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