Our beliefs guide our actions. Unfortunately, they aren’t always true and may cause serious safety issues especially when they apply to motorcycling. People often believe motorcycling misconceptions because they may have a common sense “ring of truth” about them, or because so many other people believe them. More importantly however, is their potential to cause injuries and fatalities.
Here are three common myths:
Helmets Won’t Help Because They Can’t Handle High-Speed Collision Impacts
Helmet design is too flimsy to protect against the forces of impact at highway speeds. This statement is true with respect to horizontal forces. Even car bumpers, as well-built as they are, won’t prevent a car from disintegrating when hitting a concrete wall at 65 mph. Helmets, as thin as they are, certainly won’t help the motorcyclist in a similar situation.
However, helmets will protect motorcyclists from the vertical impact forces of falling off their bikes. These forces are strictly determined by the height of the fall and are unaffected by the motorcycle’s forward speed. It’s a basic law of physics. As long as the motorcyclist doesn’t strike anything while sliding along the road, the helmet will protect his or her head.
Rural Roads Are Safer Than Interstates
When comparing the interstate’s multiple high-speed traffic lanes with peaceful and scenic rural highways, it’s easy to see why many motorcyclists consider rural roads a safer option. However, this view doesn’t bear up to closer examination. The speed limits of interstates and many rural highways aren’t much different. Rural highway speed limits can reach 50 to 55 mph while those of interstates are generally about 65 mph.
The reason rural roads are more dangerous is they lack controlled access. Cars can pull out in front of you from side roads. Deer crossings are more frequent. In addition, the only barrier between you and oncoming high-speed traffic is a painted line. Rural highways also lack the large breakdown lanes of interstates. Some rural shoulders are so small, they’re unsafe for pedestrian use.
Helmets Obstruct Your Vision and Hearing
DOT safety standards require a 210-degree field of view. This obviously extends beyond 180 degrees and therefore a human’s field of view. Helmets with eye protection improve your vision because the wind exposure isn’t making your eyes tear up. They also protect your eyes from dirt and grit. Your helmet blocks out wind noise that would otherwise interfere with hearing.
If a reckless or negligent driver injured you in an accident, an experienced D C accident lawyer can help. At the Law Offices of John Critzos, II, accident litigation is our main focus. Let us put our experience to work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 844-Take-MyCase or visit our website at www.844TakeMyCase.com.
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