The Latest Motorcycle Safety Wear: Airbag Jeans
With no outer shell to protect riders, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be severe. In fact, U.S. motorcyclists are 28 times as likely to die in a crash compared to the occupants of a motor vehicle. Their best bet to guard against severe trauma is by taking every possible safety precaution — and now, airbag jeans could be part of the answer.
A Swedish company has designed a prototype pair of jeans with airbags built into them. A rider can attach the jeans to the bike. If he or she begins to fall, the airbag would be triggered and filled with air to reduce the force of impact on the lower body. Leg and feet injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists, accounting for 30 percent of non-fatal injuries.
The airbag jeans have not been approved for use yet, but similar gear for the upper body has been around for decades. Those airbags are activated by sensors that are activated if a fall is imminent.
Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Laws
One important piece of safety gear is also controversial in some states — the motorcycle helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets can reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by 37 percent, and reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent.
At Davis Firm LLC, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Chattanooga have seen firsthand the damage that a wreck can wreak on victims’ lives. We strongly support helmet laws to protect Tennesseans.
Here’s a summary of the motorcycle laws in Tennessee:
- Helmets are required for all drivers and passengers.
- Approved helmets must be Department of Transportation-approved. Look for a sticker that says “DOT” on the back of the helmet to confirm.
- Daytime headlights must be used.
- Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
- Lane splitting, or riding between rows of slow traffic, is prohibited.
- Rearview mirrors and footrests are required.
- The motorcycle must have a muffler.
- Motorcycles that are transporting passengers must have passenger-designed seating areas and footrests.
In Tennessee, motorcycle accident victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries if they are hurt due to negligence. That’s possible even if the individual is partially responsible for the wreck. If you’ve been harmed, talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn your legal options.
Contact a Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
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