Helmets Protect Fort Pierce Motorcycle Riders in Motorcycle Accidents
In 2017, there were over 8.4 million registered motorcycles in the United States. This is a 23% increase of motorcycles over the last decade. And, as you know, Florida is the perfect place for motorcycle riding. However, Florida has the highest rate of motorcycle fatalities due to its top 5 ranking on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) list of states with the highest rate of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents. Some of the injuries and deaths can be prevented with the use of a motorcycle helmet.
How Helmets Protect Motorcycle Riders
According to an article in Florida Today, more than 70 studies conducted since the year 2000 support that the use of motorcycle helmets decrease head injuries, death and non-lethal head injuries. Additionally, helmets absorb impact and extend the time of the impact.
When riders ride motorcycles without helmets and find themselves in motorcycle accidents, they run the risk of receiving several life-altering injuries. The injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Fractures of limbs
- Road rash
While helmets are a great source of protection for motorcycle riders, others who don’t use helmets feel that it’s hard to switch to wearing a helmet after many years of not wearing one. Some also feel like riding a motorcycle without a helmet gives a sense of freedom. At Sholtes Law, PLLC, our goal is to bring awareness to motorcycle safety so everyone can stay safe to prevent motorcycle accidents
Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law
Florida law states that a person riding a motorcycle must wear protective headgear – a helmet – and eye protection such as glasses, a shield or goggles. But if the person has purchased at least $10,000 worth of insurance on his or her policy to cover medical benefits, the person can choose not to wear a helmet.
Make Sure Your Helmet Meets Safety Standards
If you’re a motorcycle rider and want to wear a helmet, be sure that the helmet you choose meets the minimum safety standards. There are two safety standards for motorcycle helmets – the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation.
While the DOT sets minimum standards for helmets used for motorcycling, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218) is the actual standard. It’s commonly referred to as the DOT helmet standard.
The Snell Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization which sets voluntary standards for motorcycle helmets.
Were You Recently Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Pierce? Contact Sholtes Law, PLLC
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Sholtes Law, PLLC. Andrew Sholtes is an experienced Fort Pierce motorcycle accident lawyer serving St. Lucie and Martin County. Call 855-534-2509 for a complimentary case analysis.
Resource:
floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2016/05/10/helmets-no-two-wheeled-debate-continues/80837370/
https://www.saintlucielawyer.com/stay-safe-to-prevent-motorcycle-accidents/
