There is a stereotype that motorcyclists are all men with tattoos, long hair and a reckless lifestyle. However, the fact is that there is not just one type of motorcyclist. They come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life.
The same goes for motorcycle accidents, unfortunately. Any rider can be injured or killed in a crash; no one is immune to the risks of riding. That being said, there are certain riders who are more likely to be involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, older riders are involved in more than 50 percent of all motorcycle fatalities. In 2015, 54 percent of riders killed in a motorcycle crash were 40 years old or over, and the average age of a rider killed in a crash in 2015 was 42. There are several possible reasons for this trend, including:
- Age-related vision decline
- Decline in reaction time
- Tendency to ride bigger bikes, which are more prone to rolling over
- Increased fragility
Older riders may also be taking certain medication that affects their physical and mental well-being. It is also possible that an older rider already suffers from a certain medical condition that makes recovery from any accident more difficult.
This is not to say that older riders are the most dangerous on the roads. In fact, younger riders engage in dangerous behaviors like drunk driving more often than older riders, which puts them at risk of a fatal accident as well. However, it means that in the event of an accident, older riders can be less likely to survive.
If you lose a parent or loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, it is crucial that you understand your options for legal action and compensation. A lawsuit cannot replace the person you have lost, but it can serve as a means of holding the appropriate party accountable for the devastating accident.
