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Did you know the number of motorcyclists injured in collisions fell to 4,985 in2018, a decline of almost 5% from previous years? While not inherently more frequent than other motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes can be more disturbing and traumatic.
Evil Knievel once said, ‘Riding a motorcycle on today’s highways; you have to ride in a very defensive manner. You have to be a good rider, and you have to have both hands and both feet on the controls at all times.’. Not a more accurate word has been spoken!
Riding a motorcycle is risky, especially without a helmet. In one state, Illinois, a group of motorcycle accident management training classes are offered under the Good Samaritan Laws in Chicago. You can take part in these pieces of training and get enrolled and prepared to be the safe Good Samaritan should you come across a scene that needs you to be one.
Find out how motorcycle crashes permanently altered the lives of five popular and well-known people.
- Keanu Reeves Motorcycle Crash
Keanu Reeves is a huge fan of British motorcycles. In 1996 Keanu Reeves, while riding his bike near his home in Beverley Hills, broke his ankle and exposed bone. He required surgery to remove bone fragments and had to use crutches for months after.
That is not the only motorcycle crash he has had. In 1988, he took a hairpin bend too fast while speeding and left him with a scarred stomach and no spleen.
- Gary Busey Bike Accident
Gary Busey was known to be anti-helmet. So, when he fishtailed his bike and hit the front brake, it is not surprising that he fell over the bike and hit his head on the curb.
He had to have several hours of neurosurgery and went into an induced coma.
Busey’s doctors have said that his unruly behavior could result from a brain injury caused by this motorcycle accident, essentially resulting in weakening mental filters.
- Billy Idol Accident
Wild rocker Billy Idol wasn’t wearing a helmet or leathers when he crashed on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in February 1990. Billy Idol ran a stop sign in Hollywood, crashed into a car, and broke his legal and arm. His leg was so severely injured it almost had to be amputated.
He survived to ride again after over six months in bed. Unfortunately for him, this almost killed his movie career.
- Peter Fonda Crash
Peter Fonda was famous for his involvement in the film “Easy Rider”. He is known to have loved motorcycles.
In 1964, Wearing nothing but a swimsuit and loafers, he decided to ride on his Triumph motorcycle. Needless to say, the situation was an accident waiting to happen. He hit a speed bump and fell off his bike.
He had many smaller accidents through the years, but the most notable was in 1993 when he hit a deer head-on. This accident affected him in that he said that he would not ride after dark without the appropriate gear and lights on.
- Lauren Hutton Bike Fall
Last but not least, model and actress Lauren Hutton was riding with a group of riders, including Jeremy Irons and Dennis Hopper. It was a charity ride.
Both Dennis Hopper and Jeremy Irons encouraged her to wear full leathers and a full-face helmet. That may very well have saved her life. She fell during the ride and broke both legs and arms and broken ribs, and was unconscious.
She suffered a bout of depression after the accident.
Be Safe Wear Your Safety Gear
If you are a motorcycle rider and whether you are famous or not, it goes without saying that a motorcycle crash will affect your life in one way or another.
The lesson here is, don’t let motorcycle gear be an afterthought. Protect yourself and your loved ones!
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