Helmets Make A Big Difference For Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle riders know that motorcycle helmets play an important
role in their personal safety. The protective gear can
make a big difference should a motorcyclist run into trouble on the
road, but laws around the U.S. are affecting how these individuals
go about staving off injury. The Associated Press reports that laws
with loose restrictions regarding helmets are leading
to more harmful injuries for riders.
A study from the Highway Loss Data Institute found that the average
medical claim from motorcycle crashes in Michigan grew by one-fifth
in the past year, rising just as state lawmakers made it legal to
ride without a helmet. In the two years before the law was changed,
the average insurance claim was $5,410 - which then jumped 34
percent to $7,257 after the alteration.
"The cost per injury claim is significantly higher after the law
changed than before, which is consistent with other research that
shows riding without a helmet leads to more head injuries," David
Zuby, chief research officer for the Insurance Institute of Highway
Safety, told the news source.
The data underlines the need for all riders to equip themselves
with the right accessories, regardless of the law.
Helmets are a good start, but they are also just the beginning, as
things like motorcycle
jackets, gloves, boots and other apparel can go a long way to
providing safety.