Speech
Abstract: The following paper aims to provide factual data that proves the need to wear helmet. Every year US faces many accidents and fatalities, according t the gathered data, it proves that many lives could have been saved, had the rider been diligent and worn a helmet. Rather than having to live a life of disability, it is advisable to wear a helmet while riding a motorbike. In the following speech, an argument is provided along with data that supports the clause of wearing helmet while riding.
The choice to wear a helmet while riding a motorbike totally rests on the rider, but it is important to understand the need to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is a precautionary measure that helps riders in case of a fatal accident. But most riders argue that only protection of the head is not enough and hence wearing a helmet is not useful. In such a case, riders fail to remember that wearing helmet will protect one of the most important parts of our body-the brain. A slight injury can leave you helpless and disabled for the rest of your lives. Even though a helmet does not protect the entire body, it protects the part that is most essential to the body.
A fair number of Americans have either insufficient healthcare insurance or in many cases do not have one. When faced with an accident, the victim is often bought to the emergency ward and treated immediately, whether we have insurance or not. Amongst all the injuries faced by a person, head injuries are the most costly ones to treat. Severe head injuries require many operations and treatments wherein the cost goes significantly higher. In such a case, when the patient has no insurance, he ends up paying a lot of money which causes further difficulties. In case of disabilities the person is crippled for lifelong along with costly medications and treatments. This entire worrisome situation can be avoided if the rider seeks to wear a helmet and avoid crashes. Hence under such circumstances it is entirely agreeable to have a helmet on than to undergo lifelong financial and physical problems.
There has been countless number of studies carried out in order to reinforce the importance of wearing a helmet. According to one study, the costs of helmeted and unhelmeted motorists involved in accidents were compared. The studies revealed the fact that unhelmeted motorists were involved in more major crashes which costthem much more and were generally either not insured or their policy did not cover the treatment. On the other hand, helmeted individuals faced less severe crashes and received comparatively less costly treatment. Another study carried out by CODES suggested that brain injuries related to crashes and accidents were much more costly than other crash related injuries. This clearly proves the fact that helmets, even though does not protect the entire body, does protect the most important part of your body. It is our duty to take care of our body and consequently wearing a helmet seems to be the better solution.
Most motorists argue that crashes are experienced if driving aggressively and very fast. But I would like to state mere fact that whether you drive slowly or not, there are many motorists who drive irresponsibly and their actions could cause a fatal accident. In such a case wouldn’t it be sensible as a responsible motorist to wear a helmet? The brain is a very fragile component of our body, and also the most important one, precisely for this reason taking precautions to safeguard it is our duty.
Apart from our own safety, wearing helmets also saves a lot of money of the state and the country on the whole. NHTSA estimates that nearly $1.3 billion were saved due to responsible motorists wearing helmets. An additional $853 million could be saved if motorcycle riders wore helmets. Hospitalization costs of unhelmeted crash victims are much more than that of helmeted individuals. Analysis of three states with universal helmet laws depicted that in case of no helmet law, the inpatient cost due to the treatment of brain surgery would have doubled right from the present $2,325,000 to$4,095,000.
Motorcycle helmet laws are not applicable in three states namely Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. The US Federal Government had made it mandatory for states to issue the helmet law in 1960’s. But this was short lived as many states repealed. During the first year after the repeal, fatalities in Arkansas jumped to 21 percent more compared to the previous year when the law was yet present. Similarly Texas also showed an increase of 31 percent more fatalities during the year when the law was repealed compared to the previous year when the law was yet enforced. The government then made it mandatory only for young riders to wear helmets. But campaigners all over argue over the need for such safety regulations and that wearing helmet should be made mandatory throughout US. Studies show that states where helmet wearing is mandatory has reported less fatalities on account of crashes and accidents, where as in case of those state where the laws are either not stringent or not present at all, large number of fatalities have been reported Under such circumstances it is fit to make stringent rules regarding the wearing of helmet by motorcyclists.
There are a small percentage of people who do not support helmet law and hence it is necessary for such individuals to change their stance. Statistical data’s suggest there has been an increase in supporters for the helmet law. Such positive attitude must be bought to the fore and legislative laws must be passed supporting the use of helmets. Many NGO’s and other organizations carry out rallies in order to support this law. Even in the state of Illinois any support groups are working towards the passing of the helmet law. This will benefit the state in many ways as it will reduce fatalities and in return become cost saving for the state. Other major two states too are witnessing a rise in support groups as more people are willing to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
Apart from fatalities due to rash driving, crashes are also reported due to unclear viewing. While riding a motorcycle, a lot of dust and debris tends to go into the eyes. Such irritation in the eyes causes unclear vision which many times lead to crashes. In such a case wearing a helmet is sensible as helmet not only protects your skull and brain but also protects your eyes. As the helmet covers the entire face of the rider, it avoids letting dust and debris getting into your eyes, hence avoiding distraction. Helmets provide wind protection for your eyes as well as your ears as it streamline the head and the ear and helps to cut down the wind noise which can cause distraction.
Purchasing a good helmet is also necessary in order to benefit from it entirely. Only US government standardized helmets should be purchased in order to avoid any complication in account of a fatality. USDOT is the standard that is mandatory for all helmets. Manufacturers of helmets are required to conduct tests and examinations. Only when the manufacturer certifies the brand as being in compliant with the USDOT standards, are the companies allowed to manufacture that brand. The certified helmets are sold with a USDOT sticker on them guaranteeing its make. Every year USDOT checks and conducts tests on the various manufactured helmets to ensure correct federal standards are being followed. In case any helmet design does not match the requirement, manufacturing of those helmets is stopped and the public is made aware of it. Hence before buying a helmet, motorcyclists must check for the standardization of the helmet so as to provide maximum protection to the rider.
Despite so many evidences and researches, many riders yet oppose the helmet law. Most of these individuals argue that the laws are curbing their freedom and that it is a mere interference by the state and US government. But such individuals fail to understand the tribulations of families and friends when faced with fatalities. Unhelmeted motorcyclists merely add to the financial and psychological burden not only of their loved ones but also that of the state government. Helmet laws like all other safety laws are necessary in order to reduce fatalities and promote healthy living.
As responsible individuals it is our duty to ensure our safety as in case of accidents apart from us, there are many who could suffer. Just to enhance your style statement, it is not advisable to put your life at risk. Life is a gift which needs to be cherished, irresponsible acts from our side can have severe consequences. Rather than reminiscing about your mistakes after a fatality has occurred, avoiding it entirely is a sensible step. Thus I totally support wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
Works Cited:
- Traffic Safety Facts (2004). “Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws”. Web. 10 April 2004. http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/new-fact-sheet03/motorcyclehelmet.pdf
- Law firms (2009). “Motorcycle Helmet Laws”. Web. 20 March 2009. http://www.lawfirms.com/resources/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident/motorcycle-helmet-laws.htm
- Highway safety research & Communications (2012). “Motorcycle and bicycle helmet use laws”. Web. 10 March 2012. http://www.iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx
- J Trauma (2010). “Helmet efficacy to reduce head injury and mortality in motorcycle crashes”. Web. 16 June 2010. http://www.east.org/tpg/MotorcycleHelmet.pdf
- Karen Moore (2008). “Motorcycle helmets: Mandatory or Optional”. Web. 23 June 2008. http://www.helium.com/items/1123956-helmets-just-an-opinion
- Thomas S. Dee(2008). “Motorcycle helmets and traffic safety”. Web. 23 December 2008. http://www.swarthmore.edu/Documents/academics/economics/JHE_1646_R2.pdf
