motorcycle accidents

Trauma Columnist · Jan 2, 2005

Reconsider please. They are death on the road. I'm an ER RN in a large level one trauma center. My favorite story is of a guy who lost control of his motorcycle on gravel and ended up going head over the handlebars, landing on pavement on his head. He's brought into the trauma bay and we start cutting off his clothes while his brains are oozing out his ears and nose. We get to his t-shirt and its an advertisement for ABATE! It was very sad telling the family that he was dead - especially his young children.

Sylv · Jan 2, 2005

My reply is in the other thread that you started, "Would you let your kid ride a motorcycle?".

GingerSue · Jan 2, 2005

My brother used to ride a motorcycle and told me that when he was out on the highway, cars would aim for him and try to run him off the road.

One of my co-workers used to do her community nursing by travelling on a motorcyle.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 2, 2005

I've heard a lot of stories, and i still ride.

saskrn · Jan 2, 2005

The motorcycle accidents that I remember most are....

1) my sister was riding her Shadow, had a collision, and lost her baby. The doctor had told her just a couple of days before that she wasn't pregnant.

2) a guy I knew missed a turn, went into a park and was torpedoed into a tree. He died instantly.

3) a guy wiped out, and to make a long story short, was decapitated. Killed a 15 year old kid in the process.

I used to ride a bit when I was young, and now, for the life of me, I can't figure out why people do it. At least there are helmet laws up here!

Stay safe!

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 2, 2005

My hubby rides a bike. 12 yrs. ago he was in an accident. Some one started to miss their exit on the freeway in So. Cali. so they veered across the lanes and hit my husband. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital and required plastic surgery on his leg. Was almost kicked out of the Navy on a medical discharge....

12 yrs. later he is still riding. I will go with him ocassionally, but I never really "feel comfortable". He loves to ride saying that on a bike you have no blind spot...but of course I say that on a bike you are in the cars blind spot.

If you do decide to ride, please take a motorcycle safety course and wear YOUR HELMET!!!

suegarmon · Jan 3, 2005

Well, if you are already thinking of ways that you will get hurt, I wouldn't suggest getting a motorcycle. You need to be a confident rider out there. A motorcycle can be a great fun "toy" to ride but it has its dangers. My husband has a sportsbike, a Yamaha R1, one of the fastest and yes it drives me nuts to hear how fast he goes. We just lost a friend on a bike because he was going over 100mph and not wearing a helmet. If you do decide to get a bike, you must ALWAYS wear the gear (helmet and leathers). Though they may not always save lives, they will help.

Yes, there are plenty of people out there who disregard motorcyclists and try to run them off the road. But its up to you if you want to take the risk.

I hope you make the right decision!!:rotfl:

z's playa · Jan 3, 2005

If it weren't for motorcycles...we'd have a lot less organ donors.

Theres really no plus to riding a motorcycle. Very dangerous.

If you have a loved one who is really against you're buying a bike, please really consider their feelings and reconsider your reasons behind the need you feel to own one. There is nothing worse than worrying about someone each and every time they go out for a drive. I think its a mean thing to cause this concern. I feel strongly against motorcycles as you can see. :rolleyes:

Buy the bike that comes with a roof, 4 wheels and a steeringwheel. :chuckle

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

We have a Harley and ride. It is a personal choice, IMHO. You'll hear a million bad stories, so it is really up to you.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

We have a Harley and ride. It is a personal choice, IMHO. You'll hear a million bad stories, so it is really up to you.

Thank you, that's very well said.

ZZTopRN, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

Thank you, that's very well said.

What I always remember when I see motorcycle riders, especially on the dangerous CA freeways, is when I was working in ICU with 2 patients, friends, both comatose, bodies broken, pouring blood in one end, it coming out the other.

mv