Motorcycle riding is not just for the young. In fact, people over the age of 40 are riding motorcycles, and in increasing numbers. In fact, the average age of motorcycle riders has increased. A 2010 J.D. Power Study revealed that the average age of motorcycle riders has increased from 40 years old to 47 years old.
Also, according to a recent study published in Injury Prevention, older riders tend to suffer more serious injuries than younger riders. Source: “Injury Patterns and Severity Among Motorcyclists Treated in US Emergency Departments, 2001–2008: A Comparison of Younger and Older Riders,” 2/6/13.
Researchers at Brown University studied over 1 million motorcycle accidents between 2001 through 2007. While nearly 1 million of the injured riders were between the ages of 20-39, the older adults had the greatest rates of hospitalization. Read more motorcycle accident statistics here.
Adult riders over the age of 60 had rates of hospitalization three times greater than younger riders. The middle age adult riders (40-59) had two times the rate of hospitalization compared to the younger riders. In addition, researchers also found that the rate of injuries across all age groups had increased from 2001 to 2008. Also, the oldest age group had the greatest rate of increase of injuries.
There are many explanations for these statistics:
- increase in use of motorcycles by all age groups,
- loss of bone strength with age, and
- health problems which increase with age.
These are all reasons that helmet use is so important, especially in Pennsylvania where most riders over the age of 21 can ride without a helmet. Read more about Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet law and the importance of helmet use.
Whether due to other health problems which can make recovery difficult or due to a decrease in the body’s ability to bounce back, older riders should be aware of the risk of injury and take appropriate precautions, such as wearing appropriate helmets and riding gear. Read more motorcycle riding safety tips.
Suggested reading: Why Drivers Have Difficulty Seeing Motorcycles
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman take great pride in representing motorcyclists and have successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases. FREE consultations. 215.925.4451
Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
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