The 84th edition of the Sturgis Rally The event ended on August 11. And in the period before, during and after the event, 12 motorcyclists lost their lives in road accidents. Of these, only 3 were wearing helmets, while 7 were not. Even so, it is still being investigated whether two more were wearing helmets or not at the time of the accident. Of course, it is almost certain that some of these deaths could have been avoided.
“Curiously”The increase in fatality rates following the repeal of helmet laws in certain US states is clear. Recall that about half of the states now require helmets for all riders. Most other states require helmets for certain riders, and some have no helmet laws at all. So, you can ride around without a helmet and with a gun holstered on your belt. All very normal.
Negative data from Sturgis and the lack of helmet use on motorcycles
According to several studies, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by between 37% and 42%. In this case, statistics suggest that wearing a helmet could have saved the lives of 3 other fellow riders. So, instead of taking the opportunity to criticise motorcyclists as is customary at this massive event, there would be one less reason for this two-wheeled festival to be singled out. But unfortunately, as we told you before, this year there was 1 more death than in the 2023 edition.
Of course, we would like to express our most sincere condolences to those who lost a loved one in Sturgis this year. We hope that these lines have served as inspiration, have opened your eyes and put on your helmet, whether it is mandatory or not.
If there is one thing that is absolutely mandatory, it is not losing a human life. Now, with this information, it is up to the American pilots to make the decision they consider appropriate. We are clear: Never without a helmet!
