Helmet Design Evolution

Statistics provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation indicate that there were 2,980 motorcycle accidents in 2011, which accounted for 130 fatal accidents and 2,553 injuries.

Throughout the years, there have been numerous studies conducted showing that by wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle will greatly increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle crash. In fact, one study indicated that individuals wearing a helmet have over 30 percent more likelihood of surviving an accident.

In the 1930s a neurosurgeon developed the motorcycle helmet while studying motorcycle dispatch riders. It was concluded that many of the military dispatch riders were losing their lives due to severe head injuries. Thus, crash helmets were developed for both military and civilian use.

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys are here to defend you against the negligent individual whom caused the accident. We believe that these negligent individuals must be held accountable for their actions and pay for all damages and losses they have caused.

For more information, complete the Free Case Review form on this page Its 100% free.

Types of Motorcycle Helmet Designs

Since the 1930s there have been numerous innovations in motorcycle helmet safety technology, while they all serve as a means to reduce the amount of head injuries sustained during accidents. There are many different levels of safety designs which may be seen across our Arizona roadways.

Some common types of motorcycle helmet designs include:

• Full Face
• Half Helmet
• Modular
• Motocross
• Novelty Helmet (Not DOT approved, yet common)
• Open Face

As most riders recognize that helmets have been proved to greatly reduce head injuries, along with their ability to save lives, it is often bypassed if not required by the state. In Arizona, motorcycle helmets are required for all riders and passengers under the age of 18 years old.

Helmet Safety Design

From the beginning, motorcycle helmets were designed with a hard outer shell and a soft inner shell to cushion the force caused when a riders head strikes another object. This basic idea has continued to be used throughout the years; however, different materials have been used to better protect the head of a rider. In most cases, motorcycle helmets use plastics or fiberglass reinforced with Kevlar or carbon fiber. These helmets are all lined with some type of foam and fabric interiors to increase both comfort and protection.

Some features of motorcycle helmets include:

• Ear Protection
• Face Shields
• Intercom and speakers
• Ventilation
• Visor

In addition, motorcycle accident studies have found that riders wearing lighter colored helmets, rather than dark helmets, decrease their risk of being involved in an accident by 24% because they are easier to spot. Similar research has also proven that by wearing lighter clothing has the same effect.

Common Motorcycle Head Injuries

In most instances, individuals believe that a motorcycle helmet is designed to protect the riders head from splitting open, however these skull fractures are usually non-life threatening. Instead, motorcycle helmets are intended to protect the rider against brain injuries. This is proven by a statistic showing that brain injuries cause an average of 52,000 deaths per year from automobile accidents across the United States.

Some common motorcycle head injuries include:

• Concussions
• Contusions
• Dental Injuries
• Hematomas
• Nerve Damage
• Severe facial lacerations
• Torn Tear Duct
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

The most protective types of helmets are designed using a firm liner which is used to decrease the heads impact rather than causing it to come to an abrupt stop. This helps prevent the brain from crashing into the skull, causing brain damage.

Motorcycle Helmet Standards

Motorcycle helmet standards began in June 1967, when the United States Secretary of Transportation issued a safety standard which required mandatory helmet use and eye protection to all motorcycle riders. At this time, 49 states would enact the mandate requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. Of course, since this time, the United States would begin certifying motorcycle helmets using standards set by the Department of Transportation or DOT, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA.

In the United States, our motorcycle helmet standards are determined using an impact speed of nine to fifteen miles per hour, which falls short of the average traveling speed of 45 miles per hour. In any case, helmets have been proven to save lives and it is recommended to wear a motorcycle helmet at all times.

Contact Our Phoenix Attorneys

At Phillips Law Group, our personal injury attorneys in Phoenix believe that if you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligent actions of another individual, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages including; pain and suffering, loss of wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Being located in Phoenix, our lawyers are licensed to serve the entire state of Arizona and beyond.

Some local areas we serve include:

• Scottsdale
• Glendale
• Avondale
• Gilbert
• Mesa
• Sun Lakes
• New River
• Pinnacle Peak

If you would like to learn more about our law firm, or to schedule your free no-obligation case review, we invite you to contact us at 1-800-706-3000 today. Here, a staff member will answer your call and collect information about your accident, then quickly connect you with an experienced attorney ready to handle your case.

Start here by completing the Free Case Review form to the right Its that easy!