Thousands of motorcyclist lives could have been saved in motorcycle accidents over several decades if universal helmet laws had been in place in all U.S. states. Unfortunately, without these laws, many people were killed or suffered brain damage unnecessarily in motorcycle accidents.
A new study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds that as many as 11% of all motorcyclist and rider deaths over a period of close to 5 decades could possibly have been prevented if universal motorcycle helmet laws had been place in all states. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study, more than 22,000 motorcyclist lives could have been saved between 1976 and 2022 if all states had universal helmet laws. That means that about 11% of all motorcyclist wrongful deaths during this period of time could have been prevented.
Wearing a helmet can significantly help reduce a person’s chances of being killed in a motorcycle accident, just like seat belts can help save motorist lives in car accidents. In spite of that fact, all states have laws that require motorists and passengers to wear seat belts while driving, but only 17 states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring all motorcyclists and riders to wear helmets while riding.
The numbers of motorcyclists being killed in car accidents has been rising steadily over the past few years with approximately 6,000 motorcyclists being killed annually in auto accidents since 2021. Those numbers could be significantly reduced if more states came on board, and passed universal motorcycle helmet laws that require all motorcyclists and riders to wear helmets while riding. Many states that currently do not have universal helmet laws only require helmets for drivers below the age of 18.
Georgia’s universal motorcycle helmet laws require all motorcyclists and riders, regardless of their age, to wear helmets when they are riding. These laws have significantly helped reduce the number of motorcyclists being killed in auto accidents in the state of Georgia.
It is important to not only wear a helmet, but also to wear a helmet that meets the federal administration’s safety standards. Your helmet should fit you properly and should be comfortable to wear. When a helmet is uncomfortable, the motorcyclist is likely to neglect wearing one. Wearing protective motorcycle gear like elbow and knee pads and padded jackets can also help reduce the risk of other kinds of traumatic injuries in an accident. If you are new to motorcycling, make sure that you undergo a safety training program before you begin riding.
The Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in motorcycle accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or are a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for damages that include medical costs, lost income and other types of compensation. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.