According to the WHO, half of 1.27 million people who die in road traffic crashes every year are motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Some of the main factors that increase the risk of injuries caused in these accidents are driving under the influence of alcohol and motorcyclists not wearing their helmet.
Wearing a helmet correctly reduces the risk of death by 40% in an accident and decreases the risk of a severe injury by 70%.
The correct use of helmet:
- Reduces skull deceleration, therefore the movement of the brain. The cushioned material incorporated in the helmet absorbs part of the impact and, as a result, the head movement after impact is restrained. This means that the brain doesn’t crash with the skull as hard.
- Disperses the force of the impact over a much larger area, so that it does not concentrate in specific areas of the skull.
- Prevents the direct contact between the skull and the object that makes the impact, acting as a mechanical barrier between the head and the object.
The helmet protects motorcyclists from most serious forms of brain trauma.
Unfortunately, many drivers are not trained to look for smaller vehicles and others are not used to pedestrian traffic. Here are some safety tips to prevent motorcycle crashes:
1.- Take extra attention when making any turn. It’s simple to miscalculate the closeness and speed of an oncoming motorcycle, so it’s safest to let the motorcycle pass.
2.- Pay special attention to intersections because many motorcycle accidents happen here.
3.- Always use turn signals, look twice when you change lanes, and check mirrors and blindspots.
4.- If you are behind a motorcycle, keep a safe distance, which may be more length than you’d give a car.
5.- Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the highway.
If you or a family member have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Austin 512 – 472 – 8865
Odessa 432 – 219 – 6363
Dallas 972 – 502 – 9600.
