Articles Tagged with motorcycle collision

Many motorcyclists have experienced the feeling of being “invisible” to other drivers on the road, and unfortunately some have suffered the results of major impacts as well. Theories abound as to why other drivers seem to have difficult seeing motorcylists — some studies indicate that motorcycles tend to “blend in” to backgrounds more easily than cars and trucks; other studies conclude that motorcyles are less conspicuous simply because a driver’s attention is more readily drawn to and held by larger vehicles.

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Whatever the reason for this “invisibility,” one situation in which it is most apparent is in left turn accidents in which drivers heading in the opposite direction of a motorcyclist suddenly execute a left-hand turn directly in front of them, leaving the motorcyclist little or no time to react.  Interviewed after the resulting collision, many of these drivers will simply say, “I never saw the motorcyclist.”

Motorcyclists are in a unique position as riders on the road. They ride on two wheels, which is an inherently unstable position. They ride without the benefit of any protective metal around them, which makes direct vehicle to patient contact likely. Road to victim contact is almost inevitable and these riders often suffer from significant injuries. Many motorcyclists use performance enhancing equipment, which makes the chances of severe injury or death quite likely.

One recent review study looked at the patterns of injury, particularly major ones, seen in motorcycle riders following their injuries. There are unique aspects of their care, including airway management, circulatory status and the management of the spine.

Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. Not only is it a small and easily hidden vehicle on a road with large vehicles on it, but motorcycles have no protection around the rider and a fall, even without a collision, can lead to serious injury.

The main consequence of motorcycle accidents include head injuries such as concussion or traumatic brain injury resulting in coma and death, leg fractures, particularly tibia and fibula fractures, pelvic fractures, rib fractures and internal injuries.

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