| Everyone knows that riding motorcycles is not | | | | consumption of alcohol can have serious |
| only a means of transportation but also a | | | | effects for any motorcyclists getting on a |
| passion for many. Unlike a car, a motorcycle | | | | bike afterwards. Statistics show the age of |
| becomes an extension of the owner's soul, | | | | the rider, and the size of the motorcycle to |
| starting with the specific type of motorcycle | | | | have little effect on the outcome in the |
| the rider chooses. The downside however, is | | | | event of a DUI. It does seem to affect people |
| too many motorcycle accidents result in death | | | | between 30-49 years of age worse though. Most |
| for the rider and any passengers due to the | | | | likely because agility and reaction time |
| maximum exposure of the human body to any | | | | already decrease with age, while alcohol |
| source of impact. It does not have to be this | | | | further adds to those impairments. |
| way-there are ways to avoid a tragic outcome! | | | | |
| | | | The growing popularity of motorcycles is |
| The National Highway Traffic Safety | | | | evident in the increasing number of |
| Administration (NHTSA) has published several | | | | registrations, as well as the increase in |
| reports to shed light on the causes and | | | | fatalities. Whether it is due to mid-life |
| trends in motorcycle fatalities occurring in | | | | crisis's, or better financial standing, one |
| the U.S. Even though numbers do not lie, they | | | | thing is certain: the average rider is |
| can often be overwhelming to make sense of. | | | | getting older. This phenomenon is concurrent |
| | | | with the increase in engine size. Motorcycles |
| One of the most noticeable aspects is the use | | | | are getting bigger and heavier. This could |
| of a motorcycle helmet with injury | | | | very well be a significant factor in the |
| prevention. | | | | increase of 115 percent in fatalities from |
| | | | 1997 to 2005. It might be safe to conclude |
| "From 1984 through 2003, NHTSA estimates that | | | | that a smaller bike might be easier to handle |
| helmets saved the lives of 14,922 | | | | under any circumstances. |
| motorcyclists," as stated in the report | | | | |
| 'Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws.' The NHTSA | | | | According to the NHSTA most accidents and |
| further concludes that 10,148 more lives | | | | fatalities occur on weekends, when more |
| could have been saved by the use of a helmet. | | | | recreational riders are on the roads. |
| | | | Naturally, the night time further presents |
| States like Florida, where the use of a | | | | additional dangers to motorcyclists, since |
| motorcycle helmet is only mandatory for | | | | they are harder to spot in the dark. |
| riders under the age of 21, or any riders | | | | |
| with less than $10,000 in medical coverage, | | | | Of course riding a motorcycle is one's own |
| show a high increase in fatalities, as well | | | | personal statement of freedom and |
| as non-fatal head injuries since the use of a | | | | independence, but it does not have to be a |
| helmet became optional in July 2000. | | | | commitment to recklessness. . |
| Moreover, recent evidence shows that even | | | | |
| riders under 21 years of age often leave the | | | | While protective motorcycle gear like a |
| helmet at home. | | | | helmet can certainly keep a biker safe, it is |
| | | | also important to avoid riding a motorcycle |
| Aside from the bodily harm, this can also | | | | after the consumption of alcohol. Last but |
| lead to sky high medical expenses in the | | | | not least, the size of the bike should not |
| event of an accident. Treatment cost for the | | | | physically overwhelm the motorcyclists to |
| average head injuries is estimated between | | | | make navigation and flexibility possible. |
| $10,000 and $45,602 according to the NHTSA. | | | | With just a little more conscious effort |
| | | | towards safety, bikers can enjoy years of |
| While the use of a helmet can certainly be a | | | | healthy riding. |
| life saver, it has also been proven that the | | | | |