Riding a motorcycle in Oakland or other parts of Northern California not only helps save money on gas, but it's also an enjoyable way to get around. However, motorcycles can pose many risks to riders if an accident occurs, especially if helmets are not worn, helmets are not worn properly, or an effective helmet is not worn. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) kicking off spring with May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, all motorists are being reminded of their responsibility to "share the road" safely with motorcycles and motorcyclists are being reminded to stay visible to others on the road.
Motorcycle helmets play an important role because they give riders just about the only protection they can get in the event of a crash. Head injuries are the leading cause of death among unhelmeted motorcyclists. Motorcycles are unenclosed, making helmets and protective clothing essential for a motorcyclist's safety against hard road surfaces. California motorcycle helmet laws are universal, meaning that all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets.
Data provided by the NHTSA emphasizes the importance of helmets in helping prevent serious injury or death to motorcyclists. Some motorcyclists might think that helmets make them lose their edge or that helmets are not "cool." Other riders might think that helmets interfere with their vision or hearing, which shouldn't be the case if the right helmet is selected and worn properly. Considering that motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists' lives in 2008, riders who have doubts should think again. The good news is that motorcycle helmet use saw a jump from 48 percent in 2005 to 67 percent in 2009.
Oakland motorcycle crash attorneys are familiar with the serious and potentially life-altering consequences that motorcycle accident victims must cope with. There is no denying that compared to cars, motorcycles are more dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the federal government estimates that per mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles in 2007 was approximately 37 times the number in cars.
Help spread the word about motorcycle safety and accident prevention. Be safe, everyone!
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