Increase in Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in Texas after Repeal of Helmet Laws-Houston Injury Attorneys
The repeal of a motorcycle helmet law in Texas more than a decade ago, has contributed to a sharp increase in the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the state. That information comes to us via a study published in Southern Medical Journal.
- The researchers analyzed motorcycle fatality data between 1994 and 2004, and found an increase in motorcycle crash fatalities after the helmet laws changed.
- The study found that the number of motorcycle crash deaths increased by 30 percent after the helmet laws were revoked.
- The number of deaths for every 100,000 registered motorcycles increased from 89 in 1994 to a total of 101 in 2004.
- Besides, motorcycle crash fatalities for vehicle miles traveled also rose by 25 percent.
- Researchers found a sudden spike in motorcycle fatalities in September 1997, which was the month in which laws were changed. That month, helmets were made optional for all motorcyclists.
Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November found a strong correlation between helmet use in motorcyclists and prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury. The study found that wearing helmets significantly decreases your chances of suffering of moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a motorcycle crash.
Helmet use is not the only factor in preventing motorcycle accident fatalities It does not guarantee that the motorcyclist will be not killed or injured in an accident. However, it does increase your chances of avoiding the kind of serious brain injuries that lead to lifelong disability, debilitation or death. Severe traumatic brain injuries can leave a person unable to perform routine tasks, like feeding themselves, or bathing. At its worst, these injuries can prevent persons from being able to work or earn a living. Wearing a helmet can reduce that risk dramatically.
While having laws in place to encourage helmet use would be ideal, as Houston motorcycle accident lawyers, we would encourage riders to contribute to their own well-being by wearing approved helmets. It’s important to remember that in an accident involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, it’s the motorcyclist who has the highest risk of injury or death.
If you or a loved ones has been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident or 18-wheeler accident, contact the attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940 today for a free consultation.
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