A little more than half of the U.S. has a universal helmet law and it’s becoming a growing public health concern. The reality is that 4,500 people were motorcycle fatalities last year and of those fatalities, 41% of the motorcycle operators and 50% of the passengers were not wearing a helmet. Those numbers are staggering.
The good news is that helmets are estimated to prevent approximately 37% of the crash deaths among the riders and 41% of crash deaths for their passengers. The most effective way to get people to wear a helmet is the universal helmet law. This law requires that every rider and passenger wear a helmet whenever they ride. According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control) analysis of fatal crash data from 2008 to 2010, 12% of motorcyclists in states with the universal helmet laws were not wearing helmet. But, in comparison, 64% of riders were not wearing helmets in states with partial helmet laws, and 79% of riders were not wearing helmets in states with no helmet laws. Each state decides on its respective helmet law and as of May 2012, 19 states and the District of Columbia had universal laws, 28 states had partial helmet laws and 3 states had no helmet law. Just so you know that the partial helmet laws also vary by state. Some are required that 17 years and younger wear a helmet, others it’s 20 years and younger. But, regardless of age, all lives are precious. What good is it trying to protect your young son or daughter on a motorcycle if you’re not trying to protect yourself? Kids learn what they live and if you value their lives, you should value your own. So, do consider wearing a helmet while riding, it just may save your life.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We are able to offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
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