People of all ages love to ride motorcycles and these days it is not unusual to see riders who are in their 60s or 70s.
However, older people are vulnerable in terms of a potential crash. Some experts believe that brushing up on motorcycle-riding skills could help them prevent injuries.
By the numbers
Information from the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that motorcycle fatalities are rising and among different groups of people. In 1975, riders 29 years of age and younger represented 80% of motorcycle fatalities nationwide. Those aged 50 and older now comprise the age group with the most motorcycle-related deaths. People born between 1946 and 1964 make up a large portion of the population in the U.S. Mostly retired now, they have both the time and the resources to enjoy motorcycles.
Skill levels
Many older riders owned and loved motorcycles before marrying and starting their families. However, their skills are rusty. With age, there are grip strength and balance changes. Senior riders may have vision issues and their response times are slower than when they were younger. If an oncoming motorist turns left in front of an older motorcyclist, he or she may not be able to take evasive action. This is why experts recommend safety classes to help riders sharpen their skills.
A look ahead
Innovations in safety gear for motorcycle riders range from LED lights for the bike to helmets with rear-view cameras. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, helmets were lifesavers in 1,772 motorcycle crashes in 2015. However, accidents with injuries still happen, and motorcycle injuries are often severe. With the help of an advocate, a rider injured because of someone else’s negligence has the right to expect maximum compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.