Would you like to die in a motorbike crash? 'NO' then read till the end and stay safe by obeying safety tips.
Motorbikes are a common mode of transport. It is less stable than cars and less visible to other drivers. In a crash, motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Motorcycle riders are more likely to die in a traffic collision than passenger vehicle occupants, and more likely to be injured.
1. Risk Factors for Motorcycle Accidents
Following are the common risk factors for motorcycle accidents:-
(a) Non-use of Motorcycle Helmets
Correct use of helmets can lead to a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries.
(b) Driving under the Influence of Drug / Substances
Driving under the influence of drugs and any psychoactive substance increase the risk of a crash that results in death or serious injuries.
(c) The Safe System approach in accommodating Human Error
The cornerstones of this approach are safe roads and roadsides, safe speed, safe vehicles specifically motorbikes, and safe road users, all of which must be addressed in order to eliminate fatal crashes and reduce serious injuries.
(d) Speeding
An increase in average speed is directly related to both the likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the consequences of the crash.
(e) Distracted Driving
There are many types of distractions that can lead t impaired driving. The destruction caused by mobile phones is a growing concern for road safety. Using a phone while driving slows reaction times:(notably low breaking reaction time and traffic signals), and makes it difficult to keep in the correct lane and to keep the correct following distances.
(f) Unsafe road Infrastructure / Motorbike
The design of roads and the fitness of motorcycles can have a considerable impact on safety. Ideally, there should be adequate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbikes. Measures such as footpaths, safe crossing points, and other user-friendly measures can play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of injuries.
(g) Inadequate adherence to the Traffic Laws
If relevant traffic laws on speed limits, helmets, and child restraints are not enforced, they cannot bring about the expected reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries.
(h) Inadequate Post Crash Care
Delays in detecting and providing care for those involved in road traffic crash increase the severity of injuries. Care of the injuries after a crash has occurred is extremely time-sensitive, delays of moments can make the difference between life and death. Improving post-crash crash care requires ensuring access to time for pre-hospital and hospital care.
2. Common Injuries in Motorbike Crashes
Motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic in many cases. Any part of the body can be injured in a motorcycle crash. Most fatal and incapacitating injuries are sustained when the point of impact is in front of the moor cycle. The following are the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists:-
(a) Traumatic Brain Injuries
Helmeted and non-helmeted, riders vary in suffering Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries accounted for 54 percent of the riders within this group who did not survive.
(b) Spinal Cord Injuries
When the spinal cord is injured from the impact of the collision, it can result in paralysis. This type of catastrophic injury usually causes permanent disability for the victim.
(c) Lower-extremity injuries
Leg injuries are the most common lower extremity injury, and bone fractures were more common than soft tissue injuries.
(d) Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding can be caused by blunt-force trauma.
(e) Fractures
Motorcycles are not stable upright, and they often fall over in an accident. Crashes happen quickly, and the rider's leg can be under the bike when it falls. Wrists and arms can be fractured when riders catch themselves breaking a fall.
(f) Road Rash
When a rider makes contact with the road surface during a crash, serious skin abrasion called 'road rash' occur. The severity of this type of injury can range from mild to serious injury that will require appropriate and prompt medical attention.
3. Prevention of motorcycle accidents
Road traffic injuries can be prevented by taking into consideration causes, reasons, and risk factors as follows:-
(a) Action may be taken to address road safety in a holistic manner. This requires the involvement of not only stakeholders such as admin, security, transport, health, and education but also individuals themselves to address this issue amicably.
(b) Effective incorporation of road safety features, improving the safety features of personnel motorbikes, improving post-crash care for victims of road crashes, settings, and informing laws relating to key risks and raising personnel awareness, remain the mainstay.
(c) Certain tips are to gear up (wearing protective material), be seen (wearing bright colors), full-face helmet wearing, be aware of intersections, avoid speed and bad weather while having taken motorcycle safety training, and have a good sleep before riding.
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