Wearing a motorcycle helmet is something all riders should do every time they’re riding, no matter how short of a trip they’re taking.
That’s because helmets work. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says, “Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.”
If you’re thinking about buying a motorcycle or dirt bike, you should wear motorcycle or dirt bike helmets every time you ride. Helmets can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.
“If you’re thinking about buying a
motorcycle or dirt bike, you should wear
motorcycle or dirt bike helmets
every time you ride.”
Here are five reasons to wear a motorcycle helmet.
It’s the law (in many states)
This is reason enough to wear a helmet.
Driving a motorcycle is a luxury and an ideal way for many people to get around. You don’t want to get a fine for doing something you enjoy, especially when the fine is so easily avoidable and following the rules can greatly benefit you and your safety.
While not every state has helmet laws, 19 states and the District of Columbia require helmets for all riders, according to the highway institute. Even if your state of residence doesn’t have helmet laws, if you cross state lines, then that state might require a helmet, and you could be fined if you’re not wearing one.
They reduce the risk of head injuries
This is a key reason to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
Helmets don’t eliminate brain injuries altogether, but, as stated earlier, they’re about 67 percent effective in preventing those types of injuries.
The last thing anyone wants is for a serious injury to occur, no matter who is at fault. Also, injured riders might at times need to contact brain injury lawyers. This could be because the rider isn’t at fault and the at-fault driver’s insurance company isn’t willing to pay some (or all) of the damages caused to not only the motorcycle, but medical expenses as well.
A rider might not think a concussion is a serious injury, but it’s essential to be aware of concussion signs if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, whether you’re wearing a helmet or not.
Some symptoms of concussions include the following, (according to the Mayo Clinic):
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed
- Fatigue
Helmets shield from road debris and other elements
Wearing a helmet can help you avoid hazards such as rocks or other types of debris that can kick up from the road and into your face. A helmet can also prevent dust and other things from getting into your eyes, which could affect your visibility and lead to an accident. These can include rain, sunshine and wind.
Helmets increase visibility
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are harder to see on the road than cars and trucks. However, a helmet can increase a rider’s visibility as a result of many helmets having reflectors or other types of materials that make them more visible.
They save lives
Helmets save lives.
According to the CDC, “Helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016.” More lives could have been saved if more motorcycle drivers wore helmets.
Motorcycle accidents happen. They aren’t necessarily more common than car and truck accidents, but riders are more prone to serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Motorcyclist deaths occurred 28 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2016 fatal crash data.”
You might be a safe and cautious driver, but accidents still occur. Luckily, helmets can help prevent serious injuries and death, and motorcyclists should wear them every time they ride.
Do you use a helmet when you ride a motorcycle?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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