Auto v. ped/bicyclist/motorcyclist collisions trigger immediate transport when the victim is thrown, run over, or impact exceeds what speed?

• A. >20 mph
• B. >15 mph
• C. >25 mph
• D. >30 mph

Answer: (A)

High-energy impact is the key factor. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, the amount of energy transferred to the body rises quickly with speed. If the victim is thrown, run over, or the impact exceeds about 20 mph, the injury pattern can be severe and internal injuries may not be immediately obvious. Because serious trauma can be present even with outwardly mild signs, the protocol calls for immediate transport to a trauma center in these high-energy collisions. Speeds below that threshold carry a lower, but still real, risk, so on-scene evaluation guides further decisions, but the 20 mph marker is the recognized trigger for urgent transport.