What is classified as a major trauma high-risk mechanism of injury for a motorcyclist?

Impact at over 30 kph is classified as a major trauma high-risk mechanism of injury for a motorcyclist due to the significant forces involved at this speed. High-speed impacts are more likely to result in severe injuries because they can lead to greater kinetic energy transfer to the rider upon collision, increasing the risk of life-threatening trauma such as head injuries, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage.

In contrast, low-speed impacts typically result in less severe injuries due to the reduced energy involved, making them less likely to qualify as a major trauma risk. Similarly, impacts from a stationary vehicle may not produce the same level of force as those occurring at high speeds. Ankle fractures, while serious, do not indicate major trauma when considered independently; they are more of a localized injury rather than a sign of significant systemic trauma that often accompanies higher speed collisions. Therefore, the threshold of 30 kph is a critical determinant in defining the level of risk associated with motorcycle accidents.