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