NHTSA Acts to Prevent Injuries during Motorcycle accidents from Defective Motorcycle Helmets

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is coming down hard on manufacturers of novelty helmets that do not protect motorcyclists.These novelty motorcycle helmets are not approved by the Department of Transportation, and do not protect motorcyclists from injuries in a motorcycle accident.As an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney, I am well aware of many serious injuries arising after accidents in which the driver was wearing a novelty helmet.

Helmets are a motorcyclist’s first line of defense against injuries in an accident.It’s important that motorcyclists wear helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will soon require new motorcycle helmets to come with a label that contains the words “DOT FMVSS 218 Certified.”

Novelty helmets have recently become very popular, because of their designs.However, testing has found that these helmets do not meet safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Those safety standards are contained in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.These standards cover a number of criteria, including impact absorption and penetration resistance.

Helmets that are approved by the Department Of Transportation meet the criteria contained in the standards, & come with a label certifying that they are approved by the Department of Transportation.However, manufacturers have been affixing “Department Of Transportation-Approved” labels on these non-approved helmets too. Persons who wear these helmets may have little or no protection in the event of an accident.

Atlanta’s motorcyclists will be in more danger of accidents with motorists now that summer is here.While a helmet is highly recommended for its effectiveness in preventing and reducing the severity of traumatic brain injury, it isn’t completely foolproof against injuries.Drivers this summer must take care to look out for motorcyclists at all times, especially those in their blind spots.Look out closer for motorcyclists at busy intersections or when you are pulling out of a parking lot.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers represent persons injured in motorcycle accidents across Georgia.