Are Motorcycle Helmet Laws Effective?

Most states in the United States have helmet laws in effect. Motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet when they are riding. While some motorcyclists believe it’s a good idea to wear a helmet, others believe it is their decision to make.

Motorcycle Helmet Law History

In 1967 the federal government put into law that all motorcyclists need to wear a helmet. States had to enact the law to receive federal funding for highway construction in their specific state. A total of 40 states enacted the law by the end of 1969. All but three states had put the law into effect by 1975. Since that time, the law has gone back and forth in some states but it stills stands that today in most states, riders must wear a helmet to ride. Why the Laws are in Effect One of the main reasons the helmet law went into effect is the massive increase in motorcycle-related injuries. At high speeds, it can be difficult to fluidly maneuver motorcycles which can cause crashes. Motorcyclists are not enclosed in protective covering, so helmets were deemed necessary. This was aimed at giving the rider’s skull protection.

Death Rates Have Increased When a motorcyclist isn’t wearing a helmet, chances of a fatal accident increase. Statistics show that the risk of death doubles for motorcyclists when a rider isn’t wearing a helmet. Helmets are a layer of protection most motorcyclists tend to enjoy.

Is the law effective? In most cases, motorcycle laws have been very effective in getting riders to wear their helmets. Helmet laws are even said to prevent thefts of motorcycles due to the fact that those who would steal a bike often do not have helmets themselves. They would undoubtedly stand out to cops making an arrest easier. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys 4400 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Suite 200 Studio City, California, 91604 USA PH: 8183776280