Motorcycle Passengers More Prone to Head Injuries Than Drivers
Riding a motorcycle in Indiana involves a certain degree of risk, and even the most experienced motorcycle drivers may not be able to avoid crashing under certain conditions. When motorcycles do crash, head injuries are a frequent result. Research shows that head injury risks are higher for those who ride on the back of a motorcycle, rather than steer it.
According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets was 66.5% in 2022. Helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Helmet use among drivers and passengers
The National Occupant Protection Use Survey revealed the use of noncompliant motorcycle helmets among motorcyclists traveling on surface streets increased significantly from 6.1% in 2021 to 10.9% in 2022. The survey also revealed the use of noncompliant motorcycle helmets among motorcyclists traveling in objectively characterized urban areas increased significantly from 5.2% in 2021 to 11.5% in 2022.
When selecting a helmet, it’s important to buy one that will keep you safe. Make sure your helmet has the DOT symbol on the outside back; this means it meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218.
Head injury risks faced by drivers and passengers
While head injuries were the most common motorcycle crash injury suffered by both passengers and drivers, passengers were more prone to TBIs even when both parties had helmets on. This may be because the driver of the bike has more to hold on to in the event of a crash and is less likely than the passenger to fly off the bike.
The study also showed that a motorcycle driver or passenger’s use of alcohol made him or her less likely to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle.
