What do you do when you have over 100 Iron Horse Helmets T-Shirts? You make a T-shirt quilt of course.
We would like to thank the ladies of tshirtquilts.com for our new awesome wall decor. Nothing screams manliness like a quilt on the wall.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Survey Says?
Welcome to the first Iron Horse Helmets survey. This is a very unofficial survey so I am not even putting a survey form on the page.
Here is the question: What will kill the Sargent first? Riding with the novelty helmet or smoking?
Here is the question: What will kill the Sargent first? Riding with the novelty helmet or smoking?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Motorcycle deaths in Pa. rise in 10 years since repeal of motorcycle helmet law
PITTSBURGH — Robert Bertges always wore a helmet while riding his motorcycle.
The Mt. Washington man survived a horrific crash in 1991. He slid into oncoming traffic, cracked his helmet and lost an eye, said his daughter, Paula Watson. The helmet, she said, gave his family 20 more years with Bertges.
But in August 2011, Bertges, 67, hopped on someone's bike to take it for a test ride outside a Mt. Washington bar. As he took off, the motorcycle kicked up and threw him off the back. He was not wearing a helmet. An autopsy showed Bertges died from head and neck injuries and did not mention alcohol in his system, said Watson, 48, of McMurray.
“Yes, he made the choice to get on that bike without a helmet. But if he didn't have that option, then it would have been a different story,” she said. “It's sort of been a hard pill for me to swallow.”
Ten years ago, Pennsylvania lawmakers gave motorcyclists the choice to wear helmets or not. The state Senate passed the bill on June 16; the House voted in July and Gov. Ed Rendell signed the law that month. By September, motorcyclists could ride without helmets if they were 21 years old or older and had two years of riding experience or had passed the state's Motorcycle Safety Program.
“It was a 15-year battle to let those that ride decide. It would be just as agonizing to reverse it,” said Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, who introduced the legislation. “I don't think the trend is there.”
The 2013 motorcycle season started deadly. Since the beginning of May, six motorcyclists in Western Pennsylvania died in crashes. At least one was not wearing a helmet, according to police reports. “The helmet is not the panacea that everyone thinks it is,” said Charles Umbenhauer, a lobbyist for the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania who fought for the helmet law repeal. Since 2003, deaths in motorcycle crashes increased 35 percent. In 2012, 210 people died in motorcycle crashes, according to PennDOT statistics. Of those killed, 100 wore helmets; 104 did not. Information isn't known for six deaths.
Registrations have skyrocketed 53 percent since 2003. More motorcycles mean more crashes and more fatalities, Umbenhauer said. PennDOT records show 5.19 deaths per 10,000 motorcycle registrations in 2012 and 5.92 for 10,000 in 2003.
Riding without a helmet increases the chance of death or a catastrophic head or neck injury, said Dr. David Okonkwo, clinical director of UPMC Presbyterian's Brain Trauma Research Center. Dr. Anthony Fabio, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and the director of the Consortium for Injury Research & Community Action, said head injuries from motorcycle crashes jumped significantly since 2003.
Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, plans to introduce a bill directing a comprehensive study of the issue over the past decade. Each year since the helmet law's repeal, Frankel tried to reinstate the law — “an effort in futility,” he said.
Taking into account medical expenses, the cost of emergency medical services and lost wages and productivity, a motorcycle death can cost $1.2 million and a serious injury can cost $172,000, Frankel said, citing data the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiled in 2012.
“The public needs to have a clear view of this, as do motorcycle riders,” Frankel said. “It's not just the rider's business. The rest of us suffer direct consequences from someone's reckless and irresponsible behavior. Your personal choice is impacting my health care costs, my insurance premiums and my tax dollars.”
Motorcyclists who wear helmets and those who don't both say it should be an individual choice, not a government mandate. “I believe I have the right to make that decision myself, as to what sort of safety gear I will use,” said Len Young, 55, of Monroeville, who does not wear a helmet when he rides. Brad Headley, 58, of Garads Fort in Greene County, wears a helmet when he rides on weekends with the Southern Cruisers Riding Club in Washington and Greene counties.
“Not all riders are going to make good choices, but when you start taking people's individuality away from them and their abilities to make choices, you're starting to get into an area where you're infringing over people's rights,” he said.
Watson, who still struggles with emotions from her father's death, wants motorcyclists to think about loved ones when choosing.
“Maybe they need to stop and think about the people they leave behind,” she said.
This article was written by Channel 11 news.
The Mt. Washington man survived a horrific crash in 1991. He slid into oncoming traffic, cracked his helmet and lost an eye, said his daughter, Paula Watson. The helmet, she said, gave his family 20 more years with Bertges.
But in August 2011, Bertges, 67, hopped on someone's bike to take it for a test ride outside a Mt. Washington bar. As he took off, the motorcycle kicked up and threw him off the back. He was not wearing a helmet. An autopsy showed Bertges died from head and neck injuries and did not mention alcohol in his system, said Watson, 48, of McMurray.
“Yes, he made the choice to get on that bike without a helmet. But if he didn't have that option, then it would have been a different story,” she said. “It's sort of been a hard pill for me to swallow.”
Ten years ago, Pennsylvania lawmakers gave motorcyclists the choice to wear helmets or not. The state Senate passed the bill on June 16; the House voted in July and Gov. Ed Rendell signed the law that month. By September, motorcyclists could ride without helmets if they were 21 years old or older and had two years of riding experience or had passed the state's Motorcycle Safety Program.
“It was a 15-year battle to let those that ride decide. It would be just as agonizing to reverse it,” said Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, who introduced the legislation. “I don't think the trend is there.”
The 2013 motorcycle season started deadly. Since the beginning of May, six motorcyclists in Western Pennsylvania died in crashes. At least one was not wearing a helmet, according to police reports. “The helmet is not the panacea that everyone thinks it is,” said Charles Umbenhauer, a lobbyist for the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania who fought for the helmet law repeal. Since 2003, deaths in motorcycle crashes increased 35 percent. In 2012, 210 people died in motorcycle crashes, according to PennDOT statistics. Of those killed, 100 wore helmets; 104 did not. Information isn't known for six deaths.
Registrations have skyrocketed 53 percent since 2003. More motorcycles mean more crashes and more fatalities, Umbenhauer said. PennDOT records show 5.19 deaths per 10,000 motorcycle registrations in 2012 and 5.92 for 10,000 in 2003.
Riding without a helmet increases the chance of death or a catastrophic head or neck injury, said Dr. David Okonkwo, clinical director of UPMC Presbyterian's Brain Trauma Research Center. Dr. Anthony Fabio, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and the director of the Consortium for Injury Research & Community Action, said head injuries from motorcycle crashes jumped significantly since 2003.
Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, plans to introduce a bill directing a comprehensive study of the issue over the past decade. Each year since the helmet law's repeal, Frankel tried to reinstate the law — “an effort in futility,” he said.
Taking into account medical expenses, the cost of emergency medical services and lost wages and productivity, a motorcycle death can cost $1.2 million and a serious injury can cost $172,000, Frankel said, citing data the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiled in 2012.
“The public needs to have a clear view of this, as do motorcycle riders,” Frankel said. “It's not just the rider's business. The rest of us suffer direct consequences from someone's reckless and irresponsible behavior. Your personal choice is impacting my health care costs, my insurance premiums and my tax dollars.”
Motorcyclists who wear helmets and those who don't both say it should be an individual choice, not a government mandate. “I believe I have the right to make that decision myself, as to what sort of safety gear I will use,” said Len Young, 55, of Monroeville, who does not wear a helmet when he rides. Brad Headley, 58, of Garads Fort in Greene County, wears a helmet when he rides on weekends with the Southern Cruisers Riding Club in Washington and Greene counties.
“Not all riders are going to make good choices, but when you start taking people's individuality away from them and their abilities to make choices, you're starting to get into an area where you're infringing over people's rights,” he said.
Watson, who still struggles with emotions from her father's death, wants motorcyclists to think about loved ones when choosing.
“Maybe they need to stop and think about the people they leave behind,” she said.
This article was written by Channel 11 news.
Customer Question
Hello my friend,
I've been wearing a novelty helmet for years and its pretty ratty now. Anyway I'm looking for a new helmet. I would like be get a DOT helmet in a extended lid type. Is there a DOT that doesn't make you look like a bobble head. Is there a novelty that offers any kind of protection. Your time and thoughts would greatly be appreciated.
Respectfully, Rocky Sommers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Answer: Funny you ask for a small looking DOT motorcycle helmet because I am looking for
1. A politician that does not lie
2. Unicorns
3. Free lunch
4. A really good light beer
5. Leprechauns
6. Honest Lawyers
7. Cure for Cancer
8. The Tooth Fairy
9. Bigfoot
10. Cheap Gas
11. Gold at the End of the Rainbow
12. World Peace
13. Words that rhyme with Scalp and Orange
14. A cop when you need one
15. A wife who laughs at my jokes
Unfortunately, the items I want don't exist and the item you want does not exist either.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Chrome German Spiked Motorcycle Helmet
We would like to thank Dawn for sending us this picture of her husband (or lover) (or both) in our Chrome German Spiked Motorcycle Helmet.
We always love it when customers send us cool pictures.
Monday, May 27, 2013
HJC Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
We just added 5 new Snell Full Face HJC Motorcycle Helmets. Here they are:
HJC CL16 Matte Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Wine Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Silver Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Black Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL-16 motorcycle helmets are known for their superior quality and affordable pricing. The HJC CL16 comes with features such as the advanced CAD technology, an advanced channeling ventilation system, and moisture wicking and anti-bacterial fabric to ensure your comfort and safety while riding. The HJC CL16 motorcycle helmet is perfect for all motorcycle riders. Whether you’re cruising along a nice, countryside road or riding through the city, the HJC CL16 is perfect for you. No matter your experience level, get your HJC CL-16 helmet today!
HJC CL16 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Wine Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Silver Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
HJC CL16 Black Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The HJC CL16 motorcycle helmet is perfect for every motorcycle rider
HJC CL-16 motorcycle helmets are known for their superior quality and affordable pricing. The HJC CL16 comes with features such as the advanced CAD technology, an advanced channeling ventilation system, and moisture wicking and anti-bacterial fabric to ensure your comfort and safety while riding. The HJC CL16 motorcycle helmet is perfect for all motorcycle riders. Whether you’re cruising along a nice, countryside road or riding through the city, the HJC CL16 is perfect for you. No matter your experience level, get your HJC CL-16 helmet today!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
This Guy Likes to Fight
We had a "Bad Ass" order from us today. I am not 100% sure that he is a bad ass, what do you think?
This man ordered Talk Shit, Get Hit laser engraved on his motorcycle helmet and a Talk Shit, Get Hit T-Shirt.
I don't think I am going to Talk Shit around this guy.
Customer Love
I love these 72 customers from today so much, I'm going to name every single one!
*Al
*Cal
*Ina
*Cody
*Dack
*Ruth
*Herman
*Ozzie
*Ossie
*Ismael
*Sid
*Smokey
*Tracy
*Barry
*Heather
*Stump
*Geoff
*Josh
*Camille
*Jana
*Bernice
*Adalberto
*Rick
*Devin
*Jacqui
*Gussy
*Opal
*Sterling
*Andreas
*Edwin
*Katya
*Yoshi
*Irvine
*Delia
*Flora
*Jerametrius
*Dorsee
*Harry
*CaoimhghÃn
*Shirley
*Frank
*Lillian
*Ruby
*Walter
*Morris
*Beulah
*Melissa
*Stephanie
*Scott
*Amy
*Monique
*Keri
*Miguel
*Neil
*Duane
*Everett
*Bonnie
*Giambattista
*Zoe
*Hunter
*Mackenzie
*Conor
*Genevieve
*Vernon
*Cecil
*Sam
*Sean
*Randy
*Willie
*Alvin
*Edgar
*Scamp
*Abdullah
*Nicole
Hmm... that's 72, but it's only 11am... I'm done typing. Anyone else who orders is not getting a call out.
*Al
*Cal
*Ina
*Cody
*Dack
*Ruth
*Herman
*Ozzie
*Ossie
*Ismael
*Sid
*Smokey
*Tracy
*Barry
*Heather
*Stump
*Geoff
*Josh
*Camille
*Jana
*Bernice
*Adalberto
*Rick
*Devin
*Jacqui
*Gussy
*Opal
*Sterling
*Andreas
*Edwin
*Katya
*Yoshi
*Irvine
*Delia
*Flora
*Jerametrius
*Dorsee
*Harry
*CaoimhghÃn
*Shirley
*Frank
*Lillian
*Ruby
*Walter
*Morris
*Beulah
*Melissa
*Stephanie
*Scott
*Amy
*Monique
*Keri
*Miguel
*Neil
*Duane
*Everett
*Bonnie
*Giambattista
*Zoe
*Hunter
*Mackenzie
*Conor
*Genevieve
*Vernon
*Cecil
*Sam
*Sean
*Randy
*Willie
*Alvin
*Edgar
*Scamp
*Abdullah
*Nicole
Hmm... that's 72, but it's only 11am... I'm done typing. Anyone else who orders is not getting a call out.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Too Much of a Good Thing?
We received these pictures from one of our favorite customs. Bull (If that is his real name) has bought our 1042 Helmet Spike Stripe many times. Please check out Bull's creativity.
Friday, May 24, 2013
My pain is your gain
I have spent 2 whole day taking spinning images of Biker Doo-Rags. Talk about misery.
My pain is your gain, check out the work I have done for you:
My pain is your gain, check out the work I have done for you:
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Can you name these motorcycle helmet covers?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Effort to repeal NC's motorcycle helmet law fails.........Again
RALEIGH — A perennial push by freedom-loving motorcyclists fell short in the General Assembly again Wednesday when a House committee agreed only to study their request to roll back North Carolina’s requirement that all bikers wear safety helmets.
The House Transportation Committee had endorsed the original proposal, which would require motorcycle helmets only for rookie motorcyclists and others younger than 21.
But the measure was doomed last week after a dozen white-coated emergency room doctors filed into a meeting room to warn the Judiciary B Committee that repealing the law for most riders would cause more deaths and serious head injuries, driving up medical costs for hospitals, taxpayers and families.
Republican and Democratic committee members chimed in with personal stories about brain-injured survivors of motorcycle crashes. After their discussion last week, no one on the committee offered a recommendation either to approve the motorcycle helmets-optional bill or to kill it.
Its sponsor, motorcycle-riding Rep. John Torbett, a Republican from Gaston County, returned Wednesday to win the committee’s approval for a watered-down proposal to have the legislature study the motorcycle helmet law and related medical and economic issues.
Elizabeth Hudgins of the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force said she was glad that legislators balked at the proposal to repeal the helmet requirement for most motorcyclists.
“It’s definitely good that people are paying attention to the many impacts it could have,” Hudgins said. She said young motorcyclists suffered more injuries after Florida repealed the ban for adult riders, citing evidence that younger riders there also stopped wearing motorcycle helmets.
North Carolina motorcyclists who have tried to change the motorcycle helmet law every two years over the past decade said they would make their case again if the General Assembly adopts the proposal for a legislative study.
Charlie Boone of Zebulon, state vice president of the Concerned Bikers Association, said he would use facts to counter what he called “half-truths and outright lies and numbers picked out of the air” by motorcycle helmet advocates.
“As far as we’re concerned, it boils down to a matter of freedom of choice,” Boone said. “We try to present an honest picture of it, and that’s what we’re going to do, period. We’ll be back here every year until we get this.”
The House Transportation Committee had endorsed the original proposal, which would require motorcycle helmets only for rookie motorcyclists and others younger than 21.
But the measure was doomed last week after a dozen white-coated emergency room doctors filed into a meeting room to warn the Judiciary B Committee that repealing the law for most riders would cause more deaths and serious head injuries, driving up medical costs for hospitals, taxpayers and families.
Republican and Democratic committee members chimed in with personal stories about brain-injured survivors of motorcycle crashes. After their discussion last week, no one on the committee offered a recommendation either to approve the motorcycle helmets-optional bill or to kill it.
Its sponsor, motorcycle-riding Rep. John Torbett, a Republican from Gaston County, returned Wednesday to win the committee’s approval for a watered-down proposal to have the legislature study the motorcycle helmet law and related medical and economic issues.
Elizabeth Hudgins of the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force said she was glad that legislators balked at the proposal to repeal the helmet requirement for most motorcyclists.
“It’s definitely good that people are paying attention to the many impacts it could have,” Hudgins said. She said young motorcyclists suffered more injuries after Florida repealed the ban for adult riders, citing evidence that younger riders there also stopped wearing motorcycle helmets.
North Carolina motorcyclists who have tried to change the motorcycle helmet law every two years over the past decade said they would make their case again if the General Assembly adopts the proposal for a legislative study.
Charlie Boone of Zebulon, state vice president of the Concerned Bikers Association, said he would use facts to counter what he called “half-truths and outright lies and numbers picked out of the air” by motorcycle helmet advocates.
“As far as we’re concerned, it boils down to a matter of freedom of choice,” Boone said. “We try to present an honest picture of it, and that’s what we’re going to do, period. We’ll be back here every year until we get this.”
Eject helmet removal system (Give Me A Break)
Eject helmet removal system
FOLLOWING a serious crash one of the major issues faced is removing the motorcycle helmet without causing further trauma to the neck and cervical spine possibly causing further serious debilitating and permanent damage.
The
Eject Helmet Removal System was designed to assist in the removal of
your helmet by using an air bag to push the helmet off your head after
the upper spine has been immobilised.The manufacturer says the Eject Helmet Removal System is small and lightweight and will not alter the fit and feel of you helmet. I personally think they are full of crap, but whatever makes you feel safe.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
KEYCHAIN CADDY
Here is a pretty cool product that we don't sell. Our boss loves new products that don't have sizes, so he will probably make us carry it soon.
Installation in less than a minute!
Step 2 - Wrap the strap around whatever you wish to mount it on. Be sure the strap is stretched taught to keep the KEYCHAIN CADDY secure.
Step 3 - Loop one end of the strap around the other and secure together.
Position KEYCHAIN CADDY as desired.
Installation in less than a minute!
Step 2 - Wrap the strap around whatever you wish to mount it on. Be sure the strap is stretched taught to keep the KEYCHAIN CADDY secure.
Step 3 - Loop one end of the strap around the other and secure together.
Position KEYCHAIN CADDY as desired.
Monday, May 20, 2013
New Study: Motorcycle Deaths Spiked in 2012
Approximately 5,000 Motorcyclist Fatalities Projected
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a new report released today, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is projecting that motorcyclist deaths increased approximately 9 percent in 2012, to more than 5,000 lives lost. This is greater than the overall traffic fatality increase projected by the federal government and would be the 14th out of the last 15 years in which motorcyclist deaths increased. Notably, this level of deaths closes in on an all-time high, and motorcyclists remain one of the few roadway user groups where no progress can be shown over the last decade.
The new report – the first state-by-state look at motorcyclist fatalities occurring in 2012 – was authored by Dr. James Hedlund of Highway Safety North. Dr. Hedlund is a former senior official with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2012, enabling GHSA to confidently project the full year. Dr. Hedlund completed similar projections for GHSA for 2009, 2010 and 2011, all of which mirrored the final fatality numbers.
Comparing the first nine months of 2011 to 2012, motorcyclist fatalities increased in thirty-four states, decreased in sixteen states and remained the same in the District of Columbia. Increases occurred in every region and were quite significant in many cases. For example, motorcyclist fatalities jumped 32 percent and 29 percent in Oregon and Indiana, respectively, while Pennsylvania experienced a more modest eight percent uptick.
The report notes that the economy influences motorcycle travel in several ways. With the economy improving in 2012 and further strengthening in 2013, more people have disposable income for purchasing and riding motorcycles. At the same time, high gas prices may cause more individuals to choose fuel-efficient vehicles like motorcycles as their preferred mode of transportation.
For his work on behalf of GHSA, Dr. Hedlund compared gas prices, motorcycle registrations, and motorcyclist fatality trends since 1976. He found that for the entire period fatalities closely track registrations, with significant similarities from 1990 to 2008. As gas prices increased, motorcycle registrations and fatalities also rose.
Troy Costales, GHSA's Immediate Past Chairman and head of Oregon's highway safety program, said, "In my state, an improving economy and a longer window of nice weather meant there were more riders and riding days. The fatality increase is disheartening. Every motorcyclist deserves to arrive at their destination safely. These numbers represent real people – they are family, friends and neighbors."
Another disturbing trend is the decrease in states with universal helmet laws. A motorcycle helmet law is the only motorcycle safety strategy with a five-star effectiveness rating in the federal government's highly-regarded publication, Countermeasures That Work. Only 19 states currently require all riders to wear helmets, down from 26 in 1997. There is a strong push in many states to repeal these laws, and no state has enacted a universal motorcycle helmet law since Louisiana reinstated its requirement in 2004.
GHSA Chairman Kendell Poole, who serves as director of Tennessee's highway safety program, said, "All of the trends with motorcyclist deaths are really going in the wrong direction. This report is an urgent reminder that we must do more to address a problem that will only get worse with increased ridership. We are talking about 5,000 tragedies a year with no sign of progress."
Poole added, "The good news is that we know how to prevent crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities involving motorcycle riders and their passengers. There are effective strategies that, when implemented, can make a difference."
Specifically, the report recommends states address six issues:
1. Increase motorcycle helmet use: Motorcycle helmets are proven to be 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41 percent effective for passengers. NHTSA estimates that 706 of the un-helmeted motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2010 would have lived had they worn motorcycle helmets.
2. Reduce alcohol impairment: In 2010, 29 percent of fatally injured riders had a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of .08, the highest of all motorists.
3. Reduce speeding: According to the most recent data, 35 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and almost half of these crashes did not involve another vehicle.
4. Provide motorcycle operator training to all who need or seek it: While all states currently offer training, some courses may not be provided at locations and times convenient for riders.
5. Ensure motorcyclists are properly licensed: NHTSA data reveals that in 2010, 22 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license. This compares with twelve percent of passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes. The motorcycle license test prompts many riders to complete a training course. By encouraging licensing, states encourage training.
6. Encourage all drivers to share the road with motorcyclists: According to NHTSA, when motorcycles crash with other vehicles, the latter usually violates the motorcyclist's right of way. Many states conduct "share the road" campaigns to increase awareness of motorcyclists.
In late 2012, the U.S. Senate requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of motorcyclist crashes and countermeasures. The GAO report recommended that states implement this broad approach to address motorcyclist deaths. States partially fund their motorcycle safety efforts with federal money from NHTSA. Currently, Congress only allows states to use this funding to address motorcyclist training and programs that encourage drivers to share the rode with motorcyclists. States should be permitted to fund effective approaches such as programs that increase motorcycle helmet use and reduce drunk driving among motorcyclists.
All data in the report are preliminary. The report presents data through September 2012. State-by-state data and image files are available from GHSA.
SOURCE Governors Highway Safety Association
The new report – the first state-by-state look at motorcyclist fatalities occurring in 2012 – was authored by Dr. James Hedlund of Highway Safety North. Dr. Hedlund is a former senior official with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2012, enabling GHSA to confidently project the full year. Dr. Hedlund completed similar projections for GHSA for 2009, 2010 and 2011, all of which mirrored the final fatality numbers.
Comparing the first nine months of 2011 to 2012, motorcyclist fatalities increased in thirty-four states, decreased in sixteen states and remained the same in the District of Columbia. Increases occurred in every region and were quite significant in many cases. For example, motorcyclist fatalities jumped 32 percent and 29 percent in Oregon and Indiana, respectively, while Pennsylvania experienced a more modest eight percent uptick.
The report notes that the economy influences motorcycle travel in several ways. With the economy improving in 2012 and further strengthening in 2013, more people have disposable income for purchasing and riding motorcycles. At the same time, high gas prices may cause more individuals to choose fuel-efficient vehicles like motorcycles as their preferred mode of transportation.
For his work on behalf of GHSA, Dr. Hedlund compared gas prices, motorcycle registrations, and motorcyclist fatality trends since 1976. He found that for the entire period fatalities closely track registrations, with significant similarities from 1990 to 2008. As gas prices increased, motorcycle registrations and fatalities also rose.
Troy Costales, GHSA's Immediate Past Chairman and head of Oregon's highway safety program, said, "In my state, an improving economy and a longer window of nice weather meant there were more riders and riding days. The fatality increase is disheartening. Every motorcyclist deserves to arrive at their destination safely. These numbers represent real people – they are family, friends and neighbors."
Another disturbing trend is the decrease in states with universal helmet laws. A motorcycle helmet law is the only motorcycle safety strategy with a five-star effectiveness rating in the federal government's highly-regarded publication, Countermeasures That Work. Only 19 states currently require all riders to wear helmets, down from 26 in 1997. There is a strong push in many states to repeal these laws, and no state has enacted a universal motorcycle helmet law since Louisiana reinstated its requirement in 2004.
GHSA Chairman Kendell Poole, who serves as director of Tennessee's highway safety program, said, "All of the trends with motorcyclist deaths are really going in the wrong direction. This report is an urgent reminder that we must do more to address a problem that will only get worse with increased ridership. We are talking about 5,000 tragedies a year with no sign of progress."
Poole added, "The good news is that we know how to prevent crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities involving motorcycle riders and their passengers. There are effective strategies that, when implemented, can make a difference."
Specifically, the report recommends states address six issues:
1. Increase motorcycle helmet use: Motorcycle helmets are proven to be 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41 percent effective for passengers. NHTSA estimates that 706 of the un-helmeted motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2010 would have lived had they worn motorcycle helmets.
2. Reduce alcohol impairment: In 2010, 29 percent of fatally injured riders had a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of .08, the highest of all motorists.
3. Reduce speeding: According to the most recent data, 35 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and almost half of these crashes did not involve another vehicle.
4. Provide motorcycle operator training to all who need or seek it: While all states currently offer training, some courses may not be provided at locations and times convenient for riders.
5. Ensure motorcyclists are properly licensed: NHTSA data reveals that in 2010, 22 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license. This compares with twelve percent of passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes. The motorcycle license test prompts many riders to complete a training course. By encouraging licensing, states encourage training.
6. Encourage all drivers to share the road with motorcyclists: According to NHTSA, when motorcycles crash with other vehicles, the latter usually violates the motorcyclist's right of way. Many states conduct "share the road" campaigns to increase awareness of motorcyclists.
In late 2012, the U.S. Senate requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of motorcyclist crashes and countermeasures. The GAO report recommended that states implement this broad approach to address motorcyclist deaths. States partially fund their motorcycle safety efforts with federal money from NHTSA. Currently, Congress only allows states to use this funding to address motorcyclist training and programs that encourage drivers to share the rode with motorcyclists. States should be permitted to fund effective approaches such as programs that increase motorcycle helmet use and reduce drunk driving among motorcyclists.
All data in the report are preliminary. The report presents data through September 2012. State-by-state data and image files are available from GHSA.
SOURCE Governors Highway Safety Association
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Joke of the Day!
A lady helps her husband install a new computer.
Once it is completed, she tells him to select a password,
selecting a word that he'll always remember.
As the computer asks him to enter it, he looks at his wife
and with a macho gesture and a wink in his eye,
he selects a word: mypenis.
As he hits "enter", to validate the selection, his wife
collapses with laughter and rolls on the floor in hysteria!!
The computer had replied:
TOO SHORT- ACCESS DENIED
Once it is completed, she tells him to select a password,
selecting a word that he'll always remember.
As the computer asks him to enter it, he looks at his wife
and with a macho gesture and a wink in his eye,
he selects a word: mypenis.
As he hits "enter", to validate the selection, his wife
collapses with laughter and rolls on the floor in hysteria!!
The computer had replied:
TOO SHORT- ACCESS DENIED
Saturday, May 18, 2013
2nd Amendment T-Shirt
We just added this 2nd Amendment Double Sided T-Shirt to our website. This is our first shirt with the saying on the front and the back. We might be on to something here.
Novelty Helmet vs. DOT Helmet
For some reason we are in them middle of this crazy Novelty Helmet vs. DOT Helmet debate. We say, "for some reason" but the reason is probably because we sell both.
It is a free country, you can decide for yourself. There is currently a debate on reddit and you can join the debate and put in your two cents if you wish.
It is a free country, you can decide for yourself. There is currently a debate on reddit and you can join the debate and put in your two cents if you wish.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Denim Motorcycle Helmet
Check out this cool Denim Motorcycle Helmet. It is not one of ours, but it will be soon. Please let us know if you have a interest in us producing our own version of this cool motorcycle helmet.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Motorcycle helmets help make human Newton's Cradle
Helmet maker Shark decided it would be fun to see if Newton's Cradle could also be made out of people. Helmeted people, to be exact. Want to see how it all works... or doesn't work, depending on your point of view? Of course you do.
If this was real, each person would come out with a concussion. Motorcycle Helmets absorb energy before the energy reaches the head. Note the last line of text. "Made using special effects" that is to say they faked it. It is still cool, who cares if they faked it.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
How Did We Miss This On Craigslist?
I am sick, Sick I tell you. I can't even write anymore. If the new owner sees this blog post, $10,000 cash is on the table. I will worry about begging the boss for the 10k later.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Trust But Verify
We ship Motorcycle Helmets and other accessories all over the world. We have gotten pretty good at seeing red flags when it comes to credit card fraud. We live by the words of Ronald Reagan, "Trust but Verify."
Our "Trust But Verify" policy usually takes some time unless you are from some crappy country that we just void and delete right away.....Yes, I am talking to you Nigeria, Pakistan and Indonesia.
But, Eric Vorster made our job easy. This guy has his own YouTube posting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kntdco65E6Q
Let Eric serve as lesson to all you thieves, just put yourself on the internet.
Our "Trust But Verify" policy usually takes some time unless you are from some crappy country that we just void and delete right away.....Yes, I am talking to you Nigeria, Pakistan and Indonesia.
But, Eric Vorster made our job easy. This guy has his own YouTube posting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kntdco65E6Q
Let Eric serve as lesson to all you thieves, just put yourself on the internet.
Monday, May 13, 2013
I survived the gun control scare of 2013 and all I got was this T-Shirt
We would like to thank Hoover Tactical Firearms for taking this picture of our I survived the gun control scare of 2013 and all I got was this T-Shirt.
Be sure to visit their indoor shooting range if you ever come see us. Also, please be sure to invite me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)