Whether you own a motorcycle, ride one, or don’t ride at all, you may believe one of these frequent motorcycle helmet myths. Continue reading to learn the facts. For a free legal consultation, call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
Helmets are not necessary since fatal motorcycle accidents are decreasing
False. Consider that approximately 5,000 people died in fatal motorbike accidents in the United States alone in 2018. In 1997, there were more than twice as many fatal motorcycle accidents. Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began collecting statistics in 1975, these accidents are at an all-time high.
Helmets are ineffective
False. Helmets minimize the chances of a fatal motorcycle accident as well as the chances of a major motorcycle accident. Helmets can cut the chance of fatality by 37 percent to 42 percent, depending on which study you look at. A person who does not wear a helmet is three times more likely than someone who does to suffer a catastrophic brain injury.
Motorcycles are only ridden by young men
False. Some argue that the lack of complete compliance with helmet legislation is due to the fact that the majority of riders are young guys, who are legendary risk-takers. This is untrue. In fact, the average age of a motorbike owner was 50 in 2018. In 1980, the average age of a motorbike owner was 27 years old. People over the age of 50 accounted for only 3% of motorcycle fatalities in 1982, but by 2018 they accounted for one-third of all fatalities.
Women are also biking in greater numbers than ever before. Women made up only 6% of motorcycle owners in 1990, but they now make up over 20% of owners in 2018. Women account for only 3% of fatal motorcycle accident victims.
All helmets are created equal
False. Yes, it is true to say that a helmet sold for the purpose of head protection must meet government performance standards. Other helmets, on the other hand, can be sold as “novelty” helmets. Motorcycle riders who use novelty helmets are twice as likely to die in a crash as those who wear full-face, licensed helmets.
Not all approved helmets are made equal. Half-coverage, which covers the upper half of the head, open-face, and full-face are the three options. According to studies, people who wear half-coverage helmets are twice as likely to suffer a brain injury in an accident as those who wear open-face or full-face helmets.
If you or a loved one has been wounded in a motorcycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we invite you to contact the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We can give you with a free legal consultation so you can learn more about your alternatives.
