Motorcycle Drivers and Helmets

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Recommended: Survey was conducted to provide probability-based data on motorcycle helmet use within a country

As a motorcycle rider I know first-hand the importance of wearing helmets, not only for the driver but the passengers too. Last august I was in a motorcycle accident just down the road from my house. Not only have I been riding motorcycles for the past six years, but I have also had multiple safety driving courses from college and military. I never thought I would get into an accident especially just down the road from my house. I was driving at the speed limit and I had the right away when a woman pulled out in front of me and nearly took my life. I was air lifted to cooper hospital. I believe that the only reason I am still alive today is thanks to my helmet. Every state should require all motorcyclist and passengers to wear helmets because it will help the visibility of the driver, prevent head injury in case of accident and save millions in medical bills associated with head trauma.
Motorcycle accidents deaths vary yearly. According to J. Homer the average number of deaths per year is about 4,000 in America in the couple of years preceding 2009. Not every accident leads to a fatality, but too many per year do. “One study estimated that motorcycle helmets lower the risk of death by 42% and head injury by 69%” (J.Homer, 2009). A study done by Am J health assed changes in motorcycle laws in Pennsylvania related to helmet use. According to Mertz (2009) helmet use decreased from 82% to 52% when changes in the law were made and helmet use was not mandatory for everyone in early 2000s. “Head injury deaths increased 66%; non head injury deaths increased 25%” (Mertz 2008). Accidents happen all the time but wearing a helmet decreases the chance of the accident leaving fatalities behind instead of injuries. The solution to saving some l...

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...ity Command's Magazine, 12(2), 10.
Homer, J., & French, M. (2009). Motorcycle Helmet Laws in the United States From 1990 to
2009: Politics and Public Health. American Journal Of Public Health, 99(3), 415-423. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.134106
McGill, N. (2013). Rate of uninsured Americans remains steady, census finds. (Cover story).
Nation's Health, 43(9), 1-14
Mertz, K. J., & Weiss, H. B. (2008). Changes in Motorcycle- Related Head Injury Deaths,
Hospitalizations, and Hospital Charges Following Repeal of Pennsylvania's Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law. American Journal Of Public Health, 98(8), 1464-1467.
Naumann, R. B., & Shults, R. A. (2012). Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists Who Died in
Crashes and Economic Cost Savings Associated With State Motorcycle Helmet Laws – United States, 2008-2010. (Cover story). MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 61(23), 425-430.

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