When most Pittsburgh motorcyclists are told that motorcycle accidents cause a lot more injuries and deaths than car accidents do, most are not surprised. The nature of riding a motorcycle invites a bit of danger and some may say more freedom than riding in another type of vehicle that is encased in steel. Still the contrast that a victim of a motorcycle accident is 30 times more likely to be killed than someone in a car accident is a sobering one, and may lead some to wonder if that sense of freedom is really worth the price.

The most common suggestion to prevent motorcycle fatalities is to encourage riders to wear helmets while driving. Nineteen states have mandatory helmet laws for all riders, and many others, including Pennsylvania have helmet provisions for young drivers and those with limited riding experience.

Proponents of a universal helmet law point to the fact that about half of those killed in motorcycle accidents are not wearing a helmet. Still many drivers wonder if a helmet will really do that much. Many say that taking the risk is part of riding, and that individuals should have the right to determine what's best for them.

But whether to wear a helmet or not is an issue that goes beyond personal choice. With the costs of motorcycle injuries near $16 billion, there are clearly financial implications as well as many of these costs must be paid by the communities where they occur. Some of the costs also are passed on through higher insurance premiums.

Still, regardless of whether a rider is wearing a helmet, there are still many motorcycle accidents that occur because other drivers do not see them. Everyone has a responsibility to look out for one another on the road to help assure that we all stay safe.

Source: KDKA, "Motorcyclists More Prone To Fatal Crashes," Stacy Smith, Nov. 28, 2012