Tips to Avoid Injuries When an Accident is Unavoidable

Unfortunately, accidents happen; it is simply the reality of being a motorist.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely experience a deadly accident on the road than those in passenger cars, which means it is imperative that motorcyclists know how to avoid injuries in the event of an imminent accident.  Below are tips to help avoid bad injuries when an accident is unavoidable:

1.    Brake quickly.
Your biggest concern when you come across an unavoidable obstacle is to brake. When you brake, you should use both front and back brakes in order to stop as quickly as possible.  In the event that your front brake locks up, you should quickly release and then reapply it.  In the event that your back brake locks up, you should keep it locked instead of trying to reapply it.

2.    Attempt to avoid the full brunt of the accident.
If possible, steer away from the place that poses the most threat in your oncoming accident; however, be sure to do so while staying on your motorcycle.

3.    Avoid laying down your bike.
Tires simply have more traction than the metals and plastics that are on the side of a bike; therefore, you will stop more quickly by braking than if you laid the bike on its side.  Aside from stopping more quickly with your brakes, laying your bike on its side is much more dangerous in regard to injuries than braking.  The only time you should ever choose not to brake is if you are going to fall off a cliff or overpass, in which case placing your bike on its side is a means of stopping before being thrown off an edge.

4.    If you fall…
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do if you fall; it is up to gravity and momentum at the point.  If falling is unavoidable:

• It sounds odd, but attempt to loosen your muscles.  You will stop more easily if you do not try to stop yourself; attempting to stop usually results in more injuries than letting gravity and momentum take control.
• Wait until you have completely stopped moving/sliding to stand up; before you stand, you should assess your condition so as not to further any of your injuries.
• Do not tuck and roll as this can result in spinal injuries.