It’s a tough economy, forcing Americans to seek cost-cutting measures to stay within the family budget. This includes everything from shopping for needs, instead of wants, using grocery store coupons more regularly, and finding less expensive modes of transportation. Across America we are giving up our cars and choosing instead to ride scooters and motorcycles both to and from work and around town on errands. Proportionately, as the number of motorcyclists increases on America’s roads, so do motorcycle accidents. And as more and more states are repealing their laws requiring motorcycle helmets, the number of motorcyclists on the road without a helmet is also on the rise.
Those who ride without a helmet are risking their lives to save a few dollars on fuel. They are risking serious injury and even death in order to look cool on their motorcycles. And it’s not just the thrill-seeking crotch rockets, it’s your neighbor or his son who is looking for a cheaper mode of transportation. Motorcycle fatalities have increased every year since 1996, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And one of the biggest causes of motorcycle fatalities is the refusal of riders to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that, “Motorcycle helmets have been shown to save the lives of motorcyclists and prevent serious brain injuries.” Why wait until your legislature requires a helmet to wear one? Why not choose instead to ride safely and ride smart?! The NHTSA keeps statistics on how helmets prevent injury and death. And they keep statistics on fatalities as well. Wouldn’t you rather be in the first statistic than the second?
Young people tend to think that “nothing is going to happen to me.” They tend to think that helmets are for the older generation. And they care all too much about how they look on the motorcycle instead of how they’ll feel if they ever lay the motorcycle down.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, helmets “can help to protect your brain, your face and even your life.” The research and engineering that goes into an approved helmet has resulted in a very specialized and sophisticated piece of life-saving gear. The tough outer shell is meant to compress upon impact, thereby lessening the force that comes into contact with your head. DOT-approved helmets also have an impact-absorbing inner liner designed to absorb the shock as your head hits the inside of the helmet. Helmets are also designed to break upon impact, as another way of absorbing the shock otherwise directed toward your head.
On top of the impact-absorbing liner is what helmet manufacturers refer to as comfort padding. It’s the layer next to your head providing comfort and fit. And the last part of the helmet, which is equally as critical as the others, is the chin strap or the retention system. The chin strap must be tightly secured to give you optimal protection.
Head injuries account for most motorcycle fatalities. But you don’t have to be one of the statistics - instead, choose to be one of the survivors. For a relatively small investment, compared to the cost of medical and hospital bills, you can invest in a good (DOT-approved) helmet that is both cool and protective. And don’t leave home without it. Whether you are going across country or across town, ride safe, ride smart, ride responsibly.
