NO HELMET, NO HARLEY
This past Saturday a motorcyclist was killed in central Illinois when he was struck by a boat that flew off its trailer and into oncoming traffic after the driver of the trailer hit a guardrail. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. An autopsy report concluded that the man died from multiple injuries.
A research note from August, 2005 prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NHTSA NCSA) reported that helmets are roughly 37% effective in preventing fatalities. In 2003, there were 3,661 rider deaths in fatal motorcycle crashes. An effectiveness of 37% for motorcycle helmets suggests that an estimated 1,158 additional motorcyclists would have died were it not for the fact that they were wearing helmets. Had all motorcyclists consistently worn proper helmets, an additioanl 640 motorcyclists could have survived otherwise fatal crashes in 2003.
Currently, there is no law in Illinois requring motorcyclists to wear helmets. The only "equipment" that Illinois law mandates motorcyclists to use are glasses, goggles or a transparent shield. (See Section 11-1404 specifically).
Illinois is only one of three states in the entire country that has no motorcycle helmet law in any form. This is shocking considering the value of a helmet. Hopefully Illinois will catch up with her sister states soon and enact life-saving legislation.
For more information on the history of helmet laws (or lack thereof) in Illinois, click here.
Please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident. We have considerable experience in litigating auto accidents and have recovered substantial sums for our clients.
