Motorcycle Helmets: The Single Most Effective Means of Reducing Injuries and Deaths in Crashes
Motorcycle Accident,Personal Injury - July 14, 2013 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries
As the warmth of summer continues to heat up Illinois, more and more motorcyclists are firing up their bikes to enjoy the good times riding has to offer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle related deaths have increased by 55% since 2000. As motorcycle ownership continues to grow to record highs, it is disheartening to know that motorcycle related deaths and traumatic brain injuries are expected to remain high. It is up to us to make sure that these numbers stay low; through protective measures and sound knowledge of safety we can help keep these numbers lower and continue to enjoy the entertainment and excitement that riding offers.
Helmets are Important
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, “wearing helmets that meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard is the single most effective means of reducing the number of people who get injured or die from motorcycle crashes. Helmets are estimated to reduce the likelihood of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%.” In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets saved the lives of over 1500 motorcycle riders in 2010 alone. Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of motorcycle crash death, meaning that wearing a helmet that is approved by the DOT can be life changing. Even if one suffers a non-fatal head injury there is still a lifetime of high cost rehabilitation and emotional trauma suffered by family and friends.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states with a universal helmet law on average save 8 times more riders’ livers per 100,000 motorcycle registrations each year, as compared to states that have no helmet law. Illinois is one of three states with no helmet law. To put this into perspective, North Carolina tops the charts with 79.8 lives saved per 100,000 registered motorcycles, while Illinois stands near the bottom with only 3.7 lives saved per 100,000 registered motorcycles. If you are out riding, make sure to strap on a helmet that meets the standards set by the Department of Transportation, it could just save your life.
Read more about Motorcycle injuries from the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Contact one of our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at 800-985-1819 for a free consultation if you or someone you know is injured in an accident involving a motorcycle.
