How Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?
The debate around motorcycle helmets has been a long-standing one in the United States. The nation is divided in opinions and that has resulted in different states implementing different laws with regard to motorcycle helmets. Some riders believe that motorcycle helmets are absolutely essential and that they are an indispensable accessory when riding.
However, for other riders, helmets are nothing more than a restriction, and they do nothing in protecting you in the event of a collision. With such different opinions, it is vital that we address the question that plagues several riders “Do motorcycle helmets really save lives?”
In this blog, we will look over some data and a couple of facts to determine whether helmets are actually all that necessary. Keep on reading!!
Are Motorcycle Helmet Effective?
There is no doubt about the fact that helmets help save lives. This has been backed by years of study. This is not to say that once you wear a helmet, you are completely invincible and that you will have absolutely zero chances of suffering from a brain injury or dying in a motorcycle accident. You will still face those risks but your probability of facing those risks will be reduced by a great percentage.
As per research, when a rider wears a helmet, they increase their probability of coming out alive from an accident by one-third and simultaneously reduces the risk of head injury by two-thirds. Statistics also suggest that legislation regulating the wearing of helmets is helpful in decreasing fatalities and injuries.
In fact, in the states that have universal helmet laws, 99 percent of the riders were seen traveling with a helmet on. Whereas, in the states where there are no such regulations, namely, Iowa, Illinois, and New Hampshire, the number was 71 percent.
Data As Per CDC
According to research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmet use significantly reduces motorcycle fatalities. As an organization, CDC strongly advocates the use of helmets in all US states.
According to a study conducted by CDC, it showed that 1,859 motorcycle fatalities were prevented in 2016 because the riders were wearing helmets. Furthermore, according to CDC statistics, another 802 fatalities may have been avoided in case the motorcyclists were wearing a helmet. CDC estimates that helmets are 69 percent beneficial in preventing serious brain injury among motorcyclists who are involved in accidents.
The organization estimates that, in general, 37 percent of all motorcycle deaths could be prevented only if the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The percentage is higher for passengers since according to CDC if the passengers had helmets on, they would be 41 percent less likely to die in a motorcycle crash.
This suggests that for every 100 deaths that take place due to motorcycle accidents, 37 riders and 41 passengers could be saved only if they cared enough to wear a helmet.
Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives
If you’re in a motorcycle wreck, chance are that you will be thrown off the motorcycle. And, at best you can hope to roll into a ditch or some area without damaging objects in your path. However, at worst, you and your head will collide with something … potentially something causing life threatening amount of trauma such as car, truck or tree.
As per data provided by the Brain Injury Institute, out of all the brain injuries in the United States, 17. 3 percent are caused by accidents relating to a vehicle. Head injuries can cause long-term cognitive disability, unconsciousness, and death. People who are truly fortunate enough to survive a catastrophic brain injury might require long-term care since the head trauma can impair the body’s capacity to operate and execute fundamental everyday functions.
Treatment for head trauma can be very expensive. The standards of living of those who endure irreversible brain injury will deteriorate significantly. When a head trauma ends in death, the bereaved members of the family left behind will be without the deceased’s affection, company, and financial assistance so even if you disregard your own life/safety, please consider the trauma you may put a family member or loved one through!
Motorcyclists should take every precaution to prevent being killed or seriously injured in a biking accident. Helmets can be extremely beneficial. According to the World Health Organization, wearing helmets reduces the risk of injury or death by approximately 70%.
Various Benefits of Motorcycle Helmets
Many individuals are reluctant to put on a helmet. Many argue that helmets heighten the danger of neck injury while also reducing peripheral vision as well as hearing. Nevertheless, there really is no solid evidence to back up these claims. Others dislike helmets since they believe they are bothersome or just don’t appear “cool.”
But, if a motorcyclist completely comprehends the advantages of wearing a bike helmet, perhaps they’ll end up making the responsible choice every time they turn the ignition on their motorcycle.
1. Prevents Injuries
Bike helmets can help avoid a variety of injuries, notably blunt force trauma, fractured bones, and facial lacerations. Nevertheless, the most deadly damage they can help avoid is major head trauma. The helmet’s principal role is to dissipate and disperse the force of an impact whenever a motorcyclist’s head collides with the pavement or any object.
Bruises and scrapes on the forearms, legs, as well as knees, are simpler to cure, but head trauma can result in long-term physiological, psychological, and cognitive problems that have a significant negative influence on the wounded motorcyclist’s life.
2. Ensures Visibility
Riding a motorcycle exposes motorcyclists to various potential dangers and, as odd as it may sound, that is one of the allures of riding a motorcycle. Even yet, these factors can present certain difficulties for motorcyclists, such as sun glare, pollution, rain, storm, dust, pebbles, debris, animals, and insects. Bike helmets with visors, in particular, assist to mitigate the impact of these hazards and keep motorcyclists safe and in charge of the situation.
A visor headgear, in particular, protects the motorist’s eyes, mouth, and head from injury. It may also function as the motorcyclist’s sunglasses, decreasing brightness in direct sunlight and keeping rainwater out of the motorcyclist’s eyes on wet days.
Tips To Keep In Mind
While helmets are necessary, they are equally difficult to pick. Keep the following pointers in mind.
- Many motorcyclists underestimate the value of a decent helmet, which may act as a genuine friend in times of peril. They believe that purchasing a helmet is a bad idea. Remember that a decent helmet can keep you safe from serious damage. Your headgear should be strong enough to absorb the impact and disperse it.
- It should be properly fitted to your skull. When you ride a motorcycle and it wiggles, you lose attention and feel irritated. Consequently, an accident is possible. Always attempt to select the ideal helmet with all of the necessary characteristics. It should be small in size but strong in construction.
- Buy a helmet that is DOT-certified. It is the minimum legal safety standard that you must look for when buying a helmet. Nevertheless, please remember that, although safety regulations are vital, they may not always ensure the safety and quality of a certain helmet. Helmets can sometimes have hidden flaws that render them inappropriate for usage. If you were injured in a bike crash and believe your headgear did not function properly, call an expert motorcycle wreck injury attorney to better understand your legal rights.
Final Thoughts
Many research studies suggest helmets in fact, do save lives. Yet depending on what state you live/ride in, you may be offered a choice to wear or not wear that helmet. We hope that you make an educated decision and just put the helmet … not only will you be adding a level of protection for your head, but you’ll also be reducing the chances of dirt, rocks, bugs, or even sunlight hitting your face and/or eyes and putting you in a dangerous situation!