Riding a motorcycle can be a fun recreational hobby and can be a simple and cost-effective way to commute. People of all ages enjoy riding motorcycles, and adults of all ages ride motorbikes throughout the state of Tennessee and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can and do occur and they endanger the lives of those involved.
Recently, BBC News reported on a new study regarding injuries in motorcycle accidents. The results of the study indicated that older motorcycle riders were at significantly greater risk of becoming injured when compared with their younger counterparts. Our Johnson City, TN motorcycle accident attorneys found this data to be very concerning, and we urge all older motorcycle riders to take note of the study results. While motorcycle riding season is just around the corner, Tennessee’s moderate weather provides die-hard riders with winter riding opportunities. And, in fact, several serious and fatal accidents have been reported in March.
Older Motorcycle Riders More Likely to Suffer Injury
BBC News covered a report published in a journal called “Injury Prevention.” The report was a United States study, although BBC stated that motorbike groups in the United Kingdom have observed similar results.
The report published in Injury Prevention indicted that:
- Motorcycle riders 60 years of age and older are three times as likely to have injuries that require hospitalization after a crash when compared with younger drivers in their 20s and 30s.
- Motorcycle riders 60 years old and up are two-and-a-half times as likely to be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident than drivers in their 20s and 30s.
- Reduced bone strength in older adults may play a role in the increase in serious injury among older riders. Other physiological changes including a decrease in the elasticity of the chest wall and a change in fat distribution may also play a role in the increased number of serious injuries.
- The financial ability of older riders, which makes it possible for them to purchase more powerful motorcycles, is also cited as a possible reason why more older drivers are injured on motorcycles.
- Older adults may have delayed reaction times, vision that is declining and altered balance, all of which can increase the chances of an accident happening.
- Those over 60 are more likely to have conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems that can create complications after a motorcycle accident.
The study was conducted by analyzing data from 2001 to 2008 on the number of motorcycle accidents and injuries that necessitated hospitalization or treatment in a hospital. Researchers obtained the data from the U.S. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System- All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). The program gathers information from more than 100 different hospitals. The information from the relevant time period showed around 1.5 million total instances in which adults ages 20 and up required emergency treatment after a motorcycle accident.
Staying Safe
BBC News provided more than just information on the dangers older riders face. They also suggested that the increased dangers to older motorcycle riders could be reduced by keeping skills up and by undergoing refresher training for riders who haven’t been on a bike for a while. Wearing a chest protector was also advised in order to prevent some serious injuries.
If you are in an accident in Johnson City, Tennessee, contact Meade Injury Law Group today at (423) 464-7779for a free consultation.
