Cruising on a motorcycle provides an unparalleled thrill and part of that experience is, as a driver or passenger, being one with the wind. On the flip side, motorcycle riders are relatively unprotected. The result is that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in an accident than their counterparts in automobiles.
Studies show that a motorcycle helmet is a crucial factor in reducing the likelihood of a fatality.
Motorcycle helmets save lives
Motorcycle accidents claim nearly 5,000 lives each year, but federal statistics are clear: riders who wear helmets are less likely to die in a crash. Studies comparing states with helmet laws to those that do not show that there are roughly 37% more motorcycle fatalities in the absence of helmet laws. In order to reap the benefits, it is important to choose the best motorcycle helmet for you.
Choosing the best motorcycle helmet
First, be sure the helmet fits properly. Be sure you can try it on, preferably in-store before you buy. If you buy online, make sure the store accepts returns without a fight, and consider ordering several sizes right off the bat.
Next, make sure the helmet provides full protection without impairing your vision. Some styles may offer a slimmer, more stylish profile, but it is at the sacrifice of safety.
Finally, be sure to look for a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. If it does, there will be a DOT symbol on the outside rear of the helmet, as well as a permanent label inside that identifies the manufacturer and provides instruction for care and use.
If the helmet meets the federal standard, it should weigh about three pounds and have a sturdy chin strap and thick foam lining. A certified helmet may or may not include a face shield; if it does not, always wear goggles to protect your eyes, because glasses are inadequate and can fall off.
Most common motorcycle injuries
Even with a proper helmet and other safety gear, the motorcycle rider’s body is vulnerable in a crash. The most common serious injuries include:
- Head injuries, including brain damage
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
Even when the injuries are not fatal, they can lead to long-term disability or impairment.
Recovery after a motorcycle crash
A motorcycle accident can cause physical, emotional, and financial distress for victims and their families. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and believe another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you meet the financial burdens caused by the crash. A settlement or court award can help pay past and future medical bills and lost wages, and provide compensation for disability, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been been injured in a motorcycle accident, call today to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at the Salamati Law Firm. We fight for the rights of those injured as the result of someone else’s carelessness.
Additional Motorcycle Helmet Resources:
- NHTSA, How to Identify Unsafe Motorcycle Helmets, https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/unsafehelmetid/pages/page2.htm
- NHTSA, Road Safety:Motorcycles, https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
- NHTSA Crash Stats, Traffic Safety Facts: Calculating Lives Saved by Motorcycle Helmets, https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/809861
