Motorcycle Helmet - A Good Habit to Fit Into
-resized-600.jpg)
When it comes to riding a motorcycle, there are three important safety tips every rider must follow.
- Wear a helmet.
- Wear a helmet.
- Wear a helmet.
Was that clear enough? No? Let us say it a different way. Wearing a helmet when you ride isn't just good sense. It could save your life. And it doesn't take a mountain of statistics to prove that wearing a helmet could prevent death or serious injury, either. But just in case you need the proof, here are some grisly statistics about injuries and deaths related to unhelmeted riders.
- According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 4,000 people died in motorcycle accidents in the United States in 2009.
- Head injuries are the leading cause of death in unhelmeted riders.
- Motorcyclists are 39 percent more likely to die in an automobile crash and eight times more likely to be injured than a passenger car occupant.
- Riders who don't wear helmets are 66 percent more likely to suffer a serious brain injury in a motorcycle accident.
- Several studies have leaked weaker helmet laws with increases in motorcycle deaths.
- In most states, wearing a helmet is the law.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet simply makes sense. Choosing not to wear a helmet dramatically increases your risk of dying and of serious injury. Traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent disability preventing you from working and living independently not to mention riding anymore. A serious brain injury will leave with months to years of physical, occupational and cognitive therapy, out of this world medical bills, and a complete loss of your independence.
With these kinds of risks, why would you take the chance of not wearing a helmet?
Helmets come in a wide range of styles to accommodate the needs of any rider. It's easy to find one that is safe, stylish and that fits your unique riding needs. There are sport bike helmets, touring helmets, modular helmets, dual sport helmets, open face helmets and even an extensive array of helmets made just for women.
Helmets also come in a wide range of safety certifications. If you ride in more risky situations where crashes are more common, you might want to choose a helmet with the highest safety certification. If you ride a scooter only on surface streets to and from work, you may not need such an involved helmet.
Most riders should consider having different helmets for different riding circumstances and conditions. There may be times when a sport helmet makes the most sense or a helmet with a visor. Other times, you may prefer an open face helmet.
But, no matter what helmet you use, remember the three safety rules.
- Wear a helmet.
- Wear a helmet.
- Wear a helmet.
We think you've got it now.