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HEALTH & SAFETY

OPERATING ANY TYPE of vehicle road,” says Dennis Ashley, MD, Chair of the when conditions are rainy, icy or windy,
requires care, but motorcycle riders need Department of Surgery and Director of Trauma or if traffic is very heavy—for example,
to be especially mindful. People who ride at The Medical Center, Navicent Health. “It during a holiday weekend,” says John
motorcycles are 38-times more likely to get also helps riders become familiar with the Wood, MD, Medical Director of the
hurt than those who drive cars, according to operation of their particular motorcycle.” Emergency Center at The Medical Center,
the National Motorcycle Training Institute. Navicent Health.
Step 3: Wear protective gear.
Head injuries, “road rash”—scrapes and Consumer Reports recommends investing Step 6: Ride carefully. Follow speed
other skin injuries that come from sliding in a leather jacket, riding gloves, long limits and watch out for other vehicles.
across the pavement—and broken bones are pants, boots and a fitted, full-face helmet.
common motorcycle-related injuries that Wearing a helmet effectively prevents 37 “Drivers don’t always see motorcycles,”
should be on riders’ radars. percent of deadly injuries, according to Dr. Ashley says. “Motorcycle riders must
Injury Facts 2017. remain alert. Always maintain control of
You can’t prevent every accident. But you your motorcycle and ride at the appropriate
can limit dangers on the road with these Step 4: Ride with a motorcycle group. speed, so if you need to take evasive action
precautions. Other drivers may be more aware of groups or stop suddenly, you can.”
than they are of solo riders. If you’re riding
Step 1: Be choosy about your bike. Select alone, make sure loved ones know where IN NEED OF EMERGENCY CARE?
a motorcycle that’s the right fit, weight and you’re heading and when you expect to NAVICENT HEALTH IS HERE TO SERVE
horsepower for you. arrive at your destination. YOU WITH EMERGENCY CENTERS
IN BALDWIN, BIBB, MONROE, PEACH
Step 2: Brush up on motorcycle safety. Step 5: Avoid peak traveling times and AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
“Taking a driver’s safety course helps bad weather. “Don’t ride your motorcycle
motorcycle riders learn the rules of the

MOTORCYCLE USE BY THE NUMBERS

196,277 152 1,772 160

The number of The number of Georgia The number of lives The number of patients treated
registered motorcycle motorcyclists and helmets saved in the for severe motorcycle-related
passengers killed in injuries at The Medical Center,
drivers in Georgia United States
in 2016 traffic accidents in 2015 in 2015 Navicent Health in 2017

Sources: gahighwaysafety.org, nsc.org, nhtsa.gov

Staying in Touch PASSENGER SAFETY 101
on the Road
Riding with a passenger adds extra weight to the back of your motorcycle
Hand signals help motorcycle riders communicate with other and may make handling the bike more difficult. Protect yourself—and
drivers and, when riding in a group, other motorcyclists. Here’s the friend or loved one on the back of your bike—with these four do’s
what the signals mean, according to the Motorcycle Legal and don’ts.
Foundation:
»» Extending the arm and hand to the left: Riders are »» Do learn the laws. There are no age restrictions for motorcycle
passengers in Georgia, but Georgia state law requires passengers have
turning left. their own seats and footrests, according to the American Motorcyclist
»» Bending the left arm at a 90-degree angle with fist Association.

clenched: Riders turning right. »» Do make sure your passengers wear eye protection and a properly
»» Pointing the left finger or right foot toward the ground: fitted helmet. The helmet should be new, not a hand-me-down.

Riders are signaling that there’s a hazard on the left or right »» Don’t let your friends or loved ones climb on or off the bike before
side of the road. you’re ready. Ask them to always wait for directions.
»» Swinging left forearm toward the shoulder with finger
pointed: Riders are pulling off the road and signaling for »» Do create a secret code. Before the ride, develop a system of taps or
others in the group to follow. other signals passengers can use to let you know if they need you to
stop the bike or slow down.

5SUMMER 2018 | navicenthealth.org