June 19, 2012
Wearing a helmet is a motorcyclist’s best bet for reducing the chances of injury or death in the event of a Texas Motorcycle Accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that as many as 1,500 motorcyclists’ lives were saved by wearing helmets in 2010. Not all helmets are equally constructed for safety though and recently, the NHTSA warned riders of the dangers of wearing a certain model and brand of helmet.
KVUE News reported that more than 14,000 of the 5X5/SA-08 helmets that were imported and sold by Tank Sports, Inc., of California, aren’t safe for use. The article explains that the helmets never underwent Department of Transportation (DOT) testing or approval for safety.
DOT standards require all helmets to undergo penetration testing to ensure that the helmet will fully protect the head, skull, and brain in the event of a crash. The outer shell and inner liner of the Tank Sports, Inc. helmets were both cracked through during recent testing by DOT officials.
While no deaths or injuries have been reported in connection with the helmets, experts warn riders who have them to stop using them and replace them immediately.
The Austin Personal Injury Lawyers with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers would like to remind all motorcycle riders to always wear a DOT-approved helmet, and require passengers to do the same, every time you ride your bike. Doing so could save your life.