In Texas if you are below the age of 21 and ride a motorcycle you are required to wear a helmet. It has been that way since Texas repealed the law for every rider some 7 years ago.
But late in 2010 the national transportation safety board, (NTSB) announced plans to urge state legislators in all states to require a helmet for all riders.
Studies show that motorcycle accidents always have the potential to be fatal or cause serious injury. Motorcyclists lack the protection that an automobile affords its occupants. While wearing a helmet helps in most cases, whether or not a rider is wearing a helmet is only part of the story. Motorcyclists have an equal right to the road. Although most motorcyclists know how to drive defensively, defensive driving cannot prevent all accidents.
The number of nationwide motorcycle fatalities in 2009 fell for the first time in over a decade. According to The Dallas Morning News, the number of motorcycle fatalities that took place in Texas throughout 2009 also fell, decreasing by 18% in comparison to 2008 figures. Specifically, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that there were 520 Texas motorcycle fatalities in 2008, and 426 statewide instances of motorcycle-related deaths in 2009. Nationwide numbers for 2010 have not been made available but in at least one state, Wyoming fatalities jumped to an all time high.
These figures are particularly significant for the simple fact that, prior to the 18% decrease, fatality rates had steadily risen on an annual basis since the year 2000, posting an average overall increase of 31%. Researchers at Texas A&M Universitys Texas Transportation Institute speculate that new traffic laws and increased driver awareness have both contributed towards lowering the fatality rate. However, there are still far too many instances of motorcycle accidents leading to death in the state of Texas each and every year. One of the three states with a no helmet law, Iowa had over 60 fatalities in 2010. Illinois and New Hampshire are the other two states.
Researchers say it is difficult to compare the number of accidents per state due to the population differences and the number registered bikes varies by state. Researchers have found that the higher percentage of fatalities nationwide are among riders over 40. This has increased the number of cases for
Texas injury attorney firms.
Whether the federal government has its way and gets a national helmet law or not, motorcycle
accidents will continue. Those accidents will not only result in fatalities but also personal injuries. Injuries that could lead to a life changing experience.
