Riding a motorcycle without a helmet can be costly.
At least six motorcyclists died in accidents along the Grand Strand as thousands of bikers converged for the annual Atlantic Beach Bike Fest over the Memorial Day weekend.
In one accident early Sunday, a man and a woman died when the bike they were riding crashed into the passenger side of an SUV attempting to make a left turn on Robert Grissom Parkway. Neither the motorcycle driver nor passenger wore a helmet, according to MyrtleBeachonline.
Separately, a Georgia man and a woman from Kansas City, Mo., were pronounced dead at the scene of a crash near 30th Avenue and North Kings Highway. Again, neither was wearing a helmet.
An 81-year-old Darlington man died in a motorcycle crash on S.C. 22 when he struck a Honda van that had slowed for traffic, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. His 80-year-old passenger was transported to the hospital. Meanwhile, police are still investigating a hit-and-run accident at Robert Grissom Parkway and U.S. 501 that left a motorcyclist dead May 23 after a van driver failed to yield and turned in front of the motorcycle. The van driver fled the scene.
Almost half of all motorcyclists who are fatally injured were not wearing helmets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that helmets save the lives of more than 1,500 riders annually. But about 700 more lives could have been spared if all motorcyclists had worn the appropriate headgear.
On average, states with a universal helmet law save eight times more riders’ lives per 100,000 motorcycle registrations each year than states without helmet laws. States that require all riders to wear helmets also save three times more riders’ lives per 100,000 motorcycle registrations each year than states that require only some riders to wear helmets.
If that weren’t enough reason to put on a helmet, injuries and deaths related to motorcycle crashes cost $12 billion in medical expenses and productivity losses in one year.
South Carolina law requires people under the age of 21 to wear a motorcycle helmet and eye protection while operating a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is risky business, and it could prevent you from receiving compensation if you unfortunately are involved in an accident.
Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm urge all motorcyclists to keep safety in mind and wear a helmet. It might save your life.
If a loved one or you have been hurt in a South Carolina motorcycle crash, call (888) 324-3100 or use our convenient online form for a free initial consultation.
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