Some motorcyclists complain that helmets are uncomfortable, but there is no denying that they save lives. This is why Louisiana requires all riders to wear this vital piece of safety equipment. The keys are to buy one that fits properly and is highly rated. Whether it is a quick trip to the store on city streets or a road trip on the highway, helmets provide needed protection to bikers.
Important statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates for a national helmet law, citing several vital statistics:
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
- Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%
- Helmets saved a projected 1,859 lives in 2016
It should also be noted that not having national helmet laws has an annual economic cost of $1 billion
No guarantees
It is clear that helmets work, but that does not mean that cyclists still do not get hurt or die. Statistics from the Car Insurance Institute include:
- 4,985 riders died riding a motorcycle in 2018
- Motorcyclists are 29-times more likely to suffer fatal injuries
- Drunk driving accounts for one-third of all deaths on a motorcycle
It is not just the riders
Motorcycle riding is significantly more dangerous, but they often are not at fault. Other motorists can cause crashes and injuries because they failed to observe the rules of the road, did not see the motorcyclist or did not recognize the rights of riders on the road.
It is important to remember that a personal injury attorney can be a tremendous help in holding negligent drivers on in cars or on back accountable in a court of law. Those with questions about injury or liability should speak with an attorney who handles motorcycle accidents.
