Even while riding safely and being aware of surroundings, the most cautious rider can lay down the bike or have an accident with another vehicle causing serious or life-threatening injuries.
In a 2020 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities decreased in 2017, while injuries increased. Here are the three most common motorcycle accident injuries.
1. Head and neck
Head and neck injuries usually happen together. The most common of these injuries, whiplash, occurs when there is an abrupt backward or forward jerking of the head. Other injuries include:
- Concussion
- Fractured vertebrae
- Paralysis
Virginia motorcycle law requires the use of helmets.
2. Road rash
Road rash is a common injury where the body comes into contact with the road surface. There are three degrees of road rash injury.
- First-degree affects the top layer of skin with scratches and scrapes.
- Second-degree results in a deep cut or laceration.
- Third-degree may reveal the underlayers of fat and muscle when the skin gets peeled away.
Third-degree road rash may cause nerve damage.
3. Arms and legs
Biker’s arm is a term used to describe the act of putting the arms out to break a fall. Injuries can affect muscles and tendons, resulting in bruising, fractures and broken bones.
Feet and legs are closest to the ground so are more apt to injury because they are the first body parts to reach the surface.
After an accident, riders and their passengers should see a doctor to rule out any injuries that could have complications.