Research Shows Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury
In 2009, Missouri’s motorcycle helmet laws changed to allow adult riders to choose whether or not to wear a helmet in many situations. Many riders opt not to wear helmets, believing that a helmet restricts their vision and hearing or won’t protect them in a crash.
However, research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that motorcycle riders who wear helmets are less likely to die in a severe Missouri motorcycle accident, and they are also less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
The category “Traumatic Brain Injury,” or TBI, covers a wide range of injuries to the brain, many of which are caused by a blow to the head. The effects of a traumatic brain injury range from a few days of dizziness to paralysis or even death, depending on how bad the injury is and which parts of the brain it affects.
According to the NHTSA study, riders who wear motorcycle helmets are less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident and usually have less-severe traumatic brain injuries when a severe accident occurs. The study also found that wearing a helmet increases a motorcyclist’s chance of surviving a crash by 37 percent.
Wearing a helmet is one way motorcyclists can protect themselves while they’re riding. Even with a helmet, however, injuries may still occur. If you’ve been injured in a Missouri motorcycle accident, call the experienced St. Louis motorcycle crash lawyers at Page Law today. We’ll examine your case carefully and fight to hold any negligent parties responsible for their actions. For a free and confidential consultation, call Page Law at 314-322-8515.
