Local Motorcyclist Exemplifies Fact that Helmets Save Lives

I recently wrote about motorcycle accidents and the serious injuries they can cause. A logical and simple answer to increase motorcycle safety (pdf) is to wear a helmet while riding. A local man is a testament to this fact: Jimmy Hunter, a 56-year-old musician from Muskegon and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider, suffered a brain injury after he was in a car accident two years ago. However, his injuries would’ve been much worse if hadn’t worn a helmet.

Along with purchasing a Harley-Davidson Sportster, Hunter also purchased one of the best helmets available. In fact, it was a full-face helmet. Hunter admits he might have looked “silly” going down the road, but he readily adds that if he had worn a smaller helmet, he wouldn’t have survived. In fact, Hunter was injured after a vehicle pulled out in front of him, even though he was following the speed limit. Although the accident left him in critical condition for weeks, and he still has difficulty moving freely on his own, he continues outpatient therapy and hopes to ride his Harley again soon.

In Michigan, motorcycle deaths have increased slightly, from 124 in 2007 to 127 in 2008. While deaths are up statewide, fatalities decreased in Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties between 2007 and 2008. Hopefully, the decline in deaths can be partially attributed to other riders who put safety first and wear helmets while riding their motorcycles. At least in Hunter’s case, his helmet saved his life.