Out of all the things you could do to help yourself in the case of a motorcycle crash, it’s putting on a helmet. Helmets do prevent brain injuries if a crash happens. Motorcyclists who ride without them are at a much greater risk of suffering from a permanent brain injury or ending up with catastrophic, or fatal, injuries.
According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, riders who wore helmets reduced the incidence of severe, critical or serious injuries by 85% compared to riders who did not wear a helmet. Riders who wear helmets also have a 73% lower risk of death than those who choose to ride without them.
What can you do to make your ride safer?
If you plan to go for a ride on your motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Remember that your helmet should be fitted to you and be designed for use on a motorcycle (and for high-speed impacts). You should also replace your helmet if you are involved in a crash, because the integrity of the unit may be compromised.
What should you do if you’re hit by someone but weren’t wearing a helmet?
Some people worry that they won’t be able to make a claim if they weren’t wearing a helmet, but that’s not the case at all. Even if you weren’t wearing the protective gear that you should have been during a collision, you can still hold the other driver responsible for the mistakes that led to your injuries. After all, your injuries would not have happened at all if not for their actions and mistakes that led to the crash. Our website has more on this important topic and what to do if you’re involved in a collision.
