Helmets and Motorcycle Accidents – Behind the Numbers
Motorcycles are seen by many as a more free way to travel from point A to B. The motorbike is a two wheel vehicle that has a motor and allows for its passengers to travel at speed comparable with most cars and are allowed to be driven on any road or freeway in the country.
Motorcycles have been around since the beginning of all motor vehicles. They are fuel efficient and safe if driven responsibly and in a safe environment. Motorcycle accidents occur when either the driver is behaving unsafely or the environment becomes risky.
Motorcycle Helmets
Most states require helmets to be worn at some point in a rider’s life. 19 states require all riders wear helmets at all times while operating a motorcycle. 28 states have laws that require helmets based on the age of the rider or operator. Usually 18 or 21 is the cut off age, depending on the state.
Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire are the only states which do not require helmets to be worn at all. These states are under heavy pressure by some groups to start requiring helmet use laws. The arguments for and against all center on safety vs total freedom. It’s an argument that goes back to the beginning of the formation of rider safety laws.
Injury Rates of Motorcycle Drivers
As you can imagine, injuries and fatalities of motorcycle riders are much higher than those of other vehicles. The lack of protection offered by a motorcycle coupled with the fact that it is small, hard to see, and only rides on two wheels make it much more dangerous.
A motorcycle accident attorney in Melbourne, Florida told us this “Even though only 3% of vehicles on the road are motorcycles, they make up 14% of all roadway fatalities. A helmet may not keep you from being injured at all but it can definitely save your life.”
Defensive Driving
I am sure all readers of this article remember the defensive driving chapter back in driver’s education classes. Though driving defensively cannot prevent all accidents, it does save lives.
When a motorcyclist is constantly on the lookout for larger vehicles making moves that put them in danger, the odds of getting into an accident decrease.
It’s important to remember that drivers of all skill levels are on the road. Everyone from a 16 year old kid with a brand new license to a 90 year old grandma who may not have the vision and reflexes she once did.
As a motorcyclist, you need to be vigilant and keep your head on a swivel. Just because you had the right of way does not mean the person will yield. And a mistake by your or the other driver can cost you your life. There is no coming back from that.
Motorcycle fatalities have actually increased dramatically in the last 10 years. There has never been a more important time to double down on defensive driving and protective gear when it comes to riding on a motorcycle.
