The Importance of Motorcycle Helmets

There is a reason why all motorcycle riders, including passengers, are required to wear a helmet in California.

That is because a well-built helmet can prevent 70 percent of all major brain and head injuries that you may sustain in a motorcycle accident.

These injuries include minor to moderate injuries like lacerations and other external head wounds, up to serious injuries such as major concussions and contusions, Intracranial Hematoma and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Since motorcycles do not have a protective case like a car, the motorcycle is the best protection a motorcyclist can get.

However, you should not just pick any helmet to wear when riding a motorcycle accident.

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, it should be in compliance with the standards set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

It should also fit snugly in your head that it will not move forward to block your view, or sway left and right to make you uncomfortable.

You can also choose to wear other protective gears such as:

• Motorcycle gloves – aside from preventing calluses in your hands, it can also reduce the amount of physical wounds in your hands in cases of a crash.

• Motorcycle jacket – aside from protecting your from the wind, it also protects you from major road rash injuries.

• Motorcycle boots – provides protection from the engine between your legs.

Aside from motorcycle helmets and protective gears, here are other tips on how to prevent motorcycle accidents:

• Take the whole lane – Do not stick to the sides of the roads where a passing vehicle can swipe you. Take the middle of the lane or the same space that a car would take in traffic.

• Be conspicuous – As much as possible, you have to keep the other drivers aware of your presence on the road. This includes keeping yourself visible and avoiding other vehicle’s blind spots.

• Minimize lane splitting – Lane splitting is not illegal in California but you should minimize the times that you perform this maneuver. Make sure that you do not lane split in high speed traffic.

• Be aware of road hazards – Be on the lookout for road debris, potholes and other road hazards that can make you lose control of your motorcycle.

• Do not drink and drive – Studies show that even at .01 percent BAC, the reaction time of the motorcyclist is already affected. Make sure that you’re sober when operating a motorcycle.

For information about your legal options after a motorcycle accident, consult a Los Angeles personal injury attorney for a free consultation.

The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.