More than 30,000 Motorcycle Helmets are Recalled by Manufacturer Vega

Motorcyclists have little protection and are almost 40 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car drivers. Helmets are one of the few pieces of equipment they have at their disposal that can help protect them in accidents. Head and brain injuries are always a significant risk for motorcyclists.

Helmets cannot provide complete protection but studies have shown they can help. As such, Virginia is one of 20 states to make helmet use mandatory for all riders.

I was, therefore, alarmed to read of a recent announcement by Vega Helmet Corp. that it is recalling more than 30,000 XTS motorcycle helmets after deficiencies were found during testing that revealed some helmets failed to meet crash protection safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said riders may not be adequately protected in a crash. The recall applies to large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large (or XXL) helmets.

The helmets that fail to meet standards were made between May 2011 and last October, according to a notice posted on December 29, 2012, on the NHTSA’s website.

The company, which is based in Tukwila, Washington, said it will replace the recalled helmets.

Despite their best efforts at motorcycle safety – including the uses of helmets and other protective gear – motorcyclists are still at the mercy of other drivers on the road, many of whom do not afford motorcycles the same respect they afford to other vehicles.

The Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA personal injury law firm, Cooper Hurley, handles automobile, truck, and motorcycle injuries as well as wrongful death, railroad injury cases and medical malpractice. John Cooper and Jim Hurley have more than 40 years of combined experience in specializing in auto injury as well as other accident claims. Attorney John Cooper has been named to Virginia “Super Lawyers” since 2010. Cooper Hurley represents people hurt in accidents in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News and throughout VA, and always put the best interests of our clients first. The firm is recognized by other lawyers as “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, a national attorney rating service, for our top level of legal skill and highest ethical standards. Our motto is: “Your Injury. Our fight.” If you need help or advice about a serious injury, please call us at (757) 455 -0077 or contact us through this website.