| During the year of 2003, motorcyclists were | | | | to equip passengers, particularly passengers |
| 32 times more likely than a passenger in a | | | | who are under 21, with helmets may be |
| car to die in an auto accident, according to | | | | considered negligent. Helmets must always |
| The National Highway Traffic Safety | | | | meet requirements and standards of state and |
| Administration. Motocycle and auto accidents | | | | federal governments or the risk of traumatic |
| are together, a main cause in traumatic brain | | | | brain injury is still possible. |
| injury in America. Of the motorcycle | | | | |
| accidents that occur, almost one out of five | | | | Other Brain Injury Risks for Motorcyclists |
| lead to brain and spine/neck injuries. | | | | |
| Motorcyclists often are blind-sided on roads | | | | Even though proper equipment significantly |
| because other vehicle drivers simply do not | | | | cuts down a motorcyclist's chance of a |
| see them or do not stop for a motorcyclist. | | | | traumatic brain injury, it is not foolproof. |
| | | | Riders must stay aware of other factors that |
| Helmets are not always full-proof and | | | | could lead to a motorcycle accident involving |
| traumatic brain injuries can still occur, | | | | a traumatic brain injury. Motorcyclists are |
| although not penetrating the brain, parts | | | | advised to check their bikes and equipment |
| affecting speech can be injured. Helmets | | | | for problems before each ride; adjust the |
| should always be worn because if an accident | | | | suspension and tire pressure of the |
| were to occur, a penetrating brain injury is | | | | motorcycle when carrying a passenger; wear |
| extremely serious. | | | | boots, gloves and other protective gear; and |
| | | | be prepared for environmental or road |
| Helmets Essential to Prevent Traumatic Brain | | | | changes. |
| Injury | | | | |
| | | | The cost of an accident that causes traumatic |
| Study after study shows that the best way to | | | | brain injury can be severe. A traumatic brain |
| prevent a traumatic brain injury is to wear a | | | | injury causes brain damage that can range |
| helmet approved by the federal Department of | | | | from a mild concussion to severe, |
| Transportation. (Some also carry approval | | | | life-changing disabilities such as trouble |
| from the Snell Memorial Foundation, a | | | | communicating, personality changes, |
| nonprofit organization dedicated to testing | | | | schizophrenia or even a coma. Because the |
| the effectiveness of commercial helmets.) In | | | | brain cannot heal itself the way other organs |
| January of 2006, only four states in the U.S. | | | | do, these are often lifelong problems that |
| - Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire and Iowa | | | | cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat. |
| - had no law at all requiring motorcyclists | | | | They also place a severe emotional and |
| to use helmets. Twenty-six others had limited | | | | financial burden on the injured person's |
| helmet laws, usually ones that require | | | | family members. If you or someone you know is |
| helmets for riders who are under 18 or 21. | | | | the victim of a motorcycle accident causing |
| | | | traumatic brain injury, it is essential to |
| Helmets can reduce the risk of TBI but not | | | | seek out an expert in accidents and TBI who |
| all helmets are of the proper requirements | | | | can help reconstruct the accident and secure |
| and not all fully protect a motorcycle rider | | | | compensation. |
| or passenger from injury. A rider's failure | | | | |