We know that helmets save lives. If you talk to safety experts about motorcyclists and traditional cyclists, they’ll tell you that every single one should have a helmet on. They’ll tell you that it doesn’t matter what the law says — many states do not require helmets — because the evidence shows that helmets increase safety, decrease death rates, and a lower brain injury rate.
With all of that in mind, some have argued that drivers and passengers inside cars should also wear helmets. This is one of the many motorcycle helmet myths. Wouldn’t the same basic principle hold true? A helmet could reduce the odds of a serious injury or a fatality. There’s a reason that professional race car drivers wear helmets — but far, far more people crash in everyday traffic than in races.
The general thought seems to be simply that the car offers enough protection. You have a metal cage, and some cars — like the Jeep Wrangler — have roll bars. You have airbags coming from almost every direction. A cyclist needs a helmet because he or she has no other protection in a crash, but someone in a car has quite a bit.
That’s true to a certain degree, but the statistics still paint a fairly clear picture. People suffer serious injuries in their cars. All of those safety systems can’t protect everyone, and they never have. That’s the risk you take when you drive.
What States Require Motorcycle Helmets?
Helmet laws for motorcycles vary across the United States. Currently, only three states – Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire – do not have any laws requiring motorcycle helmets. All other states have laws mandating helmet use, either for all riders or for riders under a certain age. For example, some states require helmets for all riders regardless of age, while others only require them for younger riders.
Easton Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Wearing a helmet may help reduce the odds of a serious injury, but nothing can guarantee that you won’t get hurt when another driver causes an accident. Be sure you know what legal options you have to seek financial compensation. Contact an Easton motorcycle accident injury law firm for help! They can answer questions like “Is lane splitting legal in Pennsylvania?“, “What should you do if a car keeps its high beams on at night?” and help ensure your motorcycle is fixed or replaced in Pennsylvania.
