What Are The Most Common Motorcycle Injuries Sustained By Children? Our Top Safe Riding Tips

Without extra protection from the metal exterior and windows of a car, the lack of stability from only 2 wheels, and no seatbelts, it’s no surprise that Motorcycle accidents end up being motor accidents with the most injuries. In fact, many times when a motorcycle accident occurs, drivers of cars often claim they didn’t even see the motorcycle in the first place. Needless to say, motorcycle accidents result in the most injuries by volume out of any auto vehicle. Most childcare professionals are adamantly against children on the backs of Motorcycles for obvious reasons. But, sometimes if a motorcycle is the only vehicle a family has, or other instances require it, there are ways to make the trip as safe as possible for both you and your child.

Keeping Your Motorcycle Up-To-Date

The number one most important tip, regardless of who it is on the bike, is to be sure the driver is experienced and has a bike that is continuing to be regularly serviced. Ensuring that the motorcycle has had the appropriate work done to keep running smoothly can almost completely rule out the possibility of a brake failure or other serious malfunction. Your bike must be safe to drive on the road, as even a safe and up-to-date bike can lead to life-or-death accidents. Furthermore, an experienced driver should always have total control over their bike, knowing how fast it turns, accelerates, and brakes in the instance of an emergency. No child should be on the back of a motorcycle whose rider has only just taken up the hobby.

Having The Appropriate Protective Gear (And A lot Of It)

Next, protecting the child on the bike is as simple as loading them up in protective gear. This can keep debris out of their face when riding, and even protect their legs from the hot metal of the bike. In case of an accident, a full-face helmet can save their lives and prevent head injuries like TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries) and skull fractures. A high-quality jacket can protect their skin from road rash and lacerations from pavement. Thick socks, boots, jeans, a jacket, gloves, and a helmet are completely necessary to have on a child when they’re on the back of a motorcycle. Similarly, the gear and bike should both be sized appropriately for the child.

Follow All Traffic Laws

Lastly, too many times motorcycles weave in and out of traffic because they are small enough to fit in between cars when traffic hits. Since a typical bike is smaller than most cars, it’s too easy to bend traffic rules. This is a behavior that is not acceptable, generally speaking, but especially when a child is on the back of a motorcycle. Traffic laws must be followed during the entire duration of the trip. By choosing not to follow the law, you are risking consequences enforced by a law enforcement professional, or in worse cases, you could be the cause of death to everyone on the bike, and potentially every life on the road.

Even if you follow all of these rules, there is no telling how or when an accident could occur, causing spinal injuries, organ damage, or broken bones from impact to both the rider and any child involved in the accident. If you or anyone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 813-701-5424 so our team of professionals here at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel can assess you to make sure the appropriate treatment is recommended.