The feel of the wind rushing through your hair as you cruise down the open highway on your motorcycle is exhilarating. You feel free and uninhibited. There’s nothing that can compare to the experience. However, freedom often comes with a price that many are not willing to pay.
Motorcycle accidents are often more serious than regular automobile accidents because there is less machinery to protect the driver. Additionally, those who decide to skip the helmet so they can feel the wind in their hair, often suffer severe head trauma during an accident—or worse.
Motorcycle riders should be aware of some sobering statistics before they set out to ride without protection:
• According to figures issued in a 2012 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), motorcycle drivers have a 67 percent higher chance of surviving a motorcycle accident if they wear helmets. Passengers wearing helmets increase their chances of survival by 69 percent.
• States that do not have universal helmet laws for all riders have seen a 55 percent increase in fatal motorcycle accidents and traumatic brain injuries. (Same CDC study).
• Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle helmets do not impair vision or hearing. It’s an urban legend that the driver cannot hear oncoming traffic when wearing a helmet.
Some states don’t have universal helmet laws. Indiana, for example, is one that currently doesn’t. At this time, only those people 18 and younger, or those with a learner’s permit, are required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle in that state.
Wearing a helmet is only the first line of defense when riding a motorcycle. Indianapolis personal injury attorney Randy Sevenish, a rider himself, states that even the most experienced rider, wearing full protection, must constantly be on the lookout for negligent drivers or dangerous road hazards.
Helmet Construction
Motorcycle helmets come in many different styles, but their construction is similar. A helmet consists of an outer shell, made from a durable material, and an inner lining constructed from shock absorbing materials.
The law in many states (including Indiana) requires that anyone operating a motorcycle must use protective eye wear. When looking for a helmet, you may want to opt for one that has a face guard. This eliminates the need for goggles, and provides extra facial protection in the event of an accident.
When purchasing a helmet, you should look for one that is DOT certified. This certification means that the materials used in the construction of the helmet are the best choice for your protection. Vintage helmets should be avoided, as they may not meet these certification standards.
If You Are Injured While Driving a Motorcycle
In Indiana, regardless of whether you choose to wear a helmet or go bare headed, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident and you are not at fault you may be entitled to specific compensation under law.
It’s important that, once you’ve been treated and your injuries stabilized, you contact a personal injury attorney about the accident. A competent attorney can evaluate the accident and determine what forms of compensation you are entitled to. Compensation could cover medical costs, lost wages, extended medical care and even pain and suffering.
It’s a wonderful experience to own and drive a motorcycle. There’s something about the entire wind-in-your-hair thing that can really get your blood pumping. You can enjoy all the freedom a motorcycle has to offer however, while increasing your chances of surviving an accident, just by choosing to wear a helmet.
Freelance writer Richard Freeland contributes this article for veteran motorcyclists as well as those thinking about joining the ranks of motorcycle riding enthusiasts. Sevenish Law is an Indianapolis personal injury attorney firm committed to diligently fight for the rights of motorcyclists injured in accidents while pursuing their passion.
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