In 2024, there were 9,240 motorcycle accidents in Florida. These crashes led to more than 8,000 injuries and 578 fatalities. While riding a motorcycle has its appeal, there are numerous risks that come with it. Motorcyclists lack the same protection as those in cars. Therefore, when an accident happens, the injuries are more severe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in every 100 motorcycle deaths, 37 would have been prevented if the person were wearing a helmet. Let’s look at the most common injuries riders suffer and the importance of helmets.
Head Injuries and TBIs
A head injury is among the most dangerous injuries a rider can sustain. When a crash happens, sometimes riders are thrown off the bike and end up hitting their heads on the pavement, another vehicle, or nearby objects like trees and buildings. This can result in concussions, skull fractures, or more severe forms of traumatic brain injury.
In some cases, it can even cause permanent disabilities, memory loss, or even death. The scary part is that head injuries are often not visible or, rather, obvious at first. However, they can quickly worsen without the proper treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When a crash throws a rider off a motorcycle, the impact on the back or neck can end up damaging the spinal cord, which can lead to partial or full paralysis. The recovery process is often long and painful. Victims may require physical therapy and assistive devices to cope.
Road Rash
Road rash might sound like a minor scrape that will heal itself, but it can be more serious. When a motorcyclist skids across the road surface after a fall, the skin layers can peel away. In severe cases, the abrasions expose nerves, fat, or muscle. Road rash is very painful, and it can lead to infections, lasting scars, and nerve damage.
Fractures and Broken Bones
You can suffer broken arms, legs, wrists, ribs, or skull fractures after a motorcycle crash. These injuries are common because the body absorbs the full impact when the rider does not have any protective gear. Even low-speed crashes can result in broken bones, especially if the rider tries to break the fall with their hands or feet.
Unfortunately, this may lead to amputations. Recovery requires surgery, casts, and months of physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage is another concern after a motorcycle accident. For example, a direct blow to your torso can cause damage to your liver, lungs, and other vital organs. These types of injuries are very dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away. Without quick medical attention, internal injuries can easily turn deadly.
How Helmets Can Help in Motorcycle Accidents
Florida laws want riders to wear helmets. The law requires anyone operating a motorcycle to wear protective headgear that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Anyone below 16 years old must wear a helmet. Exceptions apply to those over 21 with strict rules.
While some injuries cannot be prevented by the proper headgear, helmets play a critical role in reducing the severity of head trauma. A good helmet absorbs the shock of a blow, spreads the force over a wider area, and prevents the skull from taking the full impact. According to the NHTSA, helmets reduce deaths by 37% and those of brain injuries by 67%.
Full-face helmets offer even more protection by covering the jaw and face. This can prevent broken facial bones, dental injuries, and eye trauma. In high-speed crashes, this layer of protection can be the difference between walking away and getting wheeled into the ER.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents can be brutal and life-changing. But a simple choice like wearing a helmet can make a difference. Therefore, your helmet might be the most important piece of equipment you own.
