Most people have heard that it is good to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, but just how important are these head devices? After all, helmets can often feel hot and bulky. You may wonder, is all the extra trouble really necessary?
Without a doubt, helmets can save lives. Even if it might be tempting to go without yours when you are in a hurry or the weather is warm, it is always safer to put one on before hitting the road on any kind of bike.
1. Motorcycle and bicycle collisions lead to many deaths
Around the world, traffic collisions lead to the deaths of over 1 million people every year. In the United States, nearly 10% of these collisions involve bicycles or motorcycles. According to researchers, head injuries are the primary cause of deaths and disabilities.
2. Helmets prevent head injuries
As the top motorcycle or bicycle-related injury, head trauma should be the number one thing you try to avoid. Fortunately, wearing a helmet can make that easy. Often, crashing the head against something during a collision causes the brain to jolt forward or backward against the skull. When you wear a helmet, it can provide additional padding for your head so there is less impact. As a result, helmets prevent many head injuries.
3. Helmet use reduces hospital costs
In addition to its life-saving capabilities, a helmet can also reduce hospital bills. Because of the extra protection it offers, the likelihood of needing expensive emergency procedures decreases.
Even if wearing a helmet might seem like an inconvenience, it can make a world of difference in the event of a motorcycle or bicycle collision.