Unveiling the Truth: Surviving a Motorcycle Crash at 70 mph

Motorcycle Crash: Surviving a High-Speed Collision at 70 mph

Motorcycle crashes, especially at high speeds like 70 mph, are incredibly dangerous and can lead to life-threatening injuries. However, there are stories of survival against the odds. The shocking truth is that with the right preparation, knowledge, and quick decision-making, it is possible to survive even a devastating motorcycle crash. In this article, we will explore the real-life challenges of surviving a motorcycle crash at 70 mph, how to improve your chances of survival, and what steps you should take both before and after a crash.

Understanding the Dangers of a Motorcycle Crash

Riding a motorcycle offers freedom and excitement, but it comes with inherent risks. A motorcycle crash, especially at high speeds like 70 mph, is one of the most dangerous scenarios a rider can face. To put it into perspective, at speeds of 70 mph, the force of the impact is substantial, and the body is subjected to extreme forces.

• At 70 mph, a motorcycle crash can result in serious head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries.
• Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t offer a protective frame or air bags to cushion the impact.
• Motorcycle riders are more exposed to the elements, increasing the risk of road rash and severe abrasions.
• At high speeds, the likelihood of losing control increases, especially if road conditions are poor.

The key to surviving such a high-speed crash lies in preparation, protective gear, and your response during and immediately after the collision.

What to Do Before a Motorcycle Crash to Increase Your Chances of Survival

Surviving a motorcycle crash at 70 mph starts long before you hit the road. Riders can take specific steps to reduce the risk of accidents and increase the chances of survival if a crash does occur.

1. Invest in High-Quality Protective Gear

Wearing the right protective gear is perhaps the most critical step in protecting yourself during a motorcycle crash. Proper gear can absorb impact and minimize injuries, especially at higher speeds like 70 mph.

• Helmet: A DOT-approved full-face helmet is essential. It provides vital protection for the head and neck, reducing the risk of fatal injuries.
• Jacket: A durable, abrasion-resistant jacket, preferably made from leather or reinforced textile, can protect your torso and arms in the event of a fall.
• Gloves: Protective gloves safeguard your hands from abrasions and fractures, which are common in motorcycle crashes.
• Pants: Armored pants with knee protection offer significant defense against road rash and blunt-force injuries.
• Boots: Sturdy, ankle-high boots protect your feet and lower legs from impact and road rash.

2. Practice Defensive Riding

Defensive riding involves anticipating the actions of other drivers and being proactive in avoiding accidents. By constantly scanning your environment and making quick, calculated decisions, you can minimize the risk of a crash.

• Maintain a safe distance: Keep a sufficient distance from vehicles, allowing you enough space to maneuver or stop if necessary.
• Use both brakes: Learn to apply both the front and rear brakes smoothly, as abrupt braking can cause instability.
• Be visible: Wear brightly colored gear and use your lights to ensure other drivers see you, especially in low visibility conditions.
• Check your blind spots: Always be aware of your surroundings and check blind spots regularly when changing lanes.

3. Regular Motorcycle Maintenance

Ensuring that your motorcycle is in good condition can significantly reduce the chances of a crash. Regular maintenance helps prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents, particularly when traveling at high speeds.

• Tire checks: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition to prevent blowouts or loss of control.
• Brake inspection: Regularly check the brakes for wear and ensure they are functioning correctly to avoid brake failure in emergency situations.
• Chain and gearbox maintenance: Ensure that your motorcycle’s chain and gears are properly lubricated and adjusted to prevent unexpected malfunctions.

Surviving the Crash: Immediate Steps to Take After the Impact

Despite all the preparation, there is still a chance you could be involved in a motorcycle crash. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash at 70 mph, the seconds after the crash are critical for minimizing injury and increasing your chances of survival. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow if you are involved in such an incident.

1. Assess Your Situation

After a crash, it is important to first assess your own condition. Immediately check yourself for any serious injuries, especially if you are experiencing intense pain or cannot move certain body parts.

• If you are not severely injured, try to remain calm and stay where you are.
• If you are in pain or suspect serious injury, avoid moving to prevent further harm.
• Check for bleeding and try to control any bleeding by applying pressure with a cloth or piece of clothing.

2. Move Away from Traffic (If Possible)

If you are able to move and it is safe to do so, try to move yourself and your motorcycle away from the path of oncoming traffic. This helps prevent additional accidents and ensures that emergency responders can reach you quickly.

• If you are unable to move, stay put and signal for help by waving or using a horn if your bike is still operational.
• Turn off the motorcycle’s engine to prevent any risk of fire or further mechanical damage.

3. Call for Help

Call emergency services immediately. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by medical professionals, as injuries from motorcycle crashes often go unnoticed initially due to adrenaline and shock.

• Provide your exact location, describe the incident, and inform the dispatcher if anyone else is injured.
• If you are unable to make the call, try to have a bystander assist you in contacting emergency services.

4. Wait for Medical Assistance

While waiting for medical professionals, try to remain as still as possible, especially if you suspect any neck or spinal injuries. Keep calm, and don’t attempt to remove your helmet unless absolutely necessary (for example, if you’re having trouble breathing). Medical personnel will remove it correctly if needed.

5. Gather Information (If Able)

If you are able to move and feel up to it, gather information from the scene. This includes the contact details of witnesses, the other involved party (if there is one), and any photographs of the accident site. This can be important for insurance claims or legal purposes later on.

Dealing with the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Crash

The emotional and physical recovery process after surviving a motorcycle crash can be long and difficult. It’s important to focus on both physical rehabilitation and mental health as you work toward recovery.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Once you’ve been treated, it’s important to follow the advice and rehabilitation plan provided by your healthcare provider. Whether you’ve suffered fractures, road rash, or internal injuries, following the recovery plan is critical to regaining full functionality.

2. Psychological Support

Many motorcycle crash survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety after an accident. Seeking professional psychological support can help you cope with these emotional challenges. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you work through the trauma of the event.

3. Insurance and Legal Support

If you are the victim of a motorcycle crash, you may need legal advice to handle insurance claims and legal proceedings. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage. For more information on handling motorcycle accident claims, visit this website.

Conclusion: The Importance of Being Prepared for a Motorcycle Crash

While surviving a motorcycle crash at 70 mph may seem improbable, it is possible with the right mindset, preparation, and immediate action. The key is to invest in quality gear, practice defensive riding, and remain calm and focused during and after an accident. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the crash—it’s about improving your odds before you even start your engine. Always prioritize safety, and never underestimate the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.

For more tips on motorcycle safety and gear, visit our Motorcycle Safety Guide.

This article is in the category Safe Driving and created by MotorBikePassion Team