Motorcyclist Without Helmet Killed In Connecticut Car Accident
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience and can even be a more economical solution than driving a traditional vehicle. However, for New Haven County motorcyclists, other drivers on the road can pose a threat to their safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 4,502 people killed in a motorcycle accident in 2010. These types of accidents are also on the rise. Since the year 2,000 fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents have increased by 55 percent.
The Importance of a Helmet
Although motorcyclists cannot control what other drivers on the road are doing, wearing a helmet can significantly increase their chances for survival if an accident were to occur. The helmet is one of the most importance pieces of equipment a motorcyclist should have in their possession. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and they are wearing a helmet, their chances for survival increase by approximately 37%.
Many states throughout the U.S. have enacted motorcycle helmet laws in order to prevent fatalities and serious injuries. Although it is not required for motorcyclists in Connecticut to wear a helmet while riding, any individual riding a motorcycle that is under the age of 17 is required to have a helmet on, says the CDC.
Accidents caused by other drivers on the road pose one of the greatest threats to motorcyclists with or without a helmet. Recently, a woman that was texting and driving didn’t even have a chance to hit her brakes before she crashed into a motorcyclist. Upon impact with the woman’s vehicle, the motorcyclist went straight through the windshield of a nearby SUV. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and though he did not die at the scene of the accident, he passed away a few days later, says News 8.
Additional Safety Guidelines
Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of fatality if involved in an accident because they are not enclosed in a vehicle. Besides wearing a helmet, motorcyclists should also increase their chances of surviving in an accident caused by another driver by:
- Wearing protective clothing that is reflective and out of a bright color
- Avoiding tailgating other drivers
- Maintaining a safe speed, especially when riding on slippery surfaces
- Never riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Unfortunately, driver distraction and negligence still affects motorcyclists, whether the motorcyclist is being extremely cautious or not. If you were injured by another driver while riding your motorcycle or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, consult with a personal injury attorney to determine what your rights are for compensation.