With little to protect motorcyclists in the event of a collision, injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are more severe compared to other vehicle crashes. Motorcycle helmets can help ensure a rider’s safety, but many experienced riders refuse to wear them because they think they’re invincible.
Discover the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Do I Need to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?
Only 19 states have a universal motorcycle helmet law, and 28 others have a partial helmet law for specific riders. Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet law. Utah has a partial helmet law that states helmet use is required for riders who are under 18. Regardless of your state’s law, you should still wear a helmet because it’s the most critical piece of motorcycle safety equipment.
In today’s blog, we will dispel 5 common motorcycle helmet myths.
Myth 1: Motorcycle Helmets Cause Spinal Damage
Motorcycle helmets add weight to your head, which makes some riders believe they’re a risk to your spinal cord in the event of an accident. However, this is untrue because they’re designed to absorb the impact of your head hitting the ground. Helmeted riders suffer far fewer spinal injuries compared to riders who don’t wear a helmet.
Myth 2: Motorcycle Helmets Are Ineffective at High Speeds
The Department of Transportation tests motorcycle helmets by dropping them from a six-foot height, which produces an impact of 13 mph. Many riders believe helmets are only effective if they’re riding at 13 mph or less, but this measure doesn’t have to do with the speed of your bike; it’s regarding the speed at which your head hits the ground in an accident.
In approximately 90 percent of accidents, riders fall off their bikes from a six-foot height and strike the ground at roughly 13 mph. Your helmet will still function if you’re riding faster than 13 mph.
Myth 3: Motorcycle Helmets Obstruct Peripheral Vision
All motorcycle helmets approved by the Department of Transportation must have at least 210-degree vision; this is more than enough to account for standard peripheral vision, which is approximately 180 degrees.
Myth 4: Motorcycle Helmets Make Drivers Reckless
On the contrary, motorcyclists who wear the most safety gear tend to drive the safest. There’s no evidence to prove helmeted riders behave more recklessly than those who don’t wear a helmet.
Myth 5: Only New Motorcyclists Need to Wear Helmets
Even if you’ve been riding motorcycles for decades, you can never be too confident on the road. Motorcycle helmets benefit both new and seasoned riders, and they can save your life if you find yourself in an accident. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states with a universal helmet law topped the list in the number of lives saved through the use of a helmet.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help
Even if you wear a helmet and drive with caution, you may still fall victim to an accident. Make sure you receive the compensation you deserve by holding the negligent driver accountable in court. One of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you handle the aftermath of your accident. Schedule your free case evaluation today.