads, can help mitigate the severity of injuries should you have an accident. While injuries from auto accidents can be extremely severe, those from a motorcycle accident are typically more life threatening.

Head and neck injuries are the most common in motorcycle accidents, including mild to severe concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis. Although wearing a helmet cannot eliminate all the risks, it is the best way to protect your head, giving you a better chance of survival.

Road Rash leaves painful skin abrasions and bruises and can lead to serious damage including infections and surface nerve damage. The best protective measures include wearing a combination of protective clothing such as motorcycle jeans, kneepads, gloves, and a leather jacket.

Bone fractures occur in all parts of the body — arms, legs, knees, and feet. Broken bones and fractures typically require some type of cast, which can make it difficult to carry out your day-to-day activities. Complications can occur if a bone breaks the surface of the skin or damages the tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Protective measures include a sturdy leather jacket, elbow pads, long pants, and motorcycle boots.

Motorcycle Helmets Reduce the Risk of Death by 37%

According to the NHTSA, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,669 motorcyclists in 2012. That means that if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, 781 people might still be living.

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