What is the motorcycle crash speed that qualifies as a Major Trauma Victim?

In determining major trauma criteria related to motorcycle crashes, speeds above 20 mph are considered a significant threshold. This is because the kinetic energy involved in a crash increases dramatically with speed, leading to a higher likelihood of severe injuries.

When a motorcycle is involved in a collision at speeds greater than 20 mph, the force of the impact tends to cause more critical injuries to riders, including those affecting the head, spine, and other vital areas of the body. This threshold is based on research and clinical evidence that suggests that injuries sustained at these speeds are more likely to result in life-threatening conditions, necessitating advanced medical care and potential surgical intervention.

Evaluating the options provided, speeds lower than 20 mph typically do not result in injuries considered severe enough to classify a victim as a major trauma patient, as they are more likely aligned with minor to moderate injuries that typically do not require extensive emergency medical services or trauma response. Consequently, choosing a threshold of greater than 20 mph effectively captures those incidents where the potential for severe injury is greatly heightened, reflecting established trauma criteria in emergency care practices.