India, Sept. 13 -- Motorcycles are something of a paradox. People are attracted to motorcycles for the freedom and tenacity that they represent: the ability to ride down the open road, uninhibited by the layers of protection that a traditional automobile provides. And yet, that very free-wheeling experience comes at a cost. By riding a motorcycle, you are exposing yourself to potential hazards of the road in a far more pressing and pertinent fashion.

For example, if a car were to hit a sharp piece of metal shrapnel discarded by the side of the road, it would often result in a flat tire and a scratched-up bumper. This would be an inconvenience for the driver, but probably not detrimental to their overall health or well-being. Conversely, ...