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Virginia bikers should wear helmets, as motorcycle deaths have doubled.

A report from the U.S. government indicates that deaths from motorcycle accidents have doubled during the last decade all across the country, primarily because of head injuries.

The study from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that from 1997 through 2008, the number of motorcycle fatalities more than doubled, while overall highway deaths actually dropped.

The NTSB therefore recommends that everyone riding on a motorcycle be required to wear a helmet that complies with federal safety standards. Presently, twenty states, the District of Columbia, and four territories have universal helmet laws that apply to all riders. Twenty-seven states and one territory require minors and/or passengers to wear helmets. Three states, Iowa, Illinois, and New Hampshire, have no helmet laws or regulations at all, according to NTSB.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.
"Although the number of motorcycle fatalities fell in 2009, the 4,400 deaths still outnumber those in aviation, rail, marine and pipeline combined," the NTSB noted.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-20. If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help. We've been representing motorcycle accident victims in Virginia for close to 40 years. Call us today at 1-800-690-0235.


Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com