The number of registered motorcycles in the U.S. nearly doubled from 2002 to 2018, skyrocketing from 4.2 million to 8.3 million over this 16-year period. Motorcycles aren't all good, however, with riders facing a disproportionate amount of danger in California when it comes to injuries in car accidents.

Motorcycle accidents and injuries

Roughly 40% of motorcycle accidents take the form of single-vehicle crashes, and one-third involve other vehicles turning into motorcyclists' paths. Improving biker visibility and using better motorcycle operating techniques reduces these issues. In terms of injuries, about 30% involve legs and feet, and 22% involve the head and neck.

Although women ride, most U.S. motorcyclists are men

Males make up the majority of all motorcycle riders. Government agencies and academic researchers estimate that males make up anywhere from 80% to 90% of all U.S. motorcyclists. The American Motorcyclist Association, a U.S. trade organization that represents motorcycle owners, indicates that 95% of its members are male.

The gender split's effects on motorcyclists

Since men and women have different anatomies, they face slightly different injury risks in the event of an accident. More specifically, sensitive male organs like testicles are much more prone to serious injury.

What do testicle injuries look like?

Testicular injuries don't always follow the same symptoms. However, most include unexplained and persistent nausea as well as vomiting. General abdominal discomfort is also a common sign of testicular injuries. A bruised, discolored, enlarged or painful scrotum is usually the most common symptom of testicle injury.

Although preventing all injuries is impossible, learning and implementing defensive driving strategies will reduce all kinds of motorcycle accidents and resultant injuries. It's important for motorcycle riders to exercise caution to avoid getting into a crash.