Author: Anthony Proffitt

Many motorcycle riders do not realize how much a single accident can change their lives. Many of them feel like they are invincible while they are riding on the streets and toss safety to the wind. Some of them do not believe that a car accident is not the only type of incident that can result in spinal cord and brain trauma, paralysis and death. Motorcycle accidents in Knoxville often lead to brain damage, disability and death too. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, the number of motorcyclists who were injured in crashes during 2015 was 88,000. Bikers are more likely to sustain serious injuries than minor ones because their vehicles lack structures that can offer protection against collisions and impact. When riders do not wear helmets, their chances of sustaining long-term spinal cord and brain damage increase. 

Brain and spinal trauma are often long-lasting 

Not all motorcycle accident victims show obvious signs of brain injuries. Many people who have them look and function normally. Riders who sustain brain trauma may experience memory loss, changes in their personalities and perception, states CNN. The presence of a traumatic brain injury is not easy for some victims to prove because the symptoms are not always obvious and permanent. Individuals who suffer from spinal cord damage and brain trauma often need medical care, rehabilitation and support for the rest of their lives. Some of them lose mobility in their lower extremities, become permanently disabled and die. 

There is no way for anyone to know how minor or serious their injuries will be in a crash until after it happens. To alleviate much of the uncertainty and risk of life-changing injuries, motorcyclists should remember to make safety a top priority when they ride. They should also use safety gear and helmets.

The days are getting shorter, colder and the leaves are starting to change color. Although summer is coming to an end, there are still plenty of riding days left for motorcyclists in Knoxville. With the changing seasons comes new hazards and road conditions that bikers should be aware of. 

According to Consumer Reports, in 2015, the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads across the country was more than 5,000. These accidents were caused by many factors, such as alcohol, reckless behavior, inexperience, driving errors, other motorists and seasonal road conditions. There is no perfect time of year for bikers to ride. However, any motorcyclists who plan to enjoy the fall scenery while they cruise the roads should heed the following safety suggestions. 

Increase visibility 

Now that the days are not as long as they were during the summer, some bikers may find themselves riding when it is dark out. Although their vehicles are equipped with lights, they may not be enough to make them visible enough for other motorists to see them and for them to see in areas where there is reduced visibility. Bikers should wear high-visibility clothing and safety gear. They should also inspect their vehicles regularly to ensure that all headlights, turn signals and brake lights work. 

Avoid piles of leaves 

Many bikers do not realize how much of a hazard falling leaves can be. Once they accumulate on the roads, they hide potholes, uneven surfaces and other hazardous conditions, states LizJansen.com. When the weather is wet, and there is moisture on the roads, leaves can become slippery and create slick traveling conditions that can cause bikers to fall off and crash their vehicles. Motorcyclists should avoid riding through piles of leaves whenever possible. 

The fall season is a beautiful time of year to ride. Bikers should remind themselves of the above seasonal hazards so they can take measures to stay safe and avoid accidents.

One thing that motorcyclists should do before hitting the roads in Knoxville this season is to learn about two main causes of accidents. The number of motorcycle crashes that occur is increasing. According to the Insurance Information Institute, riders have a 29 percent higher chance of dying in collisions. They are also more likely to suffer serious injuries than other types of vehicle operators. 

When accidents happen, it is easy for uninvolved people to point the blame on rider behavior. However, some accident causing factors are beyond their control. Here is a brief overview of two major causes of motorcycle accidents. 

Motorists do not see them 

Motorcycles are much smaller than cars. It is hard for motorists to see bikers when they are in between their vehicles, in their blind spots and riding in their lanes. Drivers also have a tough time seeing motorcyclists when they are in areas where they least expect to see them. All motorists must watch the roads for the presence of other vehicles. When they do not, the risk of accidents and fatality increases substantially for bikers. 

Left turns 

Many motorcycle accidents happen at left turn intersections. Vehicle operators may not see motorcyclists coming through intersections or passing up other cars at the same time they are making left turns. This often results in head-on collisions which are often fatal when there are high speeds. Motorcycle riders do not have any structures to shield them from oncoming vehicles and the road during impact. 

Motorcyclists and motorists can do many things to make the roads safer for everyone. They should learn to share the roads. They should also pay full attention to operating their vehicles safely and to their surroundings so they can avoid hazardous conditions, make fewer errors and stay clear of reckless and unsafe motorists.

Motorcycling in most parts of Tennessee can be a true thrill. With the state’s beautiful valleys and scenic drives, it comes as no surprise that thousands of motorcyclists hit highways and interstates every day. Yet in addition to the undoubtedly carefree lifestyle that largely characterizes motorcycling, there also exists a significant number of motorcycle accidents each year. Yet many ask, who should call the verdict on helmet use, and should motorcyclists have the freedom to ride helmetless? 

The Times Free Press reported on an apparent rise in motorcycle accidents in Tennessee in recent years, but also provides state research findings that helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries to drivers. To spread information on motorcycle safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hands out grants to states for motorcyclist training and motorist awareness. According to Times Free Press, the Government Accountability Office stressed that the grant money could be better spent if Congress relaxed guidelines and allowed states to have more flexibility regarding motorcycling laws. Such flexibility could open doors for new ways to increase helmet use, educate police and increase motorcycle safety awareness.  

More recently, WKRN News pointed out that Tennessee lawmakers have been reconsidering helmet laws in the state. However, despite the warnings of health and safety experts, many speak out against tightening the grip on helmet laws. The proposed bill does not specify the areas where motorcyclists will have the freedom to ride without helmets, but many riders stress the importance of individual choice. Although the bill has not yet passed, lawmakers still grapple with the difficult topic of motorcycle accidents and the government’s role in enforcing helmet use.