Reasons to always wear a helmet on a motorcycle
Most people know that they should wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Find out why this is and why it is so important.
A motorcycle is the most vulnerable vehicle on the road in West Virginia. Unlike cars and trucks, there is nothing to offer extra protection between the rider and the outside world in the event of a crash. No vehicle structural elements, no seat belts and no air bags are there to cushion the impact of an accident. Add to this that motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, making them more difficult to see, and it is no surprise that many accidents involving them occur each day. This is why riders need to take safety precautions, the best of which is wearing a helmet.
It is the law
There are many reasons why motorcycle riders should always wear a helmet, but perhaps the most important is that it is against the law to ride in the state without one, according to the West Virginia Legislature. Whether a person is driving or just a passenger, he or she must wear a secured and fastened helmet. There have been moves to try to change the law to allow for exceptions, but it holds fast as one of the strictest helmet laws in the country.
Statistics tell a dark story
If following the law is not reason enough, riders may be swayed by looking at some statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, universal helmet laws, such as the one in West Virginia that require all riders to wear a helmet, are the single best way to prevent fatalities in a motorcycle accident.
The CDC reports that helmets help to reduce the chances of dying in an accident by 37 percent. In addition, they help by 69 percent to lower the risks of a serious brain injury. If that is not encouraging, then perhaps knowing that in 2016, over 1,800 lives were saved because riders were wearing a helmet will be eye opening.
More reasons
By now, it is clear that helmets can protect someone in an accident and prevent death or serious injury. However, some riders still take a risk and break the law by riding without wearing one. The World Health Organization notes that not wearing a helmet exposes a rider to the risk of brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other serious, life-threatening trauma. The helmet serves as a barrier and a cushion that can keep a person safe.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may need help with the legal aspects or clearing up the incident. You should contact an attorney, such as Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC.