Burn Injury from Parked Motorcycle Muffler
"Owner's Fault" vs "Parents' Fault" Divided Opinions
Severe Cases Can Cause Third-Degree Burns... Beware of Burns
There has been an ongoing debate online regarding parents who claimed their child suffered burns from the muffler (exhaust pipe) of a parked motorcycle. On the 2nd, a photo of a note attached to a motorcycle was posted on an online community. The note read, "To the motorcycle owner, my child got burned by the hot metal part under the motorcycle and is going for treatment. If you see this note, please contact us," along with a phone number.
Although the message was brief, opinions were divided over the motorcycle owner's responsibility. Some said, "I also got burned passing by a motorcycle like that, and even after decades, the scar remains. It happens much faster than you think," and "If it's on a sidewalk or a path where people walk, the owner should definitely be held responsible," criticizing the motorcycle owner.
On the other hand, some responded, "It's a motorcycle parked on the street, so it's the parents' fault for not supervising," "The person who walked close to the motorcycle was careless," and "If the parking location is problematic, a fine can be imposed, but there seems to be no obligation to compensate for the child's burn." Some even criticized the parents, saying, "It's like blaming the landowner for tripping over a stone."
Frequent Contact Burns... Caution Needed Near Motorcycles
The motorcycle muffler can reach temperatures of up to 300°C while riding. Even after stopping, touching the muffler with bare legs can cause burns.
The motorcycle muffler is an internal combustion engine component mounted at the rear, which heats up to 70?100 degrees Celsius when started and can reach 200?300 degrees Celsius during riding. Burns from motorcycle mufflers occur frequently, so caution is necessary. Even a brief touch on an unprotected muffler can cause deep second-degree burns or, in severe cases, third-degree burns. Riders should avoid wearing shorts even in hot weather and are advised to wear ankle boots. Small children should not go near the muffler.
If contact is made with a hot motorcycle muffler, blisters may form, or the skin may peel off, resulting in red wounds. Experts advise never to pop blisters or remove peeled skin. If the wound area turns yellow or white, after emergency treatment, the wound should be protected with a clean towel or gauze and medical burn treatment should be sought.
Emergency treatment is crucial for contact burns. First, the burn area should be cooled thoroughly with running water or saline solution for about 15?20 minutes. If there are clothes or accessories on the burn area, they should be removed as they can conduct heat. If blisters or peeled skin expose the wound, it should be protected to prevent exposure.
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