Older Motorcyclists Are More Likely To Be Injured or Killed
Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on April 7, 2010
in Motorcycle Accidents
Updated on April 24, 2024
A University of Rochester Medical study found that aging bikers are more likely to be injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident than younger riders.
The study surveyed 61,689 motorcyclists aged 17 to 89 and found that aging motorcycle riders were nearly twice as likely to die as a result of a motorcycle accident compared to younger riders.
Researchers found that between 1996 and 2005 the average age of motorcyclists involved in crashes increased to about 39 from 34 and the proportion of injured riders aged 40-plus rose to about 50 percent from 28 percent.
The study found that of all injured riders in the study, those aged 50 to 59 represented the fastest growing group, while 20 to 29-year-olds were the most rapidly declining.
The study found that for riders aged over 40, the severity of their injuries, length of stay in the hospital or intensive care unit, and mortality were higher than riders aged under 40.
Researchers also found that the risk of dying was one-and-a-half to two times more likely in riders over 40 based on the severity of the original injury.
Older riders were found to be more likely to die from less severe injuries than younger riders, to spend at least 24 hours in the intensive care unit, and to have more pre-existing health issues that led to longer hospital stays.
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