Archives for July 2017
CDC Says Universal Helmet Law Would Reduce Injury
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that research shows an effective way to reduce the number and severity of injury sustained by motorcyclists and their passengers—get all states to adopt a universal helmet law. In a study conducted by the CDC, motorcycle-related fatalities were reduced anywhere from 20 to 40 percent by the use of a helmet, and brain injuries in some places were lowered by up to 70% when bikers opted to wear protective headgear. The CDC looked at more than 60 studies, all of which showed a positive impact from wearing helmets. The CDC also said that the more reliable studies tended to show the maximum benefit from wearing helmets.
CDC research also indicated that one of the most effective ways to ensure that motorcyclists wore helmets was to enact state laws mandating helmet use. They say that, as more states have implemented mandatory helmet laws, the percentage of bikers nationwide choosing to wear helmets has steadily increased, reaching a level of approximately 70% in recent year (and even higher, if the percentage of bikers wearing non-compliant helmets is counted). They found that states with a universal helmet law had almost 90% compliance, whereas just more than half (55%) of motorcyclists in states without helmet laws chose to wear one.
The CDC study also found that states that repealed a helmet law consistently saw a dramatic rise in motorcycle-related fatalities. In Florida, for example, when legislators did away with the universal helmet law, there was an 80% increase in deaths in motorcycle accidents.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around the San Francisco Bay Area who have been injured in a motorcycle accidents. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.