How Much Do Helmets Reduce Motorcycle Accident Fatalities?

Motorcycles don’t offer the same amount of protection as other vehicles, which means that the injuries sustained by riders are a lot more likely to be catastrophic. Tragically, many of these injuries are so severe that they end up being fatal. Because riding a motorcycle is inherently more risky, riders are encouraged to wear helmets, even though Florida law doesn’t actually require it for riders over the age of 21 years old.

Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Injury Severity 

While wearing a helmet doesn’t guarantee that a rider won’t sustain a head injury, it can significantly reduce a person’s chances of suffering a fatal injury. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that motorcycle helmets lower the risk of fatal injury by 37 percent. They are also extremely effective in reducing the severity of injuries, especially to the head often by as much as 69 percent. Even if an accident victim suffers a brain, head, or facial injury, he or she may only experience mild to moderate symptoms, whereas someone who didn’t wear a helmet would have suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Any kind of decrease in the severity of a head injury can make all the difference in the quality of life for an accident victim.

Why Motorcycle Helmets are Effective 

Motorcycle helmets contain a cushioned layer of foam that redistributes the force of collisions, so when an accident victim strikes his or her head, the skull won’t absorb all of the force of impact. This can keep the brain from striking against the inside of the skull, which would normally result in bruising and bleeding. Motorcycle helmets distribute this force differently, spreading it throughout the layer of padding rather than the brain. Helmets also offer protection against facial injuries, as most have a raised design that prevents riders from suffering abrasions, lacerations, and facial fractures, as well as dental injuries. Finally, because motorcycle helmets are designed to provide support to the neck, wearing a helmet while riding can help protect against neck trauma, like strained muscles, fractures, or even herniated discs.

Motorcycle Helmets Don’t Eliminate the Risk of Injury 

While they have proven to be extremely effective at reducing the severity of head, facial, and neck injuries in accident victims, motorcycle helmets are no guarantee of safety. Riding a motorcycle is simply more dangerous than driving a standard passenger vehicle (an already perilous venture), as motorcycles are harder to balance, more difficult to see, and don’t offer nearly as much protection to users.

Contact Our Tampa Office Today 

Even motorcycle users who wear helmets could end up suffering substantial losses in an accident because of someone else’s negligence. If this happens to you or a loved one, it’s important that you know that you have legal options when it comes to financial recovery. To learn more, please call 813-251-0072 and set up a consultation with one of the experienced and compassionate Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson today. A member of our team is standing by and prepared to get started on your case right away.

Sources: 

archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/policy/hi5/motorcycleinjury/index.html

crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/809715