Riding a motorcycle is a double-edged sword. Avid riders enjoy the freedom of the open roads but riding a motorcycle is a dangerous activity even for the most experienced drivers. Not only are drivers at high risk for serious injuries in a crash, but so are any passengers they have riding with them. A Reuters report showed that passengers are more vulnerable to obtaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash than are drivers. In approximately 40% of all motorcycle accidents, passengers suffered a TBI when compared to drivers who suffered a TBI 36% of the time.
Wearing a helmet is a must to reduce the risk of significant injury and death. However, a helmet cannot slow the rate of TBI suffered in accidents. Passengers wearing a helmet were diagnosed with TBI at a rate that was still higher than that of drivers. Passengers had TBI in about 36% of all accidents while drivers had TBI in 31% of all accidents.
Why Are Motorcycle Passengers at High Risk For More Serious Injuries Than Drivers?
The study that reported this data followed 80,000 motorcycle riders and 6,000 passengers for a three-year period. Experts reviewing the results of the study believe that passengers are more likely to be ejected from a motorcycle during a crash. Ejection puts immense stress on the body and a leading reason for death after an accident. The driver has the advantage of holding onto the steering wheel and has the immediate, although limited, protection of the windshield both of which are not afforded to the passenger.
When we talk about motorcycle safety, one of the biggest issues is the lack of protection around them which makes them so vulnerable for severe injuries and death. However, passengers are even more exposed than drivers making their rate for massive injuries and death substantially higher.
Florid has a large population of motorcycle riders. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that motorcycle accidents are increasing across the state. There were 8,040 motorcycle accidents in 2014 while there was 8,256 reported in 2016. In 2016 there were 742 motorcycle passenger injuries and 30 deaths. There are many factors that can lead to motorcycle accidents including:
- Drivers who do not have enough training and confidence on the road
- Motorists that don’t drive safely near motorcyclists
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Other motorists not seeing a motorcyclist near them
Thes are just a few of the obstacles motorcycle riders face on the road, as this list is not all-inclusive.
Do You Need Legal Representation After You Were Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
It only takes one wrong move or decision for a motorcycle to lose control and become a major accident. If you were a passenger riding on the back of a motorcycle in Florida and you were injured as a result of an accident, speaking with a Florida motorcycle accident injury attorney is prudent. The Orlando motorcycle accident injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover.
Call the Vaughan Law Group’s team of Orlando serious injury attorneys at (407) 648-1426 to speak with a legal professional during a free consultation today.
