Motorcycle Accident

June 12, 2012

Springfield Motorcycle Accident Kills Local Rider

A recent weekend motorcycle accident in Springfield has finally taken the life of a local man. The 33-year-old motorcyclist was driving down Wilbraham Road when a passenger vehicle pulled out in front of him. The motorcyclist tried to swerve out of the way but was unable to do so in time. While trying to avoid the car, he laid down his bike and slid. He was taken to the Baystate Medical Center where he later died. The accident happened shortly before 10:00 p.m., according to the Boston Globe.

Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers understand that we’re seeing more and more motorcyclists on our roadways as the skies clear up and the sun starts to shine through. It’s that time of the year when bikers dust off their helmets and hit the open road. It’s also a time when motorists need to be more careful behind the wheel and keep an extra watchful eye out for these vulnerable motorists.

Some of the most common accidents that involve motorcyclists happen when a passenger vehicle pulls out right in front of them. This happens because most motorists fail to see these two-wheeled riders on our roadways. We can’t stress how important it is for drivers to make sure they’re aware of their surroundings at all times and that they take that extra two seconds to look for motorcyclists before making a move in traffic.

Did you know that motorcyclists are about 25 percent more likely to get into a fatal accident than the occupants of a passenger vehicle? As a matter of fact, more than 10 percent of all accidents that happen in the U.S. involve motorcycles. These accidents are oftentimes fatal because motorcyclists aren’t offered as much protection as we are from our passenger vehicles. Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are urged to wear a helmet during every ride. Helmets can help to reduce the risks of death in the event of an accident by nearly 40 percent.

And with more and more motorcyclists on our roadways, it’s important for everyone to be on the lookout. In 1997, there were less than 4,000,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S. During that year, we saw about 2,120 motorcycle fatalities. Then in 2005 there were more than 6,200,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S. During that time, we saw nearly 5,000 motorcycle fatalities. That’s a near 65 percent increase over that short amount of time.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), motorcycle accidents are most likely to happen when a motorcyclist is riding in a driver’s blind spot, when a driver makes a turn in front of a rider, when there are dangerous road conditions and when a driver’s view is obstructed.

Be careful out there through the rest of the summer travel season. Be courteous and keep an eye out for our two-wheeled friends. Safe roadways start with good driving habits.
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May 5, 2012

Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts Focus of National Awareness Month

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The entire month of May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month. During this time, campaigns, events and ads will be broadcasted nationwide to help motorists to think about motorcyclists on our roadways to help prevent potentially fatal motorcycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 4,500 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents across the U.S. in 2009. Many of these accidents were the result of irresponsible drivers or passengers. This month-long awareness campaign is to help bring road safety and the awareness of motorcyles back to the forefront as the summer ride season gets under way.

Our Lynn motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these two-wheeled drivers are extremely vulnerable in traffic accidents. Motorcyclists are not provided with the same kind of protection that you and I are in our passenger vehicles. Accidents involving our two-wheeled friends oftentimes produce fatal results. For this reason, we’re asking all motorists to keep an extra watchful eye out for motorcycles. This is especially important as we enter the summer, as the weather clears up and as more motorcyclists hit our roadways.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) drivers of passenger vehicles, not the drivers of motorcycles, are responsible for nearly 70 percent of car-motorcycle accidents on our roadways. Oftentimes, drivers of passenger cars overlook motorcyclists until it’s too late to avoid a collision. Officials with MassDOT are asking drivers to share the road effectively, to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and to help keep our roadways safe for all travelers.

Tips to Drivers to Help Protect Our Motorcyclists:

-Remember that because of their small size, motorcycles are easy to overlook.

-Consider traffic, road conditions, weather conditions and remember that these conditions can force motorcyclists to react differently on our roadways than passenger car drivers. Allow them with plenty of space to travel as needed.

-Check twice before making a move in traffic. Check twice, save a life.

-Remember that you’re most likely to get into an accident with a motorcyclist while you are making a left-hand turn, when you miss a motorcycle in your blind spot, when you’re traveling in hazardous road conditions and when you have an obstructed line of sight.

-Remember that these drivers have the same rights to the road as you and I.

-Be ready for a motorcyclist’s maneuvers in traffic.

-Keep an eye on their blinkers. They’re not self-canceling like ours and can stay on well after a turn.

For May’s National Motorcycle Awareness Month, the NHTSA is asking drivers to “share the road” safely with motorcyclists and be extra alert for these smaller travelers.
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December 12, 2011

NHTSA Releases New Data: Fatal Car Accidents in Massachusetts Still High

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

More than 300 people died in car accidents in Massachusetts in 2010. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just released the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview. This is the most updated car accident data available. The NHTSA concluded that nearly 33,000 people died in traffic accidents throughout the year in the U.S. This is the lowest number of fatalities since 1949.

While that may sound promising, it’s important for us to point out that a good number of accidents actually saw increases throughout the year, including accidents among pedestrians, motorcyclists and occupants of large trucks.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that the total number of traffic fatalities is expected to increase. As we finished up 2010, the number of fatalities actually started to rise. Experts believe that as the economy continues to improve, the number of traffic fatalities will increase. Drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways and to not take this announcement as a sign to relax safe driving habits at the wheel. There are still many dangers lurking on our roadways and with the holiday season upon us, these dangers are more common. Remain alert and cautious behind the wheel to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

There were two new measures added to this year’s reports. Officials with the NHTSA decided to add the “distraction-affected crashes” and the “alcohol-related crashes” measures. As technology continues to advance, devices become more readily available to drivers and increase risks for an accident significantly. In 2010, there were roughly 3,100 people who died in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. These accidents continue to be a huge problem on our roadways. Alcohol-related accidents are also a main concern for transportation officials as these types of accidents accounted for yet another third of all traffic accident fatalities.

“The findings from our new attitude survey help us understand why some people continue to make bad decisions about driving distracted–but what’s clear from all of the information we have is that driver distraction continues to be a major problem,” said U.S. Transportation Administrator Strickland.

Key Findings of the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview:

-Nearly 33,000 people were killed in traffic accidents.

-Nearly 2.25 million people were injured in traffic accidents.

-Alcohol-related accidents made up about a third of all traffic fatalities.

-The number of pedestrians killed increased by nearly 5 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of motorcyclists killed increased by nearly 35 deaths from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of large truck occupants killed increased by roughly 6 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of vehicle occupants who were injured while wearing a seat belt during an accident increased.

-The number of fatal accidents in rural areas decreased, while the number of fatal accidents in urban areas increased significantly.

-The number of fatalities among individuals over the age of 55 increased significantly.

-Twenty states experienced increases in the total number of fatalities.

-Massachusetts saw a decrease of roughly 25 fatalities from 2009 to 2010.

As we round out the remainder of 2011 and head into 2012, drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways. As the economy continues to recover, more motorists are expected to hit our roadways, which will bring along increased risks for a fatal accident.
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October 20, 2011

Man Dies in Recent Hudson Motorcycle Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent motorcycle accident in Massachusetts at 315 Derry Road took the life of a 50-year-old Londonderry man. The accident happened as a Ford Mustang was reversing out of an industrial complex and struck the passing motorcyclist, according to the Nashua Telegraph.

The man was airlifted to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Mustang was not injured in the accident. No charges have been filed but officials are still investigating the accident.

Our Boston motorcycle accident attorneys understand how many accidents occur simply because motorists overlook motorcyclists on our roadways. These riders are oftentimes overlooked because of a driver’s lack of focus. Motorcyclists follow the same laws of the road as you and I, and they should be treated with the same respect. Accidents involving a motorcycle oftentimes end fatally because the rider lacks personal safety protection.

According to statistics from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were nearly 37,500 people killed in traffic-related accidents in the U.S. in 2008. During the same time, there were nearly 400 lives lost in these same scenarios in the state of Massachusetts. While these statistics illustrate more than a 15 percent decrease from the previous year, our state still has a long way to go to make our roadways safe for everyone.

Traffic-related fatalities statistics in Massachusetts for 2008:

-More than 40 motorcyclists were killed. Riders age 50 to 59 years old accounted for a majority of these fatalities.

-Nearly 80 pedestrians were killed.

-Nearly 200 fatalities occurred from accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

-About 20 fatalities accounted for the rest of the accidents involving a large truck.

Most of the accidents that happened from 2006 to 2008 occurred in Worcester and Middlesex counties. When we break down the information into the percentage of accidents based on a county’s population, Franklin and Berkshire counties had the highest fatal accident percentages in 2008.

Motorists are asked to check for motorcyclists, especially when making turns, changing lanes and reversing. Never share a lane with a motorcycle and never follow too closely. Motorcycles operate much different than our passenger vehicles and drivers should adjust their skills and habits to accommodate these riders. They shouldn’t be treated any differently on our roadways just because their vehicles are smaller. Driver compassion may be one of the most beneficial precautions we can exercise to help save these vulnerable motorists. These accidents are in fact preventable.

With no doors, no trunk, no engine and clearly no airbags, motorcyclists are at extremely high risks for injury and death in the event of an accident on our roadways. Motorcycle accidents account for nearly 10 percent of all traffic accident deaths in our state. You’re more than 15 times more likely to die in an accident on a motorcycle than in a passenger vehicle.
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September 21, 2011

62-Year-Old Suffers Serious Injuries in Randolph Motorcycle Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent motorcycle accident in Randolph landed a 62-year-old man in the Boston Medical Center. The man was injured after colliding with a motor vehicle at the intersection of Pond Street and North Main Street at approximately 4 p.m. Traffic was slowed and rerouted through a detour while the accident was investigated, according to Enterprise News.

Our Boston injury attorneys ask that all motorists keep an eye out for motorcycle riders during these last few weeks of riding season. Riders are unable to navigate our roadways year round, so when the weather permits, they hit the open road in full force. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a traffic accident. Typically, these motorcycle riders are often overlooked by car and truck drivers because of the bikes’ smaller size. Motorists are asked to remain aware of their surroundings to help keep our riders safe while they’re still able to ride.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has conducted a number of studies on the dangers and riding techniques of our motorcyclists. Transportation officials understand the risks that these motorists face for a serious accident on our roadways and are making strides in helping to preserve their safety.

According to MassDOT, a rider is most likely to experience an accident when:

-A vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist.

-A motorcyclist gets stuck in a vehicle’s blind spot.

-A motor vehicle follows too closely behind a motorcycle.

-Turn signals are not used.

-You fail to acknowledge road laws.

-There are dangerous road conditions, including railroad tracks, wet leaves, potholes and other obstructions.

-Weather conditions are poor.

-Your line of vision is obstructed. Oftentimes, sport utility vehicles, commercial trucks and delivery vans can block a motorist from seeing a motorcyclist.

The DOT offers this advice to motorists to help avoid an accident with a motorcyclist:

-Remember that motorcycles can easily be overlooked on our roadways.

-Our eyes are conditioned to spot other passenger-vehicles. Take the extra time to watch carefully for motorcyclists and other travelers in smaller vehicles.

-Be aware of the road, traffic and weather conditions, all three of which require drivers to be extra vigilant. Motorcyclists also have to adjust their driving skills. During these times it can be difficult to judge and predict when riders may take evasive action.

-Check twice, save a life.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 334 roadway fatalities in Massachusetts in 2009, approximately 54 involved motorcyclists.

A number of these accidents, both of passenger-vehicle and of motorcycle riders, can be reduced and potentially prevented if we all take a look at our own driving habits and make a conscious effort to make them more aware, more cautious and more defensive.
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July 15, 2011

Elderly Woman Causes Stoughton Motorcycle Accident and Flees the Scene

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A motorcycle accident in Stoughton sent two motorcyclists to the hospital after they were hit near the intersection of Warren Ave. and Washington St. on Route 138 by a car that left the scene, according to the Stoughton Patch. Stoughton Police and Fire responded to the motorcycle accident and sent the two motorcyclists to the hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

Our Boston motorcycle accident attorneys would like to point out that this accident happened around 12:30 p.m., which illustrates the dangers that motorcyclists face on our roadways. Motorcyclists are most likely involved in car accidents in broad daylight. Because of their small size, motorists oftentimes overlook these two-wheeled travelers.

The male motorcycle driver was taken to Good Samaritan in Brockton. The female passenger was taken to Boston Medical Center in Boston.

According to the Executive Officer Robert Devine of the Stoughton Police Department, the car “took a sharp turn [a left turn] onto Warren Ave. from Route 138,” and failed to yield to the oncoming motorcycle.

The driver of the motorcycle swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle, but the motorcycle fell to its side and struck another car. Devine said the incident is still under investigation.

The Stoughton Police are on the hunt for the driver of the vehicle that allegedly caused the accident. They say they’ve been informed that it was an elderly woman that was driving a blue Mercury or Buick with a license plate ending in “120,” They plan to cite her with failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 5,500 motorcyclists killed in 2008. This is the most recent data provided by the Administration regarding these accidents. During that year, roughly 96,000 motorcyclists were injured on our roadways. If you calculate it by per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are nearly 40 times more likely to die in a motor-vehicle accident than an occupant of a passenger vehicle. Massachusetts witnessed more than 40 motorcycle deaths in 2008 alone.

Motorists play a huge rule in the safety of motorcycle riders. By raising awareness of the presence of motorcyclists on our roadways, we can help to encourage passenger-vehicle motorists to driver safer and more cautiously in an attempt to keep our roads safe and accident free.

Motorists are urged to follow these safety tips to help to avoid an accident with a motorcyclist:

Always check for motorcyclists in your blind spots. Because they’re so small, they can oftentimes get lost in these spots and are ignored by motorists.
Allow a motorcycle to occupy the entire lane. Do not share lanes with a motorcyclist. Treat them as you would any other motorist.
Do not follow too closely. They have a harder time stopping on slippery, wet pavement.
Remember that motorcyclists will oftentimes slow their vehicle by downshifting instead of using their brakes. This means there will be no brake light activated. This is another reason you should never follow too closely.
Always assume they are closer than they appear. Because of their small size, these small vehicles can oftentimes appear to be farther away than they actually are.
Be alert of a signaling motorcyclist. Their turn signals are not self-canceling like those on passenger vehicles. Make sure that a motorcyclist’s signal is for real.

July 10, 2011

Single-Car Accident in Massachusetts Kills Teen Driver

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

An 18-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene of a teen car accident in Massachusetts.

The driver was heading southbound on U.S. Route 1 when he drove his SUV over the rumble strip at a ramp from Massachusetts Route 128 just before 1:00 a.m. The Massachusetts State Police Department is investigating the fatal accident, according to Boston 5.

When his car traveled over the rumble strip, it flipped over. It was determined by authorities that the teen was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. A section of Route 1 was closed for about two hours while investigators collected accident information. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that newly licensed teen drivers on our roadways pose serious and fatal threats to all motorists. Many don’t do it deliberately, but do it simply because they lack driving experience and knowledge. The most current data that was recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) truly illustrates the dangers these young drivers face on our roadways.

According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for those who are 15- to 20-years old. In 2009 alone, more than 5,000 15- to 20-year-old drivers were involved in fatal traffic accidents. These accidents took the lives of nearly 2,500 teen drivers that year. This means that more than 10 percent of all drivers that were involved in fatal accidents in 2009 were those between 15- and 20-years-old.

Drivers of this age group made up nearly 15 percent of drivers involved in police-reported traffic accidents. There were approximately 1,337,000 police-reported accidents that involved a teen driver during that year. Teens are also more likely to die on a motorcycle than other age groups as well. In 2009, more than 500 teen motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents. Another 5,000 suffered injuries because of these incidents.

Don’t think that because teens aren’t legally allowed to drink that they’re not going to. In 2009, 33 percent of drivers in this young age group that were killed in traffic accidents were reported to be under the influence of alcohol. Nearly 30 percent of them had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. Massachusetts witnessed nearly 50 teen deaths on our roadways in 2009 alone.

Parents are encouraged to enforce the following safety tips to help keep their teens safe behind the wheel:

Ride along with your teen. Provide them with positive criticism. You may be the most influential person on your teen’s driving habits.
Set rules. Make sure they limit their number of passengers. Passengers serve as a dangerous distraction to all drivers.
Require they put down the cell phone behind the wheel.
Consider a curfew.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Ask your teen to check in when they get to their destination and too let you know when they’re leaving.
Set a good example. Follow all the driving rules you set forth for them while they’re riding along with you.
Create a parent-teen driving contract to solidify these rules.

June 10, 2011

Rider Dies Week after Sustained Injuries from Boston Motorcycle Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A man that was involved a motorcycle accident in Boston late last month has died. The Springfield man, 24-years-old, was involved in the accident on May 25th and was pronounced dead earlier this week, according to Mass Live.

The accident happened when a car collided with the motorcycle on Boston Road on that late evening in May. Police speculate that speed was a factor in the crash. The motorcyclist reportedly lost control of his vehicle while rounding a curve. He skidded for about 100 feet before coming to a stop near Dezi’s Jewelry Exchange and Pawn Shop.

Our Boston motorcycle accident attorneys understand that motorcyclist are more vulnerable to serious — if not fatal — accidents on our Massachusetts roadways. This is the second motorcycle-related fatality already this spring.

The motorcyclist was at the Baystate Medical Center in critical condition for about a week after the accident.

The motorcycle accident from earlier this year took the life of a 55-year-old rider back in April. In this accident, the motorcyclists collided with a truck towing a trailer on Route 9 in Ware. The truck reportedly jacknifed into the motorcycle’s lane. The rider died three days after this accident. Police are still investigating this accident.

Motorcycle riders are nearly 40 times more likely to die in a motor-vehicle accident than the occupants of the other vehicles reports Tim Aloisio of Monson, The Republican‘s motorcycle columnist and a member of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. He also reports that two-thirds of the time it is the fault of the automobile operators.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects that motorcycling fatalities declined from 5,290 in 2008 to 4,762 or fewer in 2009.

Here are some motorist safety tips, provided by Motorcycle Safety News, to help keep our motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

-Look, and look again, for motorcyclists when at intersections and when changing lanes.

-Motorcycles typically appear to be farther away than they actually are. This is because of their small size. Always assume that they’re closer than they appear.

-Take extra time to check your blind spots before maneuvering through traffic as bikes can easily get lost in these spots because of their small size.

-Bikes also seem to move faster than they actually are, again because of their size. Don’t assume that all bikers are speed demons.

-Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting, which does not activate their brake lights. For this reason, allow more following distance when riding behind a bike.

-Motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling like the ones on our vehicles are. Be sure that a motorcyclist signal is for real when moving around them.

-Don’t expect a motorcycle to always be able to dodge out of the way. Maneuverability may be one of their better characteristics, but it can’t always save them from a collision.

-Remember that the stopping distance is the same as that of a vehicle. Do not tailgate.
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June 3, 2011

New Driver Test Ranks Massachusetts Drivers Among Worst in America

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recently, GMAC Insurance released the results for their 2011 National Drivers Test. These tests are nothing to brag about as the study concluded that 1 out of every 5 drivers fails to meet basic road requirements to obtain a driver’s license. This means nearly 37 million American drivers, or roughly 20 percent of motorists on our roadways, would not be able to pass the written drivers test if they were to take it today. This lack of road knowledge greatly increases the risks for a car accident in Boston.

“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ,” said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance. “All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. We’re hoping this year’s GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Our Boston car accident attorneys note that these test results concluded that the average score on this GMAC drivers test was less than 78 percent in 2011. While this is a near 2 percent increase from the previous year, the average score is still alarmingly low. This means that a large number of motorists on our roadways lack basic knowledge of driving skills and rules.

Nearly 90 percent of drivers that took this test could not identify the correct action to take when pulling up to a steady yellow traffic light. One a quarter of tested drivers were able to list safe following distances.

“All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to basic driving rules,” said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance – Personal Lines. “Being a safe driver is about conduct, judgment and knowledge. We’re hoping this year’s results encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Massachusetts’ drivers rank 47th in the United States in driver intelligence. Our state dropped nine spots in the rankings since the previous year when we ranked 38th.

The Northeast region of the country submitted the worst scores of all regions. The Midwest region scored the best on this test. Typically, male drivers scored better than female drivers, with roughly 14 percent of men failing the test compared to approximately 27 percent of women. Older drivers also tested better.

The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test is conducted to serve as a reminder to drivers to freshen up on their credentials to help decrease their risk of being involved in an accident.

“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test shows me that too many Americans are coming up short when it comes to knowing the rules of the road,” said Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. “Whether you’re on the race track or in the real world, it’s about being safe, respecting other drivers and being educated about how to handle certain situations.”

The 2011 test quizzed driver knowledge through a series of 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, gender, ethnicity and age. The seventh annual survey had 5,130 licensed driver participants between the ages of 15 and 66 from all over the country.

Want to give the GMAC Insurance National Driving Test a whirl and see how your driving knowledge measures up? Visit their website and test your driving skills.
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April 28, 2011

Massachusetts Motorcycle Accidents a Concern Despite Lower Fatality Rates

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent report from state transportation officials found that motorcycle deaths dropped 2 percent in the first nine months of last year, according to The New York Times. Many aren’t convinced, saying this decrease may just signal a blip and may mean absolutely nothing toward a lasting improvement in safety.

The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that there were 80 fewer motorcyclist fatalities in Boston and elsewhere in the United States from January through September of 2010 than the same time period of the previous year.

But wait, there’s a catch. While fatalities were down 25 percent during the first three months of the recorded period, they were down 1 percent during the second three months and up 3 percent during the last three months. This increase has many safety advocates worried.

“The drop is all in the front half of the year,” said report author Jim Hedlund, a safety consultant. “It looks very much as if we’ve hit bottom and may be starting back up again.”

A spokesman for the safety group that issued the report, Jonathan Adkins, says that recreational motorcycle riding appears to have declined while the recession was at its worst. He adds that this may be the reason why the number of deaths decreased.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,300 motorcyclists were killed, and an additional 96,000 injured, in 2008. Massachusetts contributed more than 40 motorcyclist deaths to the national number in the same year. It is estimated that, nationwide, motorcycle helmets saved more than 1,800 motorcyclists in 2009 and could have saved an additional 823 if all were wearing helmets.

Currently, only 21 states require that helmets be worn by motorcyclists. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, only 13 of those states specify that the helmet needs to meet federal standards.
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