Harley-Davidson May Be Dangerous To Your Health

People always say that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Since motorcycling has become an undying craze throughout the world, and with safety constantly being challenged by daredevils, does this saying still hold true? Harley-Davidson, as one of the most popular motorcycle brands of all time, might have a need to put warning labels on their products. According to specialists, victims of motorcycle accidents are thirty four times more likely to die than those involved in automobile accidents. Statistics also show that the age of most riders who die from motorcycles now ranges from thirty-eight years old to forty-five years old. That doesn’t mean the younger group is not exempted from this possibility.

There really is a health risk involved when you choose to be a biker. One third of the crashes involving motorcycles are because of over-speeding and over fifty percent is because of drivers under the influence of alcohol. Not only that, but most of the dead riders of bikes and motorcycles were racing on the road without wearing helmets. Why does this happen?

Most Harley-Davidson riders belong to a group called ABATE which stands for “A Brotherhood against Totalitarian Enactments.” This group was formed by the Easy Riders magazine and a few supportive groups, all of which wanted to tell thirty state legislators that riding motorcycles without helmets is okay. ABATE teams up with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and other motorcyclists' rights organization (MRO's) to preserve the freedom of riders. They continually monitor and ensure riders' freedom of choice even if it meant unsafe riding. But is the freedom of the ride worth the health risks involved?

If you’ve seen some riders up close, you will probably notice that they also sport the Harley-Davidson tattoo. Many fanatics and lovers of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle are fond of trying new things involving Harley products. One of which is the famous tattoo. Showbiz personalities, athletes, and many Harley fans are seen with this brand on their bodies. Health specialists say that people should consider the health risks involved in getting a tattoo before they get it. Getting on the Harley tattoo bandwagon is not a simple decision.
Blood borne diseases, skin infections, and allergic reactions are some risks that are associated with tattooing. Materials not properly sterilized and cleansed can transmit deadly diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, tetanus, tuberculosis and the like. Most skin infections resulting from tattooing were found to be resistant to some antibiotics and may cause serious complications to the patient.

These are some of the health risks that are associated with Harley-Davidson motorcycles and their products. Although these do not immediately apply to all riders, still, some people insist that the risks are highly because of them. This is the reason why many companies invest a lot of money in testing and researching for additional safety features on their products. Otherwise, helmets, gloves, and Kevlar equipment won’t be selling well in the market. 

Although prevention is better than the cure is already cliché, we must admit that it's sensible. Otherwise, helmets and other protective equipment wouldn’t be invented. Riders speeding on roads without helmets say that it's part of being free. But what is the point of being free, when you’re not only racing with your fellow riders, but are gambling with your life as well? Safety precautions that we often ignore are sometimes the most important ones. Remember, being a rider is not just being an image on a bike, it includes loving the lifestyle and appreciating your own life.