The Importance of Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities are on the rise in the U.S. The popularity of motorcycle riding has never been greater due to the increase in gas prices, the increased gas mileage compared to a car or truck, and the fun of riding a motorcycle. During the period from 2003 to 2007, 377 motorcyclists died in accidents on highways in and around Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, Trenton, Teaneck, and across the rest of the state of New Jersey. Every motorcycle accident presents a unique set of challenges. Police reports often place blame on the motorcyclist instead of on the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Motorcycle riders are frequently discriminated against because they do not have Personal Injury Protection insurance benefits. Juries need to be properly educated by an experienced motorcycle lawyer who has handled multiple personal injury cases because they may conclude that a motorcycle rider has assumed total risk when he or she makes the conscious decision to ride a motorcycle. Drivers of cars and trucks sadly often do not look out for motorcyclists. Bikes get laid down on pavement because drivers unaware of motorcycles near them may carelessly change lanes on highways like the New Jersey Turnpike without signaling. As the result of motorcycle accidents, riders may suffer a wide range of serious and life threatening injuries including brain trauma, damage to the spinal cord, fractures, and severe contusions. Facts Regarding Motorcycle Accidents in the State of New Jersey

Between the years 2003 to 2007, motorcycle registrations in the state of New Jersey increased by 17 percent. According to the Federal Highway Authority, approximately 2,500 motorcycles are involved in accidents each year on New Jersey highways. 21 percent of the total of fatal crashes on New Jersey highways involved excessive speed. 22 percent of all fatalities in motorcycle accidents involved riders who were not wearing helmets. 27 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved riders who were impaired with alcohol or drugs and operating their motorcycles under the influence. 23 percent of the riders involved had had a previous suspension of their motorcycle operators license. In the state of New Jersey, motorcycle accidents result in nearly 2,000 injuries every year.

More than 70 fatalities occur each year in New Jersey as the result of motorcycle crashes. Riders involved in motorcycle accidents in the state of New Jersey have a 75 percent chance of becoming injured.

The best defense against being involved in a motorcycle crash is for riders to obey the law and wear protective gear like helmets and protective clothing. The facts are clear that head/brain injuries are the leading cause of deaths in motorcycle accidents. In terms of protecting themselves and staying alive when crashes occur, wearing a Department of Transportation compliant helmet each time they ride is the most important step motorcycle riders can take. The Importance of Wearing Helmets While Riding a Motorcycle For over 40 years the value of motorcycle helmets in reducing the number of deaths and injuries has been well documented. That makes motorcycle helmets the best evaluated way to lower the number of deaths and injuries from motorcycle crashes. Nearly 41 percent (1,957) of the 4,810 motorcyclists who died or were injured in crashes across the U.S. in 2006 were not wearing helmets. It is estimated that today only 58 percent of all riders wear helmetsdown 13 percent from four years ago. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate, motorcycle helmets saved the lives of over 1,600 motorcyclists in 2006. 752 lives could have been saved across this country if motorcyclists had simply chosen to wear helmets. Motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Motorcyclists involved in accidents who choose not to wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer injuries to the brain than are riders who wear helmets. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, some motorcycle riders still oppose helmet use laws and refuse to wear helmets on the grounds that helmet laws take away individual freedom and represent interference by the government into their personal lives. Families of those injured as well as the rest of American society bear the enormous economic costs as well as psychological costs involved in injuries and deaths due to motorcycle riders who choose not to wear helmets. Costs surrounding hospitalization are higher for victims of motorcycle crashes who do not wear helmets than for those who do. Only a little more than half of motorcycle accident victims have their own private health insurance. The majority of the costs for medical care must be paid by the government/taxpayers for patient victims who are without private insurance. Specifications for a USDOT Compliant Helmet

WeightHelmets which meet USDOT standards have a more substantial feel to them. While many helmets weigh only one pound or less, USDOT approved helmets weigh approximately three pounds.

Inner linerUSDOT approved helmets have a one-inch thick liner made of firm polystyrene foam. Even if the inner liner is not visible, you should still be able to determine its thickness. Helmets that contain only soft foam padding are unsafe as are helmets which are just a bare plastic shell with no padding. DesignNo part of the helmet is allowed to extend farther than two-tenths of an inch from the helmets surface. Chin StrapsUSDOT approved helmets have sturdy chinstraps with solid rivets holding them in place. Counterfeit DOT stickersMany helmets have counterfeit DOT stickers, but the weight, the design, the thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are all features which distinguish a safe helmet from an unsafe one.

Making certain that a helmet is USDOT compliant is obviously extremely important, but also important is the comfort of the helmet itself. Protection provided by a helmet is of no value if the helmet is too uncomfortable to wear. Even different helmet models of the same brand can have an entirely different feel and fit. Studies done in order to assess the impact of wearing motorcycle helmets on hearing and vision have found that helmet use did not reduce either the ability of riders to see traffic around them or decrease the motorcyclists ability to hear sounds of surrounding traffic. Contact an Attorney If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the car accident attorneys of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. today. Call us at (800) LAW-2000 or fill out our online contact form. These articles are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.