Biker Safety in Case of an Accident

Biker Safety
When an Accident Happens
This incident below – a true story – is as good an example as any of what not to do when a motorcycle accident happens. As a paramedic lieutenant for the New York City Emergency Medical Services, I have seen what good intentions can lead to. Unless you are trained for this kind of situation, you –and of course, the victim – are best off by getting proper first aid.
You don’t have to be a police officer, emergency medical technician or a paramedic to control an accident scene. A combination of street smarts and common sense will help you make the best of a bad situation.
First and foremost, difficult as it may seem remain calm. Becoming excited and losing control does not do anybody – especially the injured person – any good. You might also become hurt or cause more injury to the victim.
Victims can be Difficult
If the victim is conscious, don’t be surprised if he or she is hard to deal with. An accident is a jarring experience, and some people can get outright contrary and insist "leave me alone, I’m fine. Let me get back on my bike."
The victim doesn’t realize it, but often he or she has suffered either psychological and or physiological shock. I’ve helped people with broken arms and legs who didn’t know it. People who have suffered head injuries can be especially difficult. I remember one case where a man who had fallen off a forklift and struck his head became so combative that it took four men to hold him down. Later, in the ambulance, he ripped the IV out. He eventually recovered from his injuries, but not surprisingly – he had no recollection of what happen after his fall.
You don’t want to argue with someone who has just had an accident, but if you suspect that a rider is hurt, take away the keys to the bike. It’s not always easy, but if you are to err, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. After all, as much as someone may love their motorcycle, plastic and iron can be repaired or replaced.
Time to Take Charge
One person should be in charge of the scene. If you are riding in a group, there is generally a road or leader. If you are riding with only one other biker, one of you must take charge. Remember, there is only one captain of a ship. For the purpose of this article, we will make you the leader.
If, after the accident the motorcycle is still running, turn it off. Do not allow the victim to get up, move or be moved until you are sure of their injuries (of course, there are obvious exceptions, such as fire, etc.). Reassure the victim; explain to the person what you are going to do before you do it.
Help Yes, But Help Smart
If the person is wearing a helmet DO NOT REMOVE IT! There could be cervical spine (neck) injuries, and the removal of a helmet by a Good Samaritan may cause further injuries.
It’s scary and frustrating to be at an accident scene and not know how to treat a victim’s injuries. But if you haven’t been trained, going ahead and doing what seems to make sense may only make things worse. And in this litigious day, you could end up being sued. That’s reason enough to consider taking one of the many courses and seminars available through motorcycle clubs and organizations. You can also contact your local hospital, ambulance – first aid squad, community center or community college.
Formal training aside, here’s what anyone can do. First, you must protect the area to prevent other vehicles from driving into the accident scene. Block the lane of traffic. This can be done by placing a car or one or more motorcycles in the roadway between the victim and oncoming traffic. Remember to leave enough room to work around the victim.
If the bikes blocking the area are equipped with four – way flashers, use them. If not, use two bikes with their directional signals on – the left bike should have its left signal and the right bike its right signal on. Next, you want to give oncoming traffic enough time to react. Send someone at least 50 yards down the road (in both directions if the roadway is not divided). On a curve or a hill, they should be positioned on the far side, beyond the line of sight. Remember, walk along the shoulder facing oncoming traffic: You wouldn’t want to be run down by an inattentive driver.
It’s a good idea to carry a couple of road flares and or a flashlight. They fit easily in a saddlebag or tank bag and also come in handy for emergency roadside repairs. In the event there are no flares or flashlights, waving a bandana, light colored shirt, towel or rag will work.
Help on the Way
If you have extra people there, send someone for help. If you are not familiar with where you are, send two people in opposite directions. Be sure to remind them to take note of landmarks around the accident location, i.e. one-mile past the white fence on Highway 35 going eastbound.
Unless there is no choice, do not allow the husband / wife or boyfriend / girlfriend of the victim to go for help. They will not be thinking clearly and are more likely to become involved in an accident themselves.
If this is not possible, stop passing traffic and ask them to call for help. Tell the drivers of the first car or two to please return to the scene after they have reached help to tell you what the operator said. This way, you know that help is on the way. And yes, people generally are willing to help in an emergency, so don’t worry that passing cars will ignore you.
Fortunately, the ever – improving communications field has made instant contact a given for many drivers whose vehicles are equipped with cellular / portable telephones. You might also try reaching help by using a CB radio if available. Many touring bikes have them as well as most tractor trailers. Many state and county police departments monitor CB channels 9 and or 19 for motorists in need of assistance.
At the accident scene, someone should be keeping the victim informed as to what is going on. Once help has been sent for, you may want to see if there are any other witnesses to what happened (especially if you came upon the scene). Get their names and phone numbers.
If someone has a camera, take pictures of the scene that show where the bike is / was, any skid marks etc. If it was a case of the classic "non-seeing left-hand-turning car driver," do not badger that person or seek a confession. That’s not your job. Get what information you can without being rude. Remember, it’s a stressful time for everyone involved.
Plan Ahead
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to go for a day ride, overnight or weeks long tour, you should always carry a first-aid kit. They are relatively inexpensive, fit easily on almost any bike (in fairings, luggage, tool pouches or under seats). Even if you never need yours, someone else just might. (When you finish that training course, you will feel much more comfortable about using it).
If you take prescription medicine or have a serious allergy reaction (certain drugs, bee stings etc.), you should wear a medical alert tag or carry a card to that effect. If you ride in a group, someone else in it should be advised of your condition and if you carry medication where it is kept. Most importantly, try to remain calm. Common sense will help you a lot more than you think.
Food for Thought
The motorcyclist was moving down the road at a pretty good clip when a car suddenly pulled out in front from a side street. Unable to stop in time the bike crashed into the car and ended up jammed underneath it. Across the street, three well meaning guys who saw the accident rushed over, pulled the rider out and yanked off his helmet. Today, the biker is a quadriplegic, and nobody will ever know for sure whether it was from the accident or the Good Samaritans. The point being, do not remove the helmet.