This public service message is courtesy of Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback injured in a motorcycle crash Monday: Wear a helmet and watch out for cars making left turns.
Fortunately, Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl XL 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, survived after colliding with a Chrysler New Yorker only a few blocks from Pittsburgh Mercy Hospital, where he underwent more than seven hours of surgery for fractured facial bones.
The whole town of Pittsburgh held its breath – but diehard fans on the South Side sizzled like kielbasa at a cookout to think that he’d take such a risk. Former Steelers all-star Terry Bradshaw testily advised waiting for retirement to ride motorcycles.
No one knows yet if the injuries will have an effect on Roethlisberger’s career.
Despite a $40 million, six-year contract and $9 million signing bonus, Roethlisberger was riding without a helmet. At 24, he’s not the only young American who thinks he’s indestructible. Closer to home, ATV- riding Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes missed most of the 2005 season with a broken clavicle suffered while carrying venison without a helmet.
Roethlisberger was riding a 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa capable of more than 180 mph, but there’s no indication he was speeding. He apparently lacked a valid motorcycle license.
Head injuries are the leading cause of motorcycle deaths – not wearing a helmet boosts the chances of death 40 percent. But in 2003, Pennsylvania – after lobbying by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) – repealed its mandatory helmet law for riders over 21, one of five states to do so since 1997. Colorado, which ditched its helmet law in 1977, is eighth in the nation for motorcycle deaths at 1.77 per 100,000 people. There were 83 motorcycle deaths in Colorado in 2005.
Only 20 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. In 26 others, those under a specific age must wear head protection. Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire also have no helmet-use laws. Helmet use is down sharply nationally at 48 percent in 2005 versus 58 percent in 2004 and 71 percent in 2000, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. It’s a disturbing trend.
Whatever the law, we urge riders (especially sports stars who are role models for legions of young fans) to always wear helmets – and motorists to be extra alert for bicyclists and motorcycles. Quarterbacks are a terrible thing to waste.
