The weather is warming up and by the end of this month will likely reach over 80 degrees. With warm weather comes the use of numerous types of motorcycles and other such open vehicles. Unfortunately, drivers do not watch for these types of vehicles the way they should. However, with a little extra care, they can be used safely.
01. Helmets are required by law.
The most important piece of safety equipment for a motorcycle or other open vehicle rider is a helmet. Twenty percent of motorcycle accidents result in head or neck injuries. Either type of injury can be severe; and both can be fatal. However, when a helmet is properly used, both head and neck injuries are reduced. Idaho Law recognizes this fact and requires that a person under the age of 18 who is using a motorcycle or ATV use an appropriate helmet.
02. Is there any reason not to wear a helmet?
People come up with various reasons for not wearing a helmet. One is that they believe that the helmet or visor will somehow limit their field of vision. Research has disproved this notion. When a helmet is properly fitted on a rider, vision is not negatively impacted. No matter what the speed of the motorcycle, if you are wearing a properly fitted helmet, your chances of survival are three times more likely than they are without a helmet. Some riders believe that since they are only going a short distance on their bike or are not going to go very fast, they don’t need to wear their helmet. This is a huge mistake. Fatal accidents occur even at low speeds. Terrible head and neck injuries happen at less than 30 mph.
03. Can injuries be caused by helmets?
Some riders believe that helmets may actually cause injury to the spine due to their weight during an accident. This is simply untrue. Research has shown just the opposite to be the case.
Another common misconception is that helmets might cause hearing loss. It is hard to understand where this notion came from, but it is certainly not supported scientifically. The flip side of this argument is that a helmet keeps the rider from hearing other vehicles on the roadway properly. Again, this is incorrect and unsupported by science. Wind noise is reduced so the rider can actually hear better.
There are many other myths out there about why a person shouldn’t wear a helmet. Don’t fall for them. Obtain a well-fitted helmet and keep enjoying your sport.