AAA testifies in favor of retaining Helmet Law

Knoxville, TN – On Tuesday, the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on House Bill 700 by Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) which would drastically weaken Tennessee’s motorcycle helmet law and undoubtedly increase deaths, traumatic brain injury and medical costs in the state.

The proposed bill would allow riders 21 years and older not insured with TennCare, to ride without a helmet. Tennessee’s current law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience of the rider.

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Tennessee Department of Health says Wearing Helmets Saves Lives and Money

Nashville, TN – Traumatic brain injury can occur as a result of any head injury. Whether it is a fall from a bicycle or a motorcycle crash, a sports concussion or a head trauma to one of our brave veterans from an explosion on the battlefield, the delicate brain can suffer significant after affects.

Many of these injuries can be prevented. During observances of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans of the importance of wearing helmets while riding motorcycles and bicycles to help prevent brain injuries. [Read more]

Tennessee Department of Health says Brain Injury can happen Anytime, Anywhere to Anyone

March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – Your son who got his “bell rung” playing football. Your neighbor who hit his head on the windshield in a car accident. Your grandmother who fell on the sidewalk at church and hit her head. If you think you don’t know anyone with a brain injury, think again.

Chances are good someone in your world has had a bump or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain, known as a traumatic brain injury or TBI. The majority of TBIs are concussions or other mild forms of brain injury from which people fully recover. However, even with concussion, people with brain injury can suffer from a variety of symptoms such as headaches, sleep disruption, memory loss or depression. [Read more]

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Tennessee Highway Patrol Promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Tennessee Highway Patrol are encouraging motorists to exercise caution in response to the rise in motorcycle fatalities in the state and across the nation this year.

Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 12.0 percent of total fatalities within Tennessee in 2011. As of May 7th, there has been a 31 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities in the state, compared to this same time last year. Thirty-eight motorcyclists have died in crashes this year, and preliminary figures show four were killed in the first week of May alone. [Read more]