Motorcycles are among the most dangerous types of vehicles to drive, but also one of the most enjoyable. They offer little to no protection from outside forces, leaving drivers extremely vulnerable in accidents.
It’s up to the driver to take as many safety precautions as possible to reduce their risk of being seriously hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident.
We’re looking at four of the top motorcycle safety factors – helmets, riding clothes, road conditions, and driver behavior.
Let’s talk about motorcycle helmets.
Myths About Motorcycle Helmets
Not all motorcycle riders are enthusiastic about wearing a helmet. They might think:
It’s Harder to See When Wearing a Helmet
If you’re wearing a motorcycle helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), your visual field should not be impacted. You may need more time to become accustomed to a new helmet, or you may have problems with your vision unrelated to your helmet.
It’s Harder to Hear When Wearing a Helmet
Three-quarter and full-face motorcycle helmets reduce wind noise, meaning they can actually improve your hearing on the road.
It’s Not Necessary to Wear a Helmet in Massachusetts or New Hampshire
Massachusetts law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a state-approved helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Unfortunately, New Hampshire has yet to pass progressive helmet safety laws and does not require helmet use by motorcyclists or their passengers.
Motorcycle Helmet Statistics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Motorcycle helmets reduce the chances of a motorcycle accident being fatal by 37%.
- Helmets reduce the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by 69%.
- In 2016, helmets saved approximately 1,859 lives.
- If all motorcyclists chose to wear a DOT-approved helmet that year, 802 additional lives would have been saved.
- If all motorcyclists chose to wear a DOT approved helmet, the U.S. would save roughly $1 billion annually.
How to Choose a Good Motorcycle Helmet
Selecting a motorcycle helmet tends to be more involved than shopping for a bicycle helmet. Ideally, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes and someone will be able to help you take measurements or answer questions.
What to Look For
- A high DOT rating
- A good fit
- Comfort over time
After you find the right helmet, be sure to look at options for quality riding clothes – another often overlooked type of motorcycle safety gear.
I Was in a Motorcycle Crash and Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet. Will My Lawsuit Be Affected?
If you were in a motorcycle collision and were not wearing a helmet, the other side’s attorneys will likely try to pin any head, face, and neck injuries on you.
However, if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, they can be usually be held legally responsible for all the damages that arose from it. If you are determined to also be partially at fault for the cause of the accident though, your settlement may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Mazow | McCullough, PC Are the Experienced Injury Attorneys You Need
Mazow, McCullough, PC are experienced motorcycle accident attorneys who are committed to serving injured victims and their families in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Contact us now for your consultation at 855-693-9084 or locally in Salem, MA at (978) 744-8000.
