August 21, 2013
The Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys say that one of the best ways to prevent injury or death in the event of a motorcycle crash is to wear a helmet. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 12, 000 lives could have been saved by helmet use over a 15 year-period.
Despite these statistics, a handful of states still have laws that allow motorcycle riders to operate without a helmet.
A recent local tragedy put the dangers of riding without a helmet into perspective. Two people were killed earlier this month after a crash while not wearing helmets. Reports indicate the accident happened just before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 4 along I-74 on the southeast side of Indianapolis.
According to an article from the Indianapolis Star, a 41-year-old man was operating a motorcycle carrying a female passenger when he began braking for slowed traffic ahead. When the man applied the brakes, he lost control and the bike threw both riders from the machine. Neither victim was wearing a helmet and both died a short time later.
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys’ team of Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers urge motorcyclists to protect themselves from harm by always wearing a helmet, regardless of what the laws say. Wearing a sturdy leather jacket, eye protection, boots, and gloves can also help protect riders from harm.