As motorcycle enthusiasts we are aware of the risks. However, it can be easy to underestimate the danger of a certain situation, or, to overemphasize the potential risks of another. Accurately understanding our risk level in different situations can help us promote safe riding and avoid injury.

1. THE REAL SCOOP
ON MOTORCYCLE INJURIES
FROM A KENTUCKY
LAWYER WHO RIDES.
Go
Learn more at http://www.BillyJohnsonLaw.com

2. We Never
Think It Will
Happen to
Us, BUT…
“About eight years ago, I wrecked on my dirt
bike while riding with some buddies. I fractured
and dislocated my shoulder and had to have two
surgeries.
I was riding harder and faster than a man my
age should have been riding… but, as a
lawyer, I know that most motorcycle injuries
are caused by other drivers.”

3. Understanding
the Dangers
Improves
Awareness &
Safety.
Not Without Risk
As motorcycle enthusiasts we are aware of the risks.
However, it can be easy to underestimate the
danger of a certain situation, or, to overemphasize
the potential risks of another.
Accurately understanding our risk level in different
situations can help us promote safe riding and
avoid injury.

4. MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.
Who Is Most At Risk?
• Are you a man? You’re at greater risk. The vast majority
(95%) of injured riders were men.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile traveled,
motorcyclists are more than 30 times more likely to die
in a crash than occupants of cars, and five times more
likely to be injured.
• Large engine sizes (1,000+ cc) are associated with an
increased risk of severe injury.[source]
I meet several of the criteria for
most ‘at risk’. Wanting to avoid
future surgeries, I actively utilize
many safety practices.
Me.

5. Not all Bikes
are the Same.
Favorite Choice: My Harley
Davidson CVO Ultra Classic. Comfort,
safety and performance can't be beat.
• Fatality rates for riders over 40 years old have
been increasing. Interestingly, older riders are
more likely to ride motorcycles with larger engines
(1,000+ cc).
• The driver death rate for supersport motorcycles
was about 2x as high as the rate for drivers of
cruisers or standards. [source]
• Riders of cruisers, standards, touring and sport-
touring motorcycles have the lowest death rates.

6. MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.
The AARP Discounts May Be Nice, But… Age
Matters in a Crash
• In recent years there has been a significant
increase in mortality among motorcyclists,
especially older riders (40+ years).
• Older riders are more likely to ride motorcycles
with larger engines (1,000+ cc) and also more
likely to wear helmets. Nevertheless, this older
group accounted for 15% of deaths in 1991, but
had grown to 46% by 2004. [source]
• Older motorcyclists have a significantly greater
proportion of crashes that involve overturning –
2x more than younger riders.

7. MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.
Five Common Motorcycle Injuries
1. Head Injury – including concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and damage to the brain.
2. Road Rash – ranging from 1st to 3rd degree severity, ‘road rash’ is more than bruising and
scrapes, resulting in muscle damage, infection and scarring.
3. Muscle Damage – without the protection of a vehicle cage around the rider, muscles are
commonly torn and severely damaged in even minor incidents.
4. Biker’s Arm – when thrown off the bike our natural reaction is to raise our arms to protect
ourselves. Consequently, the arm(s) often suffer damage, sometimes permanent.
5. Burn Injuries – with uncovered exhaust pipes and engines that run at extremely high
temperatures, bikers are at risk for burns and this further complicates crash injuries.

8. “People’s biggest
stereotype is they
think bikers are
reckless, obnoxious
and don’t obey the
rules of the road.
The data shows
this is false.”
- Attorney Billy Johnson
Who’s To Blame?
• Most Motorcycle-Vehicle Collisions Occur at
Intersections. About one-third of multi-
vehicle motorcycle crashes are a result of
other motorists turning into the path of the
motorcycle.[source]
• A recent study found that 60 percent of the
time motorists in other vehicles are at fault
when they collide with motorcycles. [source]

9. MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.
Staying Safe: Wear a Helmet – It’s a No-Brainer
• Kentucky’s Universal Motorcycle Helmet Law was
repealed in 1998. Afterward, motorcycle fatalities
increased 50%. [source]
• In 2013, there were 1,253 motorcycle injuries and
79 fatalities in Kentucky. Of those injured, 651 were
not wearing a helmet. Of those killed, 53 were not
wearing a helmet.
• In states without a universal helmet law, 65 percent
of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
In states with a universal helmet law, 9 percent of
motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet.

10. MOTORCYCLES HAVE INHERENT RISK – BUT SAFE RIDING CAN HELP AVOID TRAGEDY.
My Recommended Safety Tips
• Watch, watch, watch out for
automobile drivers!
• What I do is use extreme caution
when approaching intersections and
oncoming traffic making left turns.
• When stopped in traffic always have
an escape plan, such as the shoulder.
• Ride with experienced riders.
• Before going on a long ride inspect your
bike, especially the tires. Fix any problems
before setting out.
• If someone in your group is injured make
sure they are moved to a safe place. Get
medical attention immediately.
Document evidence at scene by taking
photos of skid marks, damage and
injuries, get names of parties involved and
witness statements.

11. Stay
Aware. Stay Safe.
BillyJohnsonLaw.com