Make the right choice, wear a motorcycle helmet
Working in an emergency department I have seen my share of traumatic injuries. Some of these injuries could have been prevented or minimized had the individual made a different choice. In New Hampshire motorcycle riders have the choice to wear a helmet or not. That choice is yours, but the choice to be in a potentially fatal accident is not your choice.
In 2009 there were 21 fatal motorcycle accidents; 13 were not wearing a helmet; of those, five are were believed to be savable had they worn a helmet. The largest age group among the fatalities were 40 to 49, not the young 20-something’s.
Some common reasons given for not wearing a helmet are myths. A helmet does not obstruct peripheral vision; normal is between 200 and 220 degrees, and federal safety standards require helmets provide 210 degrees. Moreover, 90 percent of crashes happen within a range of 160 degrees.
Helmets do not and cannot prevent every injury. If you knew that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries, common sense would dictate that in a crash you are better off wearing a helmet.
If you knew that someone was going to hit you in the head with a baseball bat, would you rather be with or without a helmet?
This letter is not derived from political intent but for the loved ones left behind when the choice is made to not wear a helmet. Please use your head and make the right choice.
Courtney Swales
Hudson
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