The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent statistics regarding motorcyclists are sobering. In 2012, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes. 93,000 others were injured. Even more sobering? If the individuals involved in these incidents had been wearing helmets, many of the deaths and disabling injuries could have been prevented.
May is National Motorcycle Safety Month. Warmer weather means more people feel like taking their bikes for a spin, but it also means more motorcycle accidents. It’s important for all motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and watch for motorcyclists, and it’s equally important for motorcyclists to take all of the necessary safety precautions to ensure that their fellow drivers see them on the road.
Why You Need a Helmet
A good helmet is every motorcyclist’s most important piece of safety equipment. According to the NHSTA, motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to have a fatal crash than an automobile driver, but wearing a helmet can reduce that by nearly one-third. That’s definitely worth the helmet hair.
Motorcycle helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of injury and fatality in study after study. Motorcycle helmets are mandatory in many states because, like seat belts, they are designed to protect individuals on the road.
Some may argue that wearing a helmet is dangerous because it obscures their vision or impairs their hearing. This is simply not true of a quality helmet. Less than three percent of peripheral vision is limited with a motorcycle helmet, and hearing should not be affected by the helmet—in fact, the helmet may even improve hearing because it reduces noise from the wind.
Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet
Consider a full-face helmet that includes a visor, as this helmet style will provide the most protection for your head and eyes. There a number of colors and designs available and there’s sure to be a lightweight helmet out there that matches your personal style.
Check for a DOT or SNELL sticker on the inside or outside of any helmet you are considering. The sticker signifies that the helmet meets the safety standards set by the United States Department of Transportation and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helmet safety standards.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman is a compassionate advocate for individuals who have been injured as well as their families and will fight for full compensation for injury victims’ claims. Schuerman Law has evening and weekend appointments available in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.