Motorcycle Safety: Riding While Retired

Many people get their first motorcycle in their teens or 20s, ride it for a few years, then sideline it while they raise a family, devote themselves to a career, or do any number of things. Now, many old-school motorcyclists have decided to pull the bike back out again in their 50s or 60s. These older bike enthusiasts are enjoying a return to their hobby, and more and more older riders are hitting the road.

Unfortunately, this nostalgia may come with a price. Motorcycle fatalities do happen, and we tend to think that mostly young people are involved in these accidents. However, the past decade has shown an interesting trend. Where once their age group was lowest in fatalities, motorcyclists over age 50 now have the dubious honor of having the most fatalities, with 35%.

Why are older motorcycle riders at risk?

What’s the reason for this increase in motorcycle deaths for older people? It is not just one factor, but many.

• Baby boomers: This age group makes up a huge part of the population, and many fit right into the biker demographic. Simply put, more people mean more bikers on the road. And that puts more bikers this age at risk for motorcycle accidents.
• Decreased skills: If you put your bike away in your 30s and do not start riding again until your 50s or 60s, you will not have the same skillset as you did before. Reflexes and balance are not the same, but many riders fail to account for this loss and get right back on the road.
• Newer bikes: Today’s bikes are bigger and faster, and handle much differently than older motorcycles. Some require a steep learning curve and are more difficult to drive, especially in hazardous conditions.
• Slower reaction times: As you age, your reflexes and reaction times slow down. You are more vulnerable to injuries and even getting overheated, which can affect thought processes.

Safety for seasoned riders

It is important to refresh your safety skills every few years, no matter how old you are. Illinois offers free beginner, intermediate, and advanced motorcycle safety courses. And, we have put together some tips every older rider should keep in mind when getting ready to roar back onto the highway:

• Ensure you are comfortable. Just a simple handlebar or seat adjustment can make a world of difference and save you a lot of stiffness over the next few days.
• Understand your reaction times and adjust accordingly. Do some practice runs and check your braking and maneuver times. Remember this when you are out on the road in traffic.
• Avoid riding at night, as our vision tends to worsen at night as we age.
• On a related note, get your vision checked
• Review any medications to ensure it is safe to drive a motorcycle while taking them.

Do not hesitate to call the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers if you are involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence. We are here to help. Please get in touch with us at 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form.