Health Insights

Motorcycle Safety: The Stark Reality Behind the Ride

Motorcycle riding offers freedom and thrill, but it also comes with real risks. According to 2024 data, 352 motorcyclists were treated for crash-related injuries at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC).

Protective gear played a clear role in outcomes:

• Only 107 riders were confirmed to be using any form of protective equipment.
• Among them, 89 wore helmets — a basic but crucial life-saving tool.
• A mere 14 wore protective clothing, and only 8 used other protective gear such as gloves or armored padding.

Every statistic represents a life disrupted — or ended — and reinforces the importance of wearing proper safety gear every single ride.

For Riders: Smart Riding Starts Before You Start the Engine

1. Always Wear a Helmet
It’s not just a recommendation—it’s a lifesaver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduce the risk of death in a crash by 37% for motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers.

Look for DOT-approved helmets and replace them after any impact or every five years.

2. Gear Up from Head to Toe
A helmet protects your brain, but the rest of your body needs backup too. Trauma teams often treat riders for severe skin abrasions—what we call “road rash”—as well as broken bones and burns.

Wear jackets with built-in armor, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Bright colors and reflective materials can also help you stand out in traffic, especially at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather.

3. Take a Safety Course—Even If You’ve Been Riding for Years
Confidence on a bike is great. Overconfidence? Not so much. Certified motorcycle safety courses teach techniques for braking, cornering, swerving, and defensive riding that even veteran riders can benefit from. Some insurance companies even offer discounts for completing one.

Ohio’s Motorcycle Ohio Program offers accessible rider courses throughout the state, including several options for Cincinnati motorcycle riders. They're designed for beginners and seasoned riders alike.

4. Do a Pre-Ride Safety Check
A quick check can save a life. Before each ride, inspect:

• Tires (pressure and wear)
• Brakes (front and rear)
• Headlights, brake lights, turn signals
• Mirrors
• Oil and fluid levels

A few minutes in the driveway beats hours in the emergency room.

5. Never Ride Under the Influence
This one should be obvious, but it’s still a leading cause of motorcycle crashes. Nationwide, in 2022, nearly one-third of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol. Drugs, including some prescription medications, can slow reaction times and cloud judgment just as much.

For Drivers: You’re Part of Motorcycle Safety Too

Motorcycles are smaller, harder to see, and more vulnerable. But small changes in your driving habits can make a big impact.

1. Look Twice, Save a Life
Most car-versus-motorcycle crashes happen because drivers didn’t see the bike. Always check your mirrors and blind spots—especially before changing lanes or turning left at intersections. A quick glance isn’t enough.

2. Give Them Space
Motorcycles may stop faster than cars, but they’re less stable. Tailgating is dangerous. Leave at least 3-4 seconds of following distance, and never try to “share” a lane.

3. Intersections Are Hot Spots
36% of  motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance and turn left in front of them. Wait until you’re absolutely sure it’s safe before pulling out.

4. Respect the Ride
Motorcyclists are your neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Treat them with the same caution and care you’d want someone to show your loved one.

From the Trauma Bay: Prevention Is Powerful

At UC Health, trauma teams see the aftermath up close: broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage. 

But for every tragic story, there are also hopeful ones—riders who walked away because they geared up, stayed sober, and stayed alert.

Final Thoughts: Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Motorcycle safety isn’t just the rider’s burden. It’s a two-way street. From protective gear and training to attentive driving and mutual respect, we all have a role in keeping Cincinnati’s roads safer.

If you're a rider, consider taking a refresher course this season. If you’re a driver, take an extra second to scan for bikes. That pause could mean everything.

Looking for resources or a safety course? Visit Motorcycle Ohio or check with local organizations through UC Health’s community outreach programs.

If you or a loved one need care, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the region’s only Adult Level I Trauma Center, and West Chester Hospital, a Level III Trauma Center, provide advanced trauma care and injury prevention programs to those throughout the Tri-State area and beyond.