At about 4:00 p.m. on September 1, 2009, there was an accident involving a pickup truck and a motorcyclist in Henry County, Kentucky. The accident occurred when the driver of the pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an embankment in the road. The impact caused the pickup truck to flip over and spin around, hitting the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and, sadly, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Unfortunately, while motorcyclists only make up 3% of vehicles on the road, motorcycle accidents make up approximately 11% of highway fatalities each year. For motorcyclists, the risk of serious injury or death from an accident is much greater than for a automobile driver. It is therefore crucial for motorcyclists to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves from negligent drivers. Practicing safe driving habits, attending motorcycle training classes, and wearing a helmet are just a few ways you can lessen your chances of being involved in and injured in an accident.
Although Kentucky does not require motorcyclist to wear helmets, many states do require helmets to be worn. A helmet can save your life and prevent brain damage in the event of an accident. When buying a helmet, make sure it fits comfortably and always fasten it while you ride. It is also important to be sure that the helmet conforms to Federal standards. And remember, helmets are for passengers too!
For more safety information, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .
