Motorcycles have long been associated with the reckless abandon of youth – but that’s changing. As the population of the United States begins to age, motorcyclists are also getting older.
In 1990, only about one in 10 motorcyclists was over 50 years of age. By 2003, at least one out of four riders was in that age group.
Age is just a number, right?
You may still feel young in mind and spirit, but there’s no denying that age can and will affect your body in negative ways. Some of the key dangers experienced by older motorcyclists include:
- Decreased physical abilities: Older drivers can experience a decline in their physical abilities, including reduced flexibility, strength and reaction time. These changes can affect the rider’s ability to handle a motorcycle safely and respond quickly to hazards on the road.
- Vision and hearing impairments: Age-related changes in vision and hearing can impair a rider’s ability to detect potential dangers, such as oncoming vehicles, road signs or auditory cues like sirens or horns.
- Slower recovery times: Older riders can take longer to recover from injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents compared to younger riders. This slower recovery time can increase the severity and duration of physical injuries.
- Medication use: Older riders may be more likely to take medications for managing chronic health conditions, which can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and impaired cognitive function.
Finally, many older riders are returning to the road after a large gap. They may have put their motorcycles away for a few years when their children were young or they may not have had much leisure time until they retired. That means that their riding skills, while not forgotten, might be rusty when they first get back on the road.
If you’re an older motorcyclist, it pays to be cautious. If you do get into a wreck due to another driver’s negligence, find out more about what it takes to make a successful claim for compensation.