Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Are Motorcycle Helmets Safe?

By Frank Medley

There are many big debates among motorcycle riders. Are Harley's the best bikes of all time? How should you best care for you bike? But one of the most recent debates is that over whether motorcycle helmets are safe.

There have been urban legends of deadly helmets going around in motorcycle riding circles for years. Everyone has heard of someone who was dragged and killed or injured because of their helmet hooking to a car bumper.

But, like the seat belt stories, these stories are untrue. Perhaps some rider was injured due to a freak helmet accident, but motorcycle helmets are safe, and have saved many motorcyclists lives.

What is the reason for all of these tales? Their origin is tied to the idea that motorcyclists should be free to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. They believe that wearing a helmet is an issue of civil rights.

This is completely untrue. Local and state governments pass helmet laws for our protection, not to take away our rights. As with seatbelts, studies have shown that wearing a helmet greatly improves your chances in an accident.

Helmets aren't perfect, there is still a risk of injury or death if you're in an accident, but motorcycle helmets are safe, and do not cause these problems. They simply offer some protection in case of an accident.

Some riders feel that because they are wearing a helmet, they are completely protected. This is untrue. Motorcycle helmets are safe, and do protect your head, but they do not protect your neck.

It is the truth that motorcycle helmets are safe. They will help to protect you if you are ever in an accident, and have saved many lives. Keep in mind that it is also the law in more areas that you must wear a helmet.

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