Motorcycle Helmets Can Prevent Major Injuries in Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can be extremely tragic, changing to course of a life in an instant. This is especially true of collisions that involve motorcycles given how exposed and vulnerable a motorcyclist is. Our team of Oklahoma City lawyers has helped countless individuals with trials and settlements that involve serious motorcycle accidents, and we always fight diligently for what is right.
We know just how deadly a motorcycle accident can be, which is why we feel it's important that motorcyclists wear helmets while they're on the road. As you're about to read, a motorcycle helmet can be a lifesaver.
Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents: Fatalities and Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were roughly 88,000 motorcyclists injured in the year 2013; 4,668 motorcyclists were killed that year. In 2012, 93,000 motorcyclists were injured in collisions; 9,986 motorcyclists were killed.
Keep in mind that fewer than 3 percent of registered passenger vehicles are motorcycles, yet on average motorcyclists represent 9 percent of all passenger vehicle fatalities each year.
Given these numbers, you can understand why safety while on the road needs to be a major concern. Thankfully you can save your life and prevent severe injuries by wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Motorcycle Helmets Can Save Lives
Motorcycle helmets can prevent major head trauma and serious brain damage. Preventing these kinds of injuries can save lives and prevent long-term issues with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The numbers do not lie. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) of the NHTSA has estimated that motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatalities.
Motorcycle Helmets and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
In addition to saving lives, helmets can prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or reduce their severity. NHTSA studies have found that 15 percent of people wearing helmets that were hospitalized after a motorcycle accident experienced TBI compared to 21 percent not wearing helmets. Roughly 9 percent of people without helmets suffered moderate TBI compared to 7 percent of people wearing helmets. In addition, 7 percent of people not wearing helmets suffered severe TBI while 4.7 percent of people wearing helmets suffered a severe TBI.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
While motorcycle helmets are effective protecting motorcyclists, they are not mandatory for everyone. A safety helmet only needs to be worn by people on motorcycles who are under the age of 18. If you are older than 18, there is no law requiring that you wear a helmet.
Be Safe Rather Than Sorry
While it may be legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet on, it may not be the smartest move. It's important that you consider protecting yourself from serious brain injuries and head injuries given the impact they can have on your life. Be sure to wear a helmet no matter how old you are. Again, it can save your life.
Other Protective Gear to Consider
In addition to motorcycle helmets, it's a good idea for motorcyclists to consider investing in riding jackets, boots, jeans, gloves, and perhaps even more advanced riding gear. Not only will this great prevent serious fatalities, but it could keep you out of the hospital.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. Our team of attorneys will work with you to help recover damages following a serious collision.
