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I’m well aware of the fact some motorcyclists believe the question of whether to wear or not to wear a motorcycle helmet is a freedom issue.
Although I respect the right of motorcyclists to make a choice, Virginia has a mandatory law that requires drivers and passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets. It’s one of 47 states that have a helmet law, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
There is also a considerable weight of evidence that suggests motorcycle helmets save lives and lessen the degree of injury. Of course, they are not a failsafe.
Riders are 39 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists due to the lack of protection afforded to them from their vehicle. A helmet is no guarantee that you won’t be injured or killed.
In this video, I talk about the issue of motorcycle helmet safety. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, terrible injuries can occur, especially in the head area.
A head injury can lead to memory losses and personality changes. Studies have proved, a helmet will greatly lessen your chances of a serious head injury in an accident.
Don’t take my word for it. Read the studies. In 2005 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published research saying helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing deaths of motorcyclists.
“Based on a comparison of fatal crashes involving motorcycles with two riders, at least one of whom was killed, the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated helmets to be about 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities,” the paper stated.
“In 2003, there were 3,661 rider deaths in fatal motorcycle crashes. An effectiveness of 37 percent for motorcycle helmets suggests that an estimated 1,158 additional motorcyclists would have died were it not for the fact that they were wearing helmets.”
It’s a substantial number. If you are not wearing a helmet and you are injured in a motorcycle crash in Virginia, it may be harder to make a case.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash call us at Cooper Hurley at 757.455.0077. See our frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents in Virginia.