It’s no secret that each year many great motorcyclists become a victim of traumatic motorcycle accidents. And for this reason, the drivers of two-wheeled vehicles need to be extra careful before hitting the open road. According to the reports of National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 48,727 motorcycling deaths reported from the year 2008 to 2017; this figure is higher than a decade average. Furthermore, as per the studies, traumatic injury is the primary cause of death; therefore taking proper safety precautions is imperative.
The first step you can do to protect yourself is to learn about the most common motorcycle accident injuries and necessary safety precautions you need to take before you plan your next adventure.
Types of injuries motorcyclists face includes:
1.) Head Injury
The brain is the heaviest organ in a human body, and so you should treat any type of head injury at earliest. Common head injuries include skull fractures, concussions (minor or severe) and scalp wounds, that calls for trouble. The best defense is to wear a good quality safety helmet. According to the 2016 NHTSA reports, the use of helmets saved an average of 1,850 lives. However, you should know that not all motorcycle helmets meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 and the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). So, be careful before you buy one.
2.) Road Rash
Road rash is caused by abrasion with road surfaces when a rider slides as a consequence of motorcycling or cycling accidents. Moreover, it may also result from skateboarding, roller skating, inline skating, and longboarding accidents. If the rider’s clothing is thin enough, the depth of the skin rash is not just a cut or a simple bruise. But it can lead to severe damage such as infections, skin irritations,
and even permanent nerve damage. When you go through motorcycle accident injury, get it professionally treated as soon as possible to avoid infection. If you take proper care of your wounds, road rash might get heal in two weeks. The key is to keep it clean and moist.
Moreover, to avoid road rashes, you must cover your arms and legs completely when riding a motorcycle– ideally in heavy denim or leather. Wear high boots to protect the ankles, and hand gloves must be there to protect your hands in the event of a crash.
3.) Muscle Damage
Muscle damage can occur at the time of motorcycle accident, so the first step every motorcyclist must do to protect themselves is to wear the protective gear. Further actions include wearing elbow pads and knee (can be worn comfortably under your clothing). Also, go to the doctor immediately after an accident to check if there is any muscle damage.
The eardrum is the most forgotten muscle; therefore, you need to protect that as well. Wearing earplugs protects your eardrum from bursting or losing hearing over time. Also, you need to be sure about the earplugs are designed for your ear and fitted properly.
4.) Leg Injury
Another most common injury motorcyclist’s face is the damage to their knees and feet apart from their legs. These types of injuries could grow into something worse, so visit the doctor as soon as possible. Lower body injuries include fractured or shattered bones in the legs, feet, and knees. You must wear kneepads and protective leather clothing every time you ride your motorcycle. Protecting yourself lessens the risks and chances of getting injured reduce, enabling you to live a healthy and longer life.
How to Treat After Injury
A motorcycle accident, regardless of its severity, can be a harrowing experience. It poses a greater risk of injury so a rider should carry a first aid with themselves, every time they ride a motor vehicle. The first aid includes gauze pads, wire splint, antibiotic ointment, disinfectants, and adhesive and elastic bandages. Furthermore, gloves, boots, sturdy jacket, and durable pants can minimize abrasions and cuts, while a good quality helmet protects riders against serious head injuries. However, carrying the right equipment can help protect a rider in some accident situations.
Remember: If you witness a motorcycle accident, first you should call an ambulance and then take a moment to stabilize the victim.
Trauma Check
If there is no sign of danger, ask the victim what happened and if he or she is lucid
or not. Check for the following:
- Injuries to the chest and head
- Sprains or breaks in the limbs
- Numbness or pain in the victim’s neck, arms, shoulders, or legs
- Tenderness in the abdomen–indicate internal injuries
Neck Injury
Neck injuries are potentially dangerous and need to be handled by experts with the greatest degree of caution. Check either the victim is unconscious or having numbness or pain in the neck or limbs. This may indicate a severe neck fracture. Moving the victim in this situation could result in paralysis or death, so be very careful.
Shock
The shock has a gradual effect. Sometimes the victim’s body begins to shut down, immediately after an accident. This happens as a result of internal bleeding, significant blood loss, or damage to the nervous system. Signs of shock following a motorcycle accident injury include:
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Paleness
- Clammy skin
- Shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Weak or rapid pulse
To treat trauma, cover the victim with a blanket or other covering. And to restore blood flow to the brain, you should lay the victim down with feet above the head. At one moment, the victim may feel fine, but later, he or she may start showing signs of shock.
Final thoughts
The accident victim should obey all instructions given by their doctor, including foregoing certain activities or staying off of work until fully recovered. It is suggested for the patient to have completed all medical treatments as prescribed by the doctor.
Visit the best team of orthopedic specialists capable of assessing the depth of injury you have suffered due to a motorcycle accident.
