According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of deaths from motorcycle accidents dropped by 6.4% in 2013. This is only the second decrease in the U.S. since 1997.
In 2012, there were 4,986 deaths resulting from motorcycle accidents; in 2013, this number dropped to 4,668. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14.3% of road traffic deaths in 2013. This was a drop of 0.5% from 2012.
One of the biggest contributors of road deaths in motorcyclists was the lack of helmets. The data shows in states in which there are no helmet laws, there are eleven times as many deaths as in the states in which helmets are compulsory.
Should Helmets be Compulsory for Bikers?
Some bikers believe that helmets should be worn at all times when riding; others are less convinced. Some feel that helmets are too bulky and heavy and distract from the joys of riding and the wind-in-the-hair feeling one gets when riding. However, there is no doubting the fact that many lives are saved by motorcycle helmets.
One of the main causes of motorcycle collisions with other vehicles is the driver of the other vehicle not seeing the biker. Bikers therefore need to ensure that they are seen when out on their bikes. This could include wearing reflective embroidered patches on motorcycle gear or investing in some motorcycle helmet stickers. It is essential to make yourself as visible as possible, as this reduces the chance of accidents.
Source:
- https://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/12/23/safety/nhtsa-motorcycle-fatalities-2013/
