Zimmer, Duncan & Cole

Statistics Show Helmets Save Lives in South Dakota Bicycle Accidents

There is no federal law saying that bike riders, no matter what age, have to wear a helmet. If you read our earlier article about bicycle helmet laws in South Dakota, you know that there is also not a state or local law.

However, anyone who has seen the damage that can be done by a negligent driver who hits a bicyclist will tell you that wearing one is always a good idea. The statistics back this up:

• Collisions with motor vehicles account for 75 percent of all bicycle fatalities.
• Head injuries account for about 60 percent of motor vehicle collision deaths.
• Bicycling accounts for nearly three times as many head injuries as baseball or football.
• Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by 85 percent.
• About 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.
• Every $1 spent on a bike helmet saves all of society $30.

These statistics mainly show that South Dakota bicycle accidents can be extremely dangerous for all involved. By wearing a helmet, you can drastically lower, but not eliminate, this danger.

If you are a cyclist or ride a bike on a regular basis, we urge you to wear a helmet. If you have a child who is just starting to ride a bike alone, there is no better time to set the right precedent.

If you have any questions about bicycle safety, or wish to speak with a Sioux Falls personal injury lawyer about a claim today, contact Zimmer, Duncan & Cole at (888) 733-2992, or fill out the form on this page.