Older motorcycle riders are at greater risk than their younger counterparts of being injured in crashes, according to a new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.
Researchers reviewed motorcycle crash records from the National Trauma Data Bank from 1996 to 2005. Findings showed the proportion of injured riders 40 and older increased to close to 50 percent from 28 percent, a press release from the university said. The 50- to 59-year-old age group was the fastest growing group of all injured riders. Additional findings showed older riders crashed as a result of loss of control more often than younger riders.
Researchers said the increase in injury severity for older riders may be related to factors associated with aging, such as decreases in bone strength and impaired vision.
