Our usual headline reads: Motorcyclist dies when hit by loose innertube. As I pore over other news publication another issue struck me: Motorcycle collides with deer last week. These kinds of news are not new to us. They bombard us day by day through our mass media. But still we are taking them for granted..

I also remembered one time when my step-sister was just learning to drive when she fell into a deep ditch. Good thing she was wearing a helmet. Or else, the doctor told us, that we can expect a paralyzed member of the family due to the momentum and intensity of the fall.

Let’s make the obvious very obvious. Each year, thousands of people encounter death because of street accidents. Thousands are also injured because of their contributory negligence. According to NHTSA statistics, fatalities among motorcycle riders have increased by more than 73% since 1997. One of the causative factor to these accidents is the non-wearing of helmet. Also in the same report, almost 75% of fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2003 were not wearing a helmet.

Other vital facts in the study are as follows: In 2003, 36 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, approximately twice the rate for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks. The percentage of alcohol involvement was 40 percent higher for motorcyclists than for drivers of passenger vehicles. Motorcyclist fatalities are rising fastest among motorcycle riders over age 40. In 2003 alone, fatalities increased by 16%. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcycle riders.

When you are riding without a helmet or any protection for your head, it is like riding while the sword of Damocles is dangerously hanging over your head with a great possibility of falling at any given time. Just like Damocles, you are allowed to do what you want, he by enjoying a festive meal and you by enjoying your ride. The only drawback though is to expect the consequence of being struck by the sharp sword over him and you to suffer the consequence of your negligence. It may be injuries – either slight or serious, or probably the most morbid thing which is death!

Helmet is a very important motorcycle apparel since it reduces the risk of brain damage or head injury. We know for a fact that the brain is one of the most vital parts of our body and we must take extra diligence to safeguard it against any damage. In view of its importance, different states have enacted motorcycle helmet law to enforce mandatory wearing of helmets among drivers, racers and the likes. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,158 American motorcyclists in 2003. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 640 lives could have been saved.