THE REAL SCOOP ON MOTORCYCLE INJURIES FROM A KENTUCKY LAWYER WHO RIDES.

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We Never Think It Will Happen to Us, BUT…

“About eight years ago, I wrecked on my dirt bike while riding with some buddies. I fractured and dislocated my shoulder and had to have two surgeries.

I was riding harder and faster than a man my

age should have been riding… but, as a

lawyer, I know that most motorcycle injuries

are caused by other drivers.”

Understanding the Dangers Improves Awareness & Safety.

Not Without Risk

As motorcycle enthusiasts we are aware of the risks.

However, it can be easy to underestimate the

danger of a certain situation, or, to overemphasize

the potential risks of another.

Accurately understanding our risk level in different

situations can help us promote safe riding and

avoid injury.

MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.

Who Is Most At Risk?

• Are you a man? You’re at greater risk. The vast majority (95%) of injured riders were men.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are more than 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars, and five times more likely to be injured.

• Large engine sizes (1,000+ cc) are associated with an increased risk of severe injury. [source]

I meet several of the criteria for

most ‘at risk’. Wanting to avoid

future surgeries, I actively utilize

many safety practices.

Me.

Not all Bikes are the Same.

Favorite Choice: My Harley

Davidson CVO Ultra Classic. Comfort,

safety and performance can't be beat.

• Fatality rates for riders over 40 years old have

been increasing. Interestingly, older riders are

more likely to ride motorcycles with larger engines

(1,000+ cc).

• The driver death rate for supersport motorcycles

was about 2x as high as the rate for drivers of

cruisers or standards. [source]

• Riders of cruisers, standards, touring and sport-

touring motorcycles have the lowest death rates.

MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.

The AARP Discounts May Be Nice, But… Age Matters in a Crash• In recent years there has been a significant

increase in mortality among motorcyclists, especially older riders (40+ years).

• Older riders are more likely to ride motorcycles with larger engines (1,000+ cc) and also more likely to wear helmets. Nevertheless, this older group accounted for 15% of deaths in 1991, but had grown to 46% by 2004. [source]

• Older motorcyclists have a significantly greater proportion of crashes that involve overturning –2x more than younger riders.

MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.

Five Common Motorcycle Injuries1. Head Injury – including concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and damage to the brain.

2. Road Rash – ranging from 1st to 3rd degree severity, ‘road rash’ is more than bruising and scrapes, resulting in muscle damage, infection and scarring.

3. Muscle Damage – without the protection of a vehicle cage around the rider, muscles are commonly torn and severely damaged in even minor incidents.

4. Biker’s Arm – when thrown off the bike our natural reaction is to raise our arms to protect ourselves. Consequently, the arm(s) often suffer damage, sometimes permanent.

5. Burn Injuries – with uncovered exhaust pipes and engines that run at extremely high temperatures, bikers are at risk for burns and this further complicates crash injuries.

“People’s biggest stereotype is they think bikers are reckless, obnoxious and don’t obey the rules of the road. The data shows this is false.”

- Attorney Billy Johnson

Who’s To Blame?

• Most Motorcycle-Vehicle Collisions Occur at Intersections. About one-third of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are a result of other motorists turning into the path of the motorcycle. [source]

• A recent study found that 60 percent of the time motorists in other vehicles are at fault when they collide with motorcycles. [source]

MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.

Staying Safe: Wear a Helmet – It’s a No-Brainer

• Kentucky’s Universal Motorcycle Helmet Law was repealed in 1998. Afterward, motorcycle fatalities increased 50%. [source]

• In 2013, there were 1,253 motorcycle injuries and 79 fatalities in Kentucky. Of those injured, 651 were not wearing a helmet. Of those killed, 53 were not wearing a helmet.

• In states without a universal helmet law, 65 percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets. In states with a universal helmet law, 9 percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet.

MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.

My Recommended Safety Tips

• Watch, watch, watch out for automobile drivers!

• What I do is use extreme caution when approaching intersections and oncoming traffic making left turns.

• When stopped in traffic always have an escape plan, such as the shoulder.

• Ride with experienced riders.

• Before going on a long ride inspect your bike, especially the tires. Fix any problems before setting out.

• If someone in your group is injured make sure they are moved to a safe place. Get medical attention immediately.

Document evidence at scene by taking photos of skid marks, damage and injuries, get names of parties involved and witness statements.

Stay Aware. Stay Safe.BillyJohnsonLaw.com