As thrilling as riding a motorcycle can be, it also comes with a considerable amount of risk. It is no secret that motorcycles are far less stable than cars, and even the smallest mistake made by a rider can result in severe consequences. The impact and ramifications of motorcycle accidents are always significant, regardless of whether it is a high side or low side. However, understanding the differences between these two types of accidents can help you prevent them and protect yourself. In this blog, we will explore the impact and ramifications of high-side versus low-side motorcycle accidents.
Understanding High-Side Accidents
A high-side motorcycle accident occurs when the rear end of a motorcycle loses traction, causing the bike to slide or spin out of control. During a high-side accident, the rider is often thrown up into the air, and the bike flips over. These accidents can be particularly dangerous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. The main reason high-side accidents tend to be more severe is that riders fall from a higher distance and usually hit the ground at high speed.
Impact and Ramifications of High-Side Accidents
The impact of a high-side accident can be significant and often affects most parts of the body. The severity of injuries can range from minor scrapes to major head and spinal injuries. Bruises, crush injuries, fractures, and broken bones are all common in high-side accidents. In severe cases, riders may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which can result in a lifetime of medical complications and even death.
Understanding Low-Side Accidents
A low-side motorcycle accident is the most common type of motorcycle accident. It occurs when the bike loses traction and slides out from under the rider. The rider usually falls on their side and slides along the ground. In most cases, the motorcycle slides alongside the rider, resulting in minimal impact. Low-side accidents tend to happen at low speeds and can often be prevented with proper training and safety gear.
Impact and Ramifications of Low-Side Accidents
The impact and ramifications of low-side accidents are typically less severe than those of high-side accidents. In most cases, the injuries sustained by the rider are limited to cuts, scrapes, road rash, and some broken bones. However, the severity of injuries can be increased by factors such as speed, surface conditions, and the rider’s safety equipment and training.
Preventing High-Side and Low-Side Accidents
The good news is that both high-side and low-side accidents are preventable. Riders should always wear the appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, and sturdy boots. In addition, riders should receive comprehensive motorcycle safety training that includes practical application on a test motorcycle. Riders should also be aware of their surroundings and obey traffic laws, including speed limits and signaling their intentions.
The impact and ramifications of high-side versus low-side motorcycle accidents are significant and can result in serious injury or even death. While both types of accidents have the potential to cause harm, riders can take steps to prevent them. Understanding the differences between high-side and low-side accidents can help riders take the precautions necessary to protect themselves. As always, it is essential to receive proper training, wear protective gear, and always be aware of your surroundings while riding. By doing so, you can ride safely and reduce the risk of a catastrophic accident.