Facts and Fiction Motorcycle helmet

Although the state of Wisconsin does not require adult motorcyclists to wear a protective helmet, the United States Department of Transportation and numerous other entities strongly recommend helmet use as one of the best ways to protect a rider's welfare in the event of an accident. Today's motorcycle helmets are engineered with the benefit of decades of research and the refinement of materials and methods. Despite these advances, there are many accidents which are too severe for a helmet to completely eliminate all injury risks. When a motorcycle wreck is caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, manufacturer, or other entity then it might be in the best interests of an injured biker to pursue a civil lawsuit.

The rate of traumatic brain injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes is much lower for riders who were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident than for those who were not. Since the effects of a traumatic brain injury can be physically, mentally, and financially devastating, it should be readily apparent that it is wiser to limit the prospects of such an injury by wearing a protective helmet. Some riders remain unconvinced about the benefits of helmets, so it may be necessary to take a closer look at some motorcycle helmet facts and fiction.

Truths and Myths

Part of the reason that some riders are clinging to anti-helmet sentiments is that they are still considering the motorcycle helmets that were available in the past. Helmets today are safer and more comfortable than ever. Some commonly held myths about helmets are that they:

• Causes neck fractures in the event of an accident
• Impair a rider's sight and limit his or her field of vision
• Adversely affect a rider's ability to hear the surrounding traffic

Some motorcyclists cite the above as the basis for their reluctance to wear a helmet, but a helmet can immediately increase a rider's comfort level and offer protection from things other than the impact of a collision. A few of these benefits include:

• Reduction of wind noise which can be deafening if unchecked
• Blocking the gale force winds that directly assault your face and eyes
• Fends off insects and any flying debris such as gravel
• Offers relief from adverse weather conditions
• Lessens the degree of fatigue caused by direct exposure to the elements