There is no question that motorcycling is one of the most beloved pastimes of bike enthusiasts across the country. But it is also true that riding a motorcycle presents a larger number of risks than other forms of transportation. With riding season in full swing, it is important for bikers to re-visit the topic of motorcycle safety and understand the proper steps to take in the event of an unexpected injury. While acquiring minor bumps and bruises are fairly common for motorcyclists, there are also a number of next level injuries that riders may encounter in their lifetime. As always, it is essential for bikers to be educated and prepared for anything that may come their way on the road. Read on to learn about a few common motorcycle injuries and the proper steps to take to ensure a safe recovery.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

1. Biker's Arm

Biker’s arm is a term that refers to a hurt arm resulting from a motorcycle fall or accident. Since the typical human inclination is to put your arms out to break a fall, this act of bracing for impact is generally the cause of most injuries to the arm. Biker’s arm is a broad term that can fall into a number of injury categories, such as muscle and tendon injuries and broken or fractured bones.

2. Road Rash

Perhaps one of the more common injuries that motorcyclists may experience during an accident is road rash. This occurs due to the sliding or rubbing of exposed skin on the pavement after a fall or crash. Road rash can range from mild to severe, reminding motorcyclists the importance of wearing proper gear and protective coverage before embarking on any ride.

3. Muscle Damage

There are more than 600 muscles in the human body that have the potential to be injured due to an accident or simply by riding for long periods of time, making muscle damage also among the most common motorcycle injuries. In most cases, muscle injuries from riding a motorcycle typically include minor sprains. However, the longer and harder you ride, the more you are at risk for more severe damage to your muscles.

4. Foot and Leg Injury

The legs and feet are the closest to the ground when riding a motorcycle, and they are also usually among the first body parts to make contact in an accidental fall. And if you're about to drop your bike, resist the urge to "prevent it." It's best to just get out of the way before your foot or leg gets trapped or burned, or your muscles get strained by trying to hold it up. Common foot and leg motorcycle injuries may include bruises, cuts, sprains or breaks.

Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident

No matter how severe the accident may be, it is essential for riders to keep the following steps in mind after experiencing a collision on the road:

1. File a police report.

2. Take pictures of the scene from multiple angles.

3. Gather insurance and contact information from all parties involved in the accident as well as witnesses.

4. Seek medical treatment for head and other severe injuries.

5. Stay calm!

At the end of the day, accidents happen. It all boils down to prioritizing safety on the road by always wearing the appropriate gear, knowing your bike, and knowing your riding abilities. Unfortunately, we are unable to control the environment around us, but we can always control the way we react to the situation at hand and do our best to remained educated and prepared.

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