The nature of riding a boda boda means that both the rider and his passenger are more vulnerable in a collision. It is clear that it’s much more dangerous to ride a boda boda than to ride in a car because boda bodas lack the protection that cars provide like airbags for extra safety, shielding from the elements etc
Below are some health risks faced by boda boda riders
1. Fractures
Bone fractures are the most common motorcycle accident injury that most often includes broken legs, arms and wrists.
With one leg on either side of a motorcycle, a rider’s legs are vulnerable to being crushed or broken if the bike falls to one side or is struck from the side by another vehicle or object. This can lead to severe injuries to the legs.
2. Scrapes and bruises
If the motorcycle hits a rough patch in the road or collides with an object or vehicle, you may most likely be thrown from the bike and slide across the road or other concrete surfaces. If the concrete surface rubs on exposed skin or thin fabric, the tarmac can scrape the skin and cause significant cuts, scrapes and bruises. These injuries can lead to serious infections if not treated properly and can also cause nerve damage and permanent disfigurement.
3. Back pain
Long periods of sitting down with a tense posture and especially riding on bumpy roads can be a cause of neck, shoulder and back pain. Posture is important, whether sitting in a chair or a motorcycle. The type of motorcycle determines your hand, foot and body positions.
4. Head injuries
Another common type of motorcycle accident injuries is head injuries especially in cases where the boda boda rider is not wearing a helmet. If the brain swells or comes into contact with the skull, or if the skull is cracked or something protrudes through the skull, serious damage can result.
These injuries can range from a mild concussion to a more serious traumatic brain injury that can be fatal.
5. Impotence
Men who ride motorcycles are at risk of impotence and urinary problems because the vibration of the engine damages nerves in their penises, according to a recent study. It was shown that men riding their motorbikes for about three hours per week, almost 70 per cent had problems gaining an erection or emptying their bladder.
While seating on his motorcycle, a boda boda rider puts undue pressure on the perineum, the area between the anus and the scrotum, and restricts blood flow to the penis.
TALK TO US!
Are you or your loved ones looking for medical treatment for a chronic ailment or to improve your form, shape or appearance through cosmetic procedures or reconstructive surgery locally or overseas? Contact us on (+254) 0711 104 458 or e-mail ask@beyondborders254.com
