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Safety Sphere - Ultimate motorcycle airbag suit
Rejean Neron's Safety Sphere is a protective suit which inflates to a man-sized sphere, completely enveloping the rider in the event of a crash. It inflates in five hundredths of a second, cushioning the rider for any impact (except perhaps those into giant spikes) and consists of a loose fitting coverall suit comprised of two layers of fabric.
Neron explains: "The outer layer is made up of a highly resistant parachute type material. The inner layer is made up of a thin, moderately elastic synthetic material. In a collision situation, the passengers are thrown from the motorcycle, the cord connecting them to the motorcycle seat disconnects, the electrical voltage plummets, and the electronic circuit processor inside the belt buckle housing of each occupant connects the 9 volt battery to an electric igniter in the back housing of their respective suits." This triggers the firing of an explosive canister of propellant called nitrocellulose.
Neron is a motorcycling idealist who believes bikes could play a massive role in alleviating congestion in 21st century cities, if only riders' fear of crashing's consequences could be reduced to those of the prang-happy car driver. He's been working on the Safety Sphere for many years, through 'countless' iterations and is now looking for backing to bring the design to production.
Health care groups band together against proposed helmet law changes
A letter co-signed by the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, the Washtenaw County Medical Society and other groups asks Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the legislation, should it reach his desk.
Currently, helmets are mandatory for all motorcyclists in the state.
Senate Bill 291 passed in June while the lawmakers still are considering House Bill 4608. The measures allow those older than 21 who meet certain criteria to pass when it comes to wearing a helmet.
In the joint letter, the organizations cite a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that says 50 lives in Michigan and $86 million are saved via the helmet law.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed helmet law repeal efforts in 2006 and 2008, according to a UMHS news release. Snyder has yet to take a stand on the issue, the release states.
Juliana Keeping for AnnArbor.com.
Accidents a Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn more about traumatic brain injury and how to reduce risk during your favorite summer activities.
Every year, an estimated 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury ("TBI"). Fortunately, three quarters of TBIs are relatively minor. Even so, TBI is to blame for over 50,000 deaths annually, and some five million people currently live with TBI related disabilities. Knowing more about TBI and its causes can be beneficial for anyone whose life has been touched by a severe head injury.
What Is TBI
Warning signs of TBI immediately following an injury include any loss of consciousness or memory, a change in mental state or localized problems in nerve functioning. TBI can result in a diverse range of long-term effects as well. Some common issues include balance, coordination, or strength impairments, language and memory defects and emotional or behavioral disorders.
Risk Factors/Causes
Many of the activities that can lead to TBI skyrocket in popularity during the summer months. Motorcycling and bicycling, for instance, are two warm-weather activities that bear a close relationship to TBI: head injuries are the leading cause of death and disability from cycling accidents.
Safety Tips
Of course, wearing a helmet that fits properly and meets safety standards while participating in riskier activities is one way to drastically lower your odds of sustaining a serious TBI.
In Connecticut, all bicyclists under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a helmet. Motorcycle riders are likewise legally compelled to use approved headgear at age 17 and younger. Although older bicyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts are not subject to helmet laws in Connecticut, helmet use is always a good idea for anyone operating a two-wheeled vehicle.
Helmets serve as an effective failsafe for cyclists who are involved in crashes. But, avoiding an accident altogether is far more preferable. Wearing bright, reflective clothing, clearly signaling to drivers and using head and tail lights on your bike all make you more visible. Bicyclists can also lower risk by avoiding the most dangerous situations, like riding at night or in heavy traffic.
For a suspected TBI sustained during any activity, it is imperative to seek immediate, competent medical attention. Every year, thousands of cases of traumatic brain injury are misdiagnosed or ignored. Even mild forms of TBI can cause long-lasting damage without treatment.
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership launches bike safety film
A young boy emulates the father he idolises by converting his bicycle into a motorcycle.
His dad comes home, safe and sound on his bike, to find his son kitted out just like him.
The Stay A Hero film is fast becoming an internet sensation and, its creators hope, will make bikers think twice about safety by reaching them on their own terms.
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership commissioned the film, Stay A Hero, to take a different approach to cutting road accidents.
The film was created by Daniel Cox, the director behind the award-winning Embrace Life campaign.
That advert, which shows a family acting as their father's seatbelt, won international awards and has been watched more than 13 million times on internet site YouTube.
Stay A Hero has already been watched more than 100,000 times since it went online in May.
In the first six months of this year 14 motorcyclists were killed in the county, compared with six in the same period last year.
In total between January and June this year there were 32 deaths on the roads of Sussex.
Ken Seymour, the manager of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: “Despite motorcyclists being a small proportion of road users, they make up a large percentage of casualties across Sussex.
“Stay a Hero deliberately avoids laying blame of any sort and isn't your usual shocking public service film. We hope that it will connect with our biker community, generate discussion and help to save lives on our roads.”
The film's producer, Sarah Alexander, said: “Rather than using fear and gore tactics we have tried to remind bikers of how great it is to ride while at the same time reminding them who they are going home to and why they need to stay safe.
“We are hoping the message will save lives this summer.”
Sid Bourne, the manager of Bikes Of Brighton in Preston Road, Brighton, said he welcomed an effort to appeal to motorcyclists on their own terms and that bikers can feel they are blamed for road accidents.
He said: “It is more a case of educating car drivers than educating bikers.
“Most of the bikers know what they are doing.”
Ben Parsons
Former Off-Road Professional Racing Star Who Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury Embarks on 2,700 Mile Bicycle Ride to Raise Awareness, Funds for Brain Injuries
Josh Morros has decided that he is going to make a difference. He began a 2,700 mile bike ride on June 20th in Reno, Nevada, that will span 10 states and end at the headquarters of the Brain Injury Association of America in Vienna, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.). Josh, a survivor of traumatic brain injury, has set a goal to create greater awareness and increased support for those suffering from serious brain injuries through his ride.
Two and a half years ago, Josh Morros was a name you would have recognized in the off-road racing world. At the age of 16, he went from AMA amateur status to being a professional racer after signing with Factory Kawasaki Team Green. He raced with some of the biggest names in the sport and became an international off-road racing star. Then, in August 2008, his world changed.
While competing in an AMA National Hare and Hound competition, Josh crashed his motocross bike while going over 80 miles an hour. Comatose, Josh was rushed to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT, where he was diagnosed with a severe case of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with negligible brain activity.
Josh’s coma lasted 24 days, but it would be another 20 days before he uttered his first words: “I love you, Mom.” Despite doctors telling him to be prepared for the worst, Josh worked diligently to recover. A short three months later, Josh was back on his motorcycle. Family and doctors credit Josh’s diligence and never-quit attitude.
“Josh's recovery — his ability and drive and strength — is remarkable," says Dr. Thomas White, a trauma surgeon from Intermountain Medical Center who took care of Josh. "Almost all of our patients who survive this type of injury suffer from some sort of disability. So what Josh is doing is amazing."
According to the National Institutes of Health, each year in the United States there are nearly 1.4 million people who suffer a traumatic brain injury, and of those injured, about 50,000 die. Survivors more often than not suffer from cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disorders and some develop long-term disorders.
“Josh’s story is inspiring,” says Dr. Steven Granger, another trauma surgeon at Intermountain Medical Center. "It really gives us hope for what our patients with this kind of serious injury may be able to achieve. It's commendable that he's devoting his time to raising awareness for brain injury."
Before his accident, his parents had studied nutrition in an effort to help their wiry teenage son to gain some weight. Their efforts included supplementing Josh’s nutrition with MonaVie—a health drink that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Despite still being in recovery from his accident, Josh expects to complete the challenging ride on July 29. He is coordinating with local groups and others along the 2,700 mile ride to share his story and to put a spotlight on the need for greater awareness of TBI. Josh has set a goal to raise $250,000 during the ride to give to The Brain Initiative, The Brain Injury Association, and Safe Kids.
About Because I Can Ride
There’s more to Josh’s ride than just proving he can do it. Josh is determined to help others who have suffered similar accidents and to inspire a more public dialogue about TBI. To find out more about Josh and his ride—including a schedule for his stops—visit http://www.becauseIcanride.org.