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More senior motorcyclists mean more severe injuries

Now that you are a retiree, you may have purchased something you have wanted all your life: a beautiful new motorcycle.

You are eager to take your bike out on the road, but it is wise to remember how vulnerable you will be. Sometimes drivers do not see motorcycles. Accidents happen. You must contend with some physical issues your younger counterparts do not have, and you are prone to more serious injuries than they are.

Common injuries

Findings published by researchers in the medical journal show the differences in motorcycle injuries between groups of riders. For example, the study looked at a total of 921,229 accidents between 2001 and 2008. While motorcyclists from 20 to 39 years of age were in the most crashes, riders 60 years of age or older suffered the most severe injuries, especially those related to the head and chest. Bone breaks and back and neck injuries were also common in the over-60 group. As a result, older riders were three times more likely to be hospitalized than younger riders and more likely to die from their injuries.

The problems of aging

There is nothing any of us can do about growing older, and research for the published report revealed that the physiological effects are the cause of many injuries for older riders. With age comes a reduction in bone strength and a decrease in chest wall elasticity. Vision tends to worsen and balance issues begin to surface. Older riders also have slower reflexes and can experience delayed reactions to emergency situations.

Accident assistance

Our part of Louisiana is wonderful for motorcyclists, but if you are a novice rider, be sure to be on the alert for potential trouble. Riders have the same rights as any other driver. It is not fun to contemplate becoming involved in a motorcycle crash, especially if you are a senior citizen, but it is good to know that if you become an accident victim, the law entitles you to full and fair compensation for any injuries you may sustain.