Motorcyclists are statistically involved in more fatal crashes than drivers of other types of vehicles, and increase the chances by 30 times of dying  in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants, according to the Government Accountability Office report.

In 2010, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,502 were killed in crashes, the report said. The average cost for a fatal crash was estimated to be around $1.2 million, while the cost for injuries ranged from $2,500 to $1.4 million depending upon the severity.

Determining the entire costs with accuracy is near impossible because it is all case depending. For example, treating serious injuries can be long and expensive, but follow-up analyses of costs are conducted only for a few years. Also, other consequences of long-term injuries such as changes in employment and living status can’t be fully measured, the report said.

Laws that require all motorcyclists to wear helmets is the only proven strategy in reducing fatalities and injuries, the report said. Several studies have estimated helmets reduce the risk of death by as much as 39 percent, the report said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated helmets saved the lives of more than 1,500 motorcyclists in 2010.

There are only 19 states that have universal helmet laws, requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. While another 28 states have a partial helmet law in effect, which usually pertains to motorcyclists under age 21 or 18. The other 3 states being Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire do not have any motorcycle helmet laws.

While many motorcycle groups endorse the use of helmets, they also oppose mandatory helmet laws as infringements on personal liberties and their right to assume the risk of riding without a helmet, the report said. Instead, motorcycle groups have backed better safety education as a means to prevent accidents.

“Education is not a substitute for wearing a helmet,” said Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which supports mandatory helmet laws. “It’s like saying if you take a driver’s ed class, you don’t have to wear your seat belt. Now how silly is that?”

Contact the Motorcycle Accident Law Firm of Bice Law

We investigate the accident records or scene in order to interview key witnesses and document evidence before it has been destroyed or removed.  We’ll review your medical records and evaluate your long-term prognosis to assess the amount of damages that your injury warrants. We proudly serve the people of North and South Carolina. We’ll determine whether an out-of-court settlement or trial is the best strategy to obtain maximum benefits for you or your family. If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law today by calling 877-BICE-877 or submit an online request to get a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney. Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom, and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work on your behalf.