It goes without saying that motorcycle riders are significantly more vulnerable than typical vehicle passengers when an accident occurs. Without a protective frame around them, it is relatively easy for the force of a crash to throw a motorcyclist from their bike or even sustain a brain injury if they hit the pavement.
Traumatic brain injuries are those that can cause temporary or permanent problems with a person’s brain function as a result of trauma to the head. TBIs are major injuries that can affect an individual for the rest of their life, so it is crucial for motorcycle riders to understand the role that helmets can play in preventing TBIs.
Do motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of brain injuries?
The Centers for Disease Control reports that motorcycle helmets observable reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and that helmets played a direct role in saving an estimated 1,872 lives in 2017. Additionally, the NHTSA estimates that 749 deaths in 2017 were avoidable if helmets were in use at the time of the accidents.
Does North Dakota law require motorcyclists to wear helmets?
North Dakota law requires any person under the age of 18 to wear a helmet conforming to Department of Transportation standards while operating a motorcycle. Any passenger riding behind an individual required to wear a helmet must also wear a helmet themselves. Any motorcyclist above the age of 18 who is not riding as a passenger to an individual required to wear a helmet does not have to wear a helmet themselves.
While most motorcyclists are not under any legal requirement to wear a helmet while on a bike, doing so is a strong safety decision. Statistics show that helmets do, in fact, play a significant role in preventing traumatic brain injuries.