As the temperature rises and the sun comes out, Ohio’s summer weather calls for the long-awaited use of motorcycles. However, preventable motorcycle accidents occur for too often during these summer months.
In 2015 alone, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. Furthermore, although motorcycles made up only 3% of all registered vehicles in 2014, they accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
It is estimated that in 2014, there were 27 times as many deaths on a motorcycle than in a car per mile driven.
Although it is impossible to prevent all motorcycle accidents, action can be taken to limit the severity of an injury.
While head injury is a critical factor in motorcycle deaths, it is not a law in Ohio to require motorcyclists to wear a helmet while riding. However, a helmet has the capability to reduce motorcycle fatalities by 37%, and brain damage by 67%. Not only does a helmet protect against impact on the ground, but it also helps keep debris and rocks that are kicked up by other vehicles from causing severe injury upon hitting a motorcyclist’s head.
In 2015, 40% of motorcyclists killed in a collision were not wearing a helmet.
In 2013, states without a helmet law saw an average of 59% of the motorcyclists killed without a helmet, while states with a helmet requirement had an average of only 8% of the motorcyclists killed without a helmet. As we can see, those who wear a helmet ultimately have a higher likelihood of surviving impacts.
However, do not use a helmet that has already been involved in a collision, as the helmet is much more fragile and can easily be broken. Even if not in a collision, most motorcycle helmet manufactures recommend replacing your helmet every 5 years due to regular wear and tear that the helmet undergoes.
Other Protective Equipment
Although a helmet is the most important piece of equipment in reducing the severity of motorcycle injuries, other safety equipment includes:
- Gloves (non-slip)
- Durable shoes
- Goggles
- Long sleeve jackets
- Pants (not shorts)
- Color and/or reflective material
- Antilock brakes
As the most common body parts injured in motorcycle accidents are arms, legs, and the head, following the list above will reduce potential injury to those places in the unfortunate event of a collision. Many don’t realize how important safety truly is until their lives are changed forever because of it.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact my office immediately.
As your Ohio motorcycle accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373
