Marsalisi Law

A transportation mode predominantly used by men is starting to become more diverse.  A 2018 report from USA Today shows that nearly 20% of all motorcyclists are women, up 10 percent from a decade ago.  It raises the question of whether women motorcyclists make the mode of transportation safer.  A St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney knows that accidents and injuries don’t discriminate, so if you were involved in an accident, consider reaching out to Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi.

Are Women Motorcyclists Safer Than Men?

Facts and statistics show that women are safer on motorcycles than men are.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2018 motorcycle crash fatality study shows that women are more cautious on bikes and are more likely to attend safety courses and road training than their male counterparts.  It also seems that women riders are more interested in motorcycles for the social and travel aspects than for the risks and thrills bikes present.

However, a disturbing part of the report shows that 68% of motorcycle passengers who died due to accidents were women.  Conversely, when they’re in control of the bike, women make up 9% of fatalities.

Why Is Riding a Bike with a Passenger So Dangerous?

Riding a motorcycle with a passenger changes the experience for the biker.  With the added weight, the bike can be more challenging to handle and less responsive to the motorcyclist.   Riders have to learn how to handle the bike with passengers, including taking a safety course and having enough solo time.  Additionally, passengers who are impaired or otherwise a distraction can increase the chances of being in an accident.

Are Motorcycles Dangerous?

Even though most riders take the proper precautions, such as enrolling in safety courses and wearing helmets, motorcycles are still a dangerous mode of transportation.  For starters, bikers are less visible to drivers, and drivers might not see a motorcycle in their blind spot.  Bikes also have less stability than cars, meaning the rider can lose control and cause an accident.

If a collision occurs, motorcyclists have much less protection than those in cars and trucks do. Even when bikers wear helmets and other safety equipment, they can still sustain severe injuries.

Common Injuries Related to Motorcycle Crashes

A motorcyclist is susceptible to many injuries if they collide with a truck, car, or an object in a single-vehicle accident.  Some common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
  • Back injuries;
  • Broken bones;
  • Road rash;
  • Paralysis;
  • Organ damage;
  • Internal bleeding; and
  • Whiplash

All of these injuries can be life-threatening, especially if left untreated.  After an accident, we recommend seeking medical attention.  Even if you don’t show any signs of injury and feel okay, not all symptoms show right away, and doctors can diagnose internal injuries.

How More Motorcyclists Can Make Biking More Safe

Overall, increasing the number of both male and female motorcyclists on the road can improve everyone’s safety because drivers will be more accustomed to sharing the road with them.  This means that they’ll look twice before merging into another lane or before cutting off a motorcycle.

Speak with a Skilled St. Petersburg Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, Marsalisi Law in St. Petersburg is here to help you through this challenging time.  We will be with you every step of the way and keep you informed throughout the case.

As a Tampa Trial Lawyers Associate member, Personal injury Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi has more than a decade of experience and has helped thousands of clients receive the compensation they need to cover accident-related injuries.  Call (727) 800-5052 or complete a contact form today.

Marsalisi Law is Where the Law Gets Personal!