The gear that motorcyclists wear while riding does not simply add to the look. Rather, gear such as leather jackets, close-toed shoes and helmets provide essential protection to riders in the event of a crash. Unlike drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists lack significant external protection.
Although they may seem unnecessary or inconvenient, helmets may provide essential protection to motorcyclists.
Facing the facts
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle may help safeguard people from suffering potentially serious or fatal injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle accidents resulted in 5,014 motorcyclists’ deaths in 2019 alone. During that same year, fatalities resulting from motorcycle-involved crashes made up 14% of all motor vehicle-related deaths.
While motorcycle wrecks pose a significant risk for head trauma and other serious and fatal injuries, helmets may help. Research shows that helmets may help prevent 67% of brain injuries and 37% of motorcycle deaths.
Choosing a safe helmet
Choosing the right helmet and wearing it anytime they ride may keep motorcyclists safe. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, motorcyclists must have DOT-compliant helmets when riding on the state’s roads and highways. When shopping for a helmet, in addition to looking for the compliance certification label, people should consider the style of helmet they want, ensure the correct fit and make sure it fastens securely. Full face helmets, as opposed to three-quarter or half helmets, offer the most protection by covering all the head and face. Whatever the style they choose, motorcyclists’ helmets should fit snugly but comfortably so that they will not come off in a fall or cause headaches or sore areas due to over-tightness.
Suffering a traumatic brain injury or other such catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident may have lasting effects and impacts on people’s lives. Taking precautions such as wearing a helmet, however, may help riders to protect themselves while on the road.