Motorcycles offer a thrilling and liberating experience on the open road. However, motorcyclists need to acknowledge the potential risks involved. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have a higher likelihood of causing severe injuries compared to other types of accidents.
It is vital for drivers, motorcyclists and all road users to understand the factors that contribute to this increased risk and the importance of safety precautions.
Lack of protection and impact exposure
Unlike cars or other enclosed vehicles, motorcycles lack the protective features such as seat belts, airbags and a metal frame. This leaves riders more vulnerable to external forces during an accident. The lack of physical barriers significantly increases the risk of severe injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, fractures and severe abrasions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 180,000 people received emergency treatment due to motorcycle accident injuries in 2020.
Motorcycles offer minimal protection against the impact of a collision. In an accident, riders are directly exposed to the force of impact. This increases the chances of severe injuries. Without the safety features found in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists are more likely to become thrown from their bikes, leading to further injuries upon impact with other vehicles, obstacles or the road surface.
Less visibility
Motorcyclists are often less visible to other drivers on the road due to their smaller size and narrow profile. This reduced visibility can result in other drivers failing to notice motorcycles, leading to accidents. When an accident occurs, the lack of visibility further exacerbates the likelihood of severe injuries. Sometimes, other drivers may not have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
By promoting awareness and practicing safety precautions, motorcyclists and drivers can help reduce the occurrence and severity of motorcycle accidents.
