Motorcycle Accidents: Helmets
In 2007, 190 people were killed, and 4,053 were injured in motorcycle accidents, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Of the riders killed, 13.7 percent were between 21 and 25 years old, the highest percentage for any age group that year. The next highest groups were 36 to 40 year olds and 51 to 55 year olds, both tied at 12.1 percent.
Riders between the ages of 41 and 45 years old sustained the most injures in 2007 at 13 percent. Riders 46 to 50 comprised 12.9 percent of those injured, with 21 to 25 year olds close behind at 12.6 percent.
The issue of helmet use is controversial in Ohio and throughout the country. Some riders feel they can hear and see better without a helmet, while others simply like letting their hair blow in the breeze. Many motorcyclists, though, don’t feel as safe or secure without a helmet. It’s an issue of personal preference.
Regardless of how you feel about the issue, statistics show it’s safer to ride with a helmet. In 2007, 63 percent of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In 2006, 70 percent of riders killed had no helmet. Of those who were injured, roughly 51 percent weren’t wearing a helmet.
Statistics don’t always tell the whole story and we don’t offer them to alarm you, but they do give us all an idea of how dangerous it can be to ride a motorcycle. Many times, motorcyclists aren’t responsible for the accidents in which they’ve been involved. In those situations, they need a lawyer to guide them through the often complicated personal injury process.
