Riding a motorcycle in Indiana involves a certain degree of risk, and even the most experienced motorcycle drivers may not be able to avoid crashing under certain conditions. When motorcycles do crash, head injuries are a frequent result. Research shows that head injury risks are higher for those who ride on the back of a motorcycle, rather than steer it.

According to Reuters, a study into the habits of about 86,000 motorcyclists and passengers revealed important information about how often motorcycle drivers and passengers wear helmets. The study also revealed information about how much motorcycle helmet use impacts the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle wreck.

Helmet use among drivers and passengers

The study of roughly 86,000 motorcycle riders and passengers revealed that those driving the bike are more likely to wear helmets than those riding on the back of it. About two-thirds of motorcycle drivers surveyed reported wearing helmets on a regular basis. About 57% of motorcycle passengers said they did the same.

Head injury risks faced by drivers and passengers

While head injuries were the most common motorcycle crash injury suffered by both passengers and drivers, passengers were more prone to TBIs even when both parties had helmets on. This may be because the driver of the bike has more to hold on to in the event of a crash and is less likely than the passenger to fly off the bike.

The study also showed that a motorcycle driver or passenger’s use of alcohol made him or her less likely to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle.