Helmets can save lives

Cyclists in Montana are probably the most ‘liberated’ people in the US, since the state of Montana does not have a helmet law in place. People need to, however, understand the difference between “freedom of choice” and safety. Wearing proper headgear can often make a difference between life and death. A helmet that costs less than $50 generates $570 worth of indirect benefits to the society, which includes medical costs caused by bike-related head injuries, future earnings and other tangible resources.

Bicycle Accidents – Some Facts

Cyclists are recommended to wear safety helmets at all times. There are around 73-85 million bicycle riders in the US. Around 1,300 deaths per year occur in the US due to bicycle related accidents, and head injuries account for over 60% of the bicycle related deaths. Here are some facts about bicycle accidents:

• Each year, 196 children less than the age of 15 die from bicycle-related injuries.
• Over 90 percent cyclists meet with fatal accidents on US roads
• Most of the victims are male and without protective gear
• Riders without a helmet are 14 times more susceptible than a helmeted rider.
• Helmets can protect head injuries affecting your brain, estimated at anywhere around 45 to 88 percent of the times.
• Bicycle helmets offer substantial protection to the forehead and midface.
• Non-helmeted cyclist injuries costs around $81 million each year in medical expenses, whereas indirect expenses add up to $2.3 billion.
• About 75 percent of bicycle-related deadly accidents can be prevented among children with helmet use.
• Most of the accidents happen to boys.
• Falls are the cause of over 90 per cent of the accidents
• The head is hit in 38 percent of the accidents.
• If 85 percent of all child cyclists wear helmets for one year, the lifetime medical cost savings can be anywhere between $197 to $256 million
• Every bicycle helmet saves health insurers $57 and auto insurers $17.
• One third of the bicycle victims have high alcohol levels.

There can be no argument that safety helmets can be highly effective in preventing head related injuries, thereby minimizing health costs and, above all, saving lives. However, faulty helmet cases are also reported these days. If someone close to you has suffered brain damage or injury on the road due to someone else’s negligence, immediately contact a personal injury lawyer. The victim is entitled to monetary compensation against physical injury and emotional pain.

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