As September draws to a close, many Fayette motorcycle riders might be hitting the road to enjoy the last few days of warm weather before the seasons change.
We here at Fayette Newspapers want to encourage the motorcycle enthusiasts in our community to stay safe.
According to the most recent statistics compiled in 2007, approximately 36 percent of motor cycle accidents across the country occurred in the months of July through September.
Dr. Jeff Salomone, a trauma surgeon at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, says severe road rash is the most common injury motorcyclists are hospitalized for in these months.
“People will ride their motor cycles in shorts and T-shirts. If they have a crash, they could slide along hot asphalt at 40 miles per hour, causing very serious abrasions,” he explained.
He also said because of the liklihood that a driver will be ejected from their motorcycle during an accident, he will often see severely broken bones.
“I tend to see broken legs and hands since the driver will usually hit a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.”
“Motor cycle accidents are our job security, as surgeons,” explained Salomone, who said seven percent of all Grady trauma patients were victims of motorcycle accidents in 2007.
“Even if you are a great rider, all it takes is someone not paying attention to ruin your day or kill you.”
On Saturday, Aug. 28, 2008 Shean Atkins, Director of Community Partnerships and Governmental Affairs for the Atlanta Housing Authority was leaving his favorite breakfast place when he suffered a near-fatal traffic accident.
He was driving a large scooter, the size of a motorcycle, when he accidentally swung right onto oncoming traffic. When he overcorrected, his scooter hit a curb and fell on top of him.
Atkins pushed the bike off and beheld a gruesome sight.
“My right foot was turned completely backwards and was basically dangling from some muscle tendons,” he recounted.
“It was pretty traumatic.”
Passers-by called 9-11 and Atkins was rushed to Grady Hospital.
“At the time, I didn’t understand the complexity of my injury,” explained Atkins.
“I thought they would give me a cast and crutches but it took two and a half weeks and four surgeries to overcome my injury.”
“The doctors at Grady took very good care of me,” he added.
Atkins said he has made a full recovery since his accident, but is a little wiser for the wear.
“I let people know to be very careful and to abide by the speed limit when they are riding motorcycles or scooters. I encourage other drivers to take safety classes,” said Atkins.
“I also encourage cars and trucks to be mindful of bikes as we look for alternative means of transportation.”
Dr. Salomone says the biggest danger to motorcycle drivers is the lack of protection, even when wearing the appropriate safety gear.
“In a car you are surrounded by steel, airbags, etc. On a motorcycle, the only thing you are protected by are the clothes you are wearing,” he explained.
“The newest, full-face helmet with a bar that protects your chin is the best kind to wear but you can still hit your head severely if you get into an accident.”
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation suggests several tips for riders, including enrolling in a basic riding course, dressing in brightly colored protective clothing, inspecting bikes regularly and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
They also suggest using defensive driving skills such as the “SEE” system. “SEE” involves searching around you, evaluating possible hazards and executing the proper action to avoid an incident.
For more information on motor cycle safety, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Web site at www.msf-usa.org.
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