Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents

Safe Motorcycle Helmets are Not Cheap, but They Can Be Inexpensive

Greg Owen — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:47:00 GMT

There is a safe way to buy an inexpensive motorcycle helmet, as long as you do your research. First, it must be made clear that wearing a helmet is, undoubtedly, the best way to prevent injury during a motorcycle crash. In fact, those that wear helmets are statistically less likely to be involved in fewer crashes, and suffer fewer injury and death if they do crash. Other myths that suggest that helmets compromise safety are also untrue. Wind noise reduction improves the ability to hear road noise, not the other way around. By protecting your eyes and face, distractions such as insects are reduced.

As for the quality of the helmet you choose, there are actually very few guidelines to follow to assure the helmet will do its job. The first is certification by either the Department of Transportation (DOT) or by the Snell Foundation.

The D.O.T. sticker on the back of a helmet assures that by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 218, the helmet must soak up a significant amount of impact energy, prevent most penetration, and have a fastening system that will withstand significant force. The Snell certification is very similar to D.O.T. except for slightly different, yet very comprehensive testing. Both certifications, regardless of how inexpensive the helmet, provide extensive protection in a collision.

For those wondering why a helmet requires certification, it has to do with the helmet’s anatomy. More specifically, a legitimate motorcycle helmet features a expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner. It is that liner that, when in a crash, permanently deforms to absorb the impact. In fact, once a helmet has been involved in one collision, the EPS in the are of impact is deemed useless and the helmet must be replaced. Regardless of impact involvement, a helmet should be replaced every 5 years.

So, if you are looking for helmets according to price, at the very least be sure that they are D.O.T. or Snell certified (or both!). Snell certified helmets can be found online ranging from $110 to upwards of $700.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Robins Air Force Base Launches New Motorcycle Safety Campaign

Greg Owen — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:35:55 GMT

Officials at Robins Air Force Base have implemented a motorcycle safety program on the base. and, not a moment too soon.

There are as many as 1,300 motorcycles registered on base. And, there have been six motorcycle accidents off base in only seven weeks. In all, one airman died and three base employees have very serious injuries. According to Col. Patrick Higby of Robins Air Force Base "three-fourths of all motorcycle accidents nationwide involve four-wheel vehicles and two-thirds of those are the fault of the four-wheel driver."

The safety program is in force to help bring awareness to drivers. The program focuses on excersing caution by avoiding distractions. See full article for more on the upcoming event.

Additional Information Pertaining to Motorcycle Accidents

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Washington State Highlights Motorcycle Safety

Greg Owen — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:14:20 GMT

April will kick off Washington State's motorcycle safety campaign. The word is spreading by way of radio, television and print. In fact, Washington is backing up its concern for the safety of motorcycle riders by offering subsidized safety courses to residents of Washington State.

The courses include videos that demonstrate how drivers of automobiles and motorcycles alike can lessen the rate of accidents. There were as many as 17,000 motorcycle riders who took the subsidized safety course last year alone, and it seems to be working. There was a substantial reduction in fatal motorcycle accidents in 2007 in comparison to the year prior.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

To Wear or Not to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet

Greg Owen — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:33:58 GMT

Motorcyclists in Nebraska could have the option to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. Currently in Nebraska the legislature is debating a bill that would allow people 21 years or older to decide whether they want to wear a motorcycle helmet.

A safety course would be required for anyone choosing to ride helmet free. In addition, eye wear protection would also be required. This new bill is in the early stages and will need to be voted on in the legislature before going to the governor for approval.

Additional Information Pertaining to Motorcycle Accidents

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Strict Motorcycle Laws Enacted in Puerto Rico

Greg Owen — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:34:02 GMT

If you think that motorcycle laws are strict in the United States, take a look at the laws in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico if you are riding a motorcycle, you are required to wear protective jackets, gloves, long pants and boots. This became the law of the land this week

Wisely, they have also lowered the blood-alcohol level to .02 from .08, which is the blood-alcohol level allowed for motorists. The law was prompted by an increase in accidents. Not all were happy about the new law. In fact, hundreds of motorcyclists protested while riding by Govenor Anibal's home on Monday.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Fremont Woman Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Greg Owen — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:31:04 GMT

On Sunday at 1:15 pm Joe Silver Sr., 43, of Tracy, decided to pass another slower vehicles by crossing over a double-yellow line. That decision cost a woman her life.

Silver was traveling in a 1993 Suzuki while the unidentified woman was a passenger on a 1999 Harley-Davidson. The woman, who died at the scene, was taken to Eden Medical Center. This is just a tragedy that motorcycle crash could have been avoided so easily. Should you have any information regarding the incident please contact the Dublin CHP office at 925-828-0466.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Motorcycle Industry Pledges $2.8 Million

Greg Owen — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:49:26 GMT

In response to the motorcycles pladge to fund $2.8 million in crash research, Ed Moreland of the American Medical Association's VP of Government Relations stated on their websire " This commitment by the motorcycle industry is a vital ingredient in getting the first comprehensive study of the causes of motorcycle crashes in more than 25 years."

Motorcycle riding has long been a favorite pastime for Americans and non-Americans alike. There is no question that motorcycle riders place themselves in a very vulnerable situation every time they partake in this activity. We have a long way to go to increase safety awarness. With that said, this pledge will definately get the ball rolling.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Multiple Motorcycle Accidents at Rally

Greg Owen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:40:16 GMT

This year marked the eight annual Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally in Baker City, Idaho. There were as many as 3,000 people in attendance, many of whom had taken a day trip to Idaho for the event. No less than eight riders who attended the rally were injured, two of which are in critical condition. "I was not prepared for what happened here this year," said Lt. Will Johnson of the Adams County Sheriffs Office in Idaho. "I will be next year."

Johnson believes the crooked roads coupled with the spectacular scenery in Idaho contributed to the lack of attention and subsequent accidents. The accidents range from minor to critical. One rider hit a deer while another skidded to avoid yet another rider - no serious injuries there. However, one rider slammed into a guardrail and subsequently rolled 200 feet down a steep cliff. He is in critical condition. Another critically injured rider had a head- on collision with a second rider. Never in the history of the rally have there been so many accidents. Many people love to ride motorcycles. Hopefully, armed with this experience riders will be exceptionally cautious during the rally and while riding in general in the years to come.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen

Motorcycle Training - Is it Hog Heaven?

Greg Owen — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 12:12:16 GMT

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you may look at a motorcycle officer and think " What an easy job you have, and to think that we are paying you to ride a Harley all day." The truth of the matter is, it is not as easy as it may seem. To begin with, motorcycle training is demanding. As officer Miller put it ([when you are training] "You're trying to learn how to use the clutch, throttle and the brake at the same time while riding a motorcycle that weighs 700, 800 pounds."

Becoming a motorcycle officer involves rigorous training. Police officers must pass a test in which they are required to perform 360-degree turns at low speeds and complete sharp turns after slowing from a high-speed entry, among other exercises. New officers are given a two-week training course as preparation.
As one motorcycle trainer put it "he only way to learn the skills is by doing them. While learning tricky maneuvers on a Harley-Davidson seems like a dream come true for motorcycle enthusiasts, it's hardly a joyride." "I am Tylenol and Motrin's best friend right now," said Officer Pree.

Another part of the training that the officers go through is to turn in a full circle while the motorcycle has to travel at less than 5 mph with handlebars turned all the way. This is a difficult task as the officer must avoid the cones that mark the course. Something else to keep in mind is the fact that these officers must learn to ride in a certain posture, with a certain amount of decorum, according to Officer Miller. At the end of a typical 10-hour shift on the motorcycle, an officer is usually tired, sore and chafed from riding. Not to mention the fact that motorcycle officers are very exposed to a public that is not always pleased to see them. So while they do get out from behind a desk, it is not the weekend joyride it may seem to be. Perhaps with so much practice they just make it look that way.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Owen