How many lives do helmets really save in motorcycle accidents?

There is no denying that wearing a proper helmet is a smart idea when riding a motorcycle. The statistics confirm that, to no small extent, they can save a rider’s life should that rider be involved in a motorcycle accident.

As of 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that when a rider wearing a helmet is involved in an accident, his or her chances of dying go down by more than one-third, that is, by 37 percent. It is estimated that helmets prevented over 1,800 fatalities in 2016. The CDC reports that in 2016 if all bikers wore helmets, approximately 802 fatalities could have been prevented. On a related point, a helmet reduced the chance of a traumatic brain injury by almost 70 percent.

In other words, while motorcycle helmets prevent injuries and save lives, the best prevention in such cases is to avoid the accident altogether. This is not surprising, given the difference in size between a car and a motorcycle and the fact a motorcycle just does not offer the same barrier of protection as a car.

This is the primary reason why it is so important for other drivers on Nevada streets and highways to pay careful attention to their driving, especially when they are around motorcycles. They must give motorcycles the same respect as they would cars and make sure to double check blind spots, especially when turning.

If they fail to take these steps, a driver can easily wind up killing or severely injuring a motorcyclist, even one who is wearing a helmet. If they do so, the motorcyclist or the motorcyclist’s family may be able to pursue compensation from the driver.