Fatal statistics: Helmets fight death

2 December 2014, 18:00 PM

UPDATED 8 March 2015, 01:53 AM

E R Ronny

Motorcycles are often faster and quicker but less stable than cars. THey are a lot of fun, a true representation of the term 'crotch rocket'. And like the word rocket, it is just as dangerous. Without the enclosed, energy absorbing protection as offered by a car, bike riders are more at risk of fatal injury. In a study done in 2011, the number of deaths on motorcycles was over 30 times the number in cars.
A full-face helmet provides the most protection. Thirty-five percent of all crashes show major impact on the chin-bar area. However, 3/4- and 1/2-helmets also are available but these leave a major portion of the face exposed to injury. THese also don't have the structual strength of a full face helmet.
Our point: Wear a full face helmet at all time sof riding. Uncomfortable in Bangladesh's predominantly hot wheather? It's more uncomfortable to be dead than just hot and sweaty.

We would like to hear from our readers. Similar to what we do with cars in our other weekly maintenance tips column, Shift Garage, we would like to answer your motorbike related queries and provide you with useful advice.
If you are facing any motorbike related issues, mail us at shift@thedailystar.net and we will get back to you here, in print.