The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as part of its efforts to minimize motorcycle crashes, has released the results of a study into the risk of brain injury in motorcyclists who neglect to wear a helmet.

The study focused on 104,472 motorcyclists from 18 states, who were involved in motorcycle accidents between 2003 and 2005. Of these motorcyclists, 57% were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, while 43% were not wearing helmets. There was one tragic factor in both the groups, and it won’t surprise Memphis motorcycle accident lawyers in the least.

In both groups, 40 percent of motorcyclists either died in the accident, or sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital care. Also not surprisingly, the kind and severity of injuries were much higher in the non-helmeted group.

I noticed several strong points in the study that should encourage motorcyclists to think twice before they venture out on their wheels without a helmet.

• Among helmeted motorcyclists, 15 percent suffered a traumatic brain injury. Among non-helmeted motorcyclists, however, 21 percent suffered a traumatic brain injury.

• 9 percent of non-helmeted motorcyclists sustained minor to moderate brain injuries, compared to 7 percent for helmeted motorcyclists.

• More than 7 percent of non-helmeted motorcyclists suffered TBI, while among helmeted motorcyclists, that percentage was much lower at 4.7.

Earlier studies by the NHTSA had shown that the increase in motorcycle accident fatally rates had been especially high in older riders, aged above 40. These riders now comprise 50 percent of all motorcycle accident fatalities. Ten years ago, motorcyclists above 40 formed just 33 percent of motorcyclist fatalities.

There is nothing to beat the thrill of riding on a two wheeler. These vehicles reduce traffic congestion, and are much more fuel efficient. However, it’s extremely foolish to assume that you will have a safe ride home when you neglect to wear proper head gear.

In Tennessee, we have lagged behind in conducting motorcycle awareness campaigns, and increasing helmet use. As a Memphis motorcycle accident attorney, I believe therein lies the secret to reducing crash fatality rates.