The Facts
Studies conducted by the NHTSA show that traumatic brain injury is the most common cause of death among motorcyclists, a number of which could have been prevented with a motorcycle helmet. The NHTSA also states that the average motorcyclist is 37 times more likely than a passenger vehicle occupant to be involved in an accident.
Helmet in Action
A motorcycle helmet functions primarily in two steps. First, the kinetic force of an impact is spread across the helmet's rigid outer shell. If the impact is severe enough, the outer shell will crack to absorb as much force as possible. Secondly, any remaining energy is transferred to the inner liner, which is normally constructed from polystyrene foam. The liner acts as a shock-absorbing cushion, soaking up kinetic energy before it reaches the rider's brain. A properly fitted and certified helmet can be up 69 percent effective in preventing serious brain trauma.
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Misconceptions
Helmets, especially full-face models, can prevent dust and road debris from causing eye injuries. Vision limitation is minimal; DOT-approved helmets must provide a 210-degree field of vision. Likewise, hearing is not impaired when wearing a helmet. Wind, engine and road noise are reduced, allowing a proportionate amount of sound to be heard by the wearer.
Experts from the University of Southern California studied 980 head and neck injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes and found that only four of the injuries could be attributed to a helmet. The study stated that all four injuries were minor.
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