Motorcycle racing is an adventurous sport that provides thrill, excitement, and pleasure to riders worldwide. The sport is especially popular in Southern California, where riders can flock to the desert environments natural to the area to ride. Although an exhilarating sport, motorcycle accidents can occur. Wearing a motorcycle helmet, in particular, has proven to be an effective measure against motorcycle-related fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle helmets saved 1,617 lives in 2011, and 703 more lives could have been saved that same year if motorcyclists wore motorcycle helmets while riding. Moreover, evidence suggests that from 2008 to 2010, 42% of all motorcycle related fatalities occurred because helmets were not worn.
Choosing a quality made helmet is key to proper protection. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when choosing a helmet.
- Purchase a helmet with a Department of Transportation (DOT) seal of approval If the helmet is DOT approved, a sticker will be present noting this distinction.
- A motorcycle helmet should fit snuggly, and should not be easily removed by lifting it off from the back of the head. At a minimum, padding should be felt at the front and at the top of the head. A full or open-face helmet will feature additional padding at the cheeks and chin.
- There are three main styles of helmets: full coverage, open face, and shorty styles. For the most protection, choose a full coverage helmet.
I am passionate about motorcycles, and I began racing them at a young age. I became a professional racer at 16, and I have continued racing for many years thereafter. Some of my fondest memories are of motorcycle racing with my family and six children.
Because of my wide and diverse experience with motorcycle racing, I understand the mechanics of motorcycles, and possess years of experience unraveling manufacturing defect cases that have hurt, injured, or killed motorcyclists.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact us (https://www.opolaw.com/contact) for a free consultation. We value your family’s safety and wellbeing.
