Why there sould be helmet laws for motorcycle operators and passangers - Essay Example

Furthermore, the number of fatalities in 2004 is up by 89% than the one in 1997! This shows a rapid escalation and deterioration of the situation. This is even more serious since the number of motorcycles on the road is also on the increase, as Americans bought 734,000 new motorcycles in 2004, compared to 230,000 in 1995 ("Motorcycle Crashes Escalate", 2006; Bazar, 2005). Clearly, something must be done in order to reduce the number of fatalities of motorcycle accidents, and there is a serious need to address this issue.

A simple and important way to do that is legislating laws mandating the wearing of helmets while driving motorcycles. This step could save many lives and keep the motorcycle riders safe, preventing injuries caused by accidents. In order to achieve the goal and do so, helmet laws should be legislated. Many oppose the legislation of these laws, but from my personal experience, having been involved in a motorcycle accident and saved by wearing a helmet, I know it is imperative to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle.

There is no lack of researches and evidence proving my claim that helmets can save lives or at the very least prevent serious injuries. In fact, there is overwhelming epidemiological evidence that the helmets worn reduce accident deaths and that not wearing them is detrimental to riders. Firstly, fatalities were up by 55% from 1997 to 2003, and this coincided with the pullback in helmet reinforcement. Secondly, it has been shown that 671 lives could have been saved in 2004 alone, and an astounding number of 10,000 lives could have been saved in the past two decades!

Also, studies of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that helmets are 30% effective in preventing fatal injuries and almost 70% effective in preventing debilitating brain injuries. Another study done in a university in Southern Caroline analyzed 3,600 motorcycles crashes and concluded that "helmet