Some people do not like having to follow this helmet law. They feel that a helmet takes away from the overall experience of riding. However, a helmet is an important safety device that could mean the difference between life and death in a Southern California motorcycle accident.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, “wearing a helmet is the single most important factor in surviving a motorcycle crash.” The Brain Injury Association lists numerous facts about helmets in its report, “Help Motorcyclists Live Better Longer: Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury.” This report cites the following information:
- Brain injury is the number one cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
- Someone not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to suffer a deadly brain injury and 15 percent more likely to sustain a nonfatal brain injury than a helmeted motorcyclist.
- Helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing death.
- Motorcycle helmets are believed to save about 1,500 lives annually.
The good news is that more motorcyclists are wearing helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmet use went up to 67 percent in 2009, which is higher than 2008 that had a 63 percent usage.
Helmets protect faces, too.
According to a new study of motorcycle accidents, helmets reduce the chances of suffering a serious face injury. The study looked at records of approximately 46,000 motorcyclists sent to U.S. hospital between 2002 and 2005. Of those, approximately:
- 1,400 bikers suffered face bruises.
- 2,300 had eye injuries.
- 1,700 had nose injuries.
- 800 had a busted jaw.
- 77 percent were wearing helmets
Conclusion
The study concluded that those wearing a motorcycle helmet were 60 percent less likely to suffer a serious face injury in a motorcycle accident.
“I think it certainly supports the idea that there should be mandatory helmet laws,” said Dr. Joseph Crompton of UCLA.
A Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney from our office will be able to sit down with you and explain your legal rights. Contact us today for more information.
