In this day and age, you would think anyone who rides a motorcycle would wear a helmet. In the event of a crash, a helmet is the only protection a rider has to protect their brain. But, knowing you should wear a helmet doesn’t mean you are required by law to wear one. Let our San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer explain:
In most states, a motorcycle helmet is a requirement for anyone riding a motorcycle as a driver or a passenger. In the state of Texas, there are exceptions. These include if a driver is at least 21 years of age, and they have completed a Department-approved motorcycle operator training course, or if they are at least 21 years of age and they can provide proof of at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
Even if the law does not require a motorcycle driver or rider to wear a helmet, most insurance companies do.
The Numbers
It is not surprising that the state of Texas is a magnet for the motorcyclist. The warm and sunny weather makes riding a perfect way of getting around. Texas is a huge state and it supports a massive highway sytsem, which is a motorcyclist’s heaven.
In the year 2015, there were more than 450,000 motorcycles registered in the state of Texas. In the same year, there were more than 9,000 injuries to riders and drivers of motorcycles. Of those 9,000 injuries, almost 2,000 were considered incapacitating injuries. 459 people died in 2015 from motorcycle crashes.
Roughly half of these people were wearing a motorcycle helmet. This makes it obvious that riding a motorcycle is serious business, and investing in a helmet is the responsible thing to do.
Nationwide, 37% of all motorcycle deaths are attributed to people riding without a helmet.
Are You Convinced Yet?
Assuming that you understand the importance of a motorcycle helmet and you will insist on anyone who rides your bike must wear one, let’s look at quality helmets.
Motorcycle helmets are designed for a person who is going to wear a helmet for a long period of time. They are round and usually have a face shield. Some models have an extended chin area. They come in different grades, weights, and have different features. The features you select and the materials the helmet is made of will determine the price of the helmet.
A quality helmet should:
- Have a high-impact outer shell
There are various fiber-based materials that are used to make a helmet. Speak with the vendor and they will help you choose one based on how long you expect to wear it, what conditions you ride in, and the price you want to spend.
- Have good shock absorbing interior
The padding inside the helmet is more than just for comfort. It absorbs impact to protect your brain. The better the interior, the less likely you are to suffer a brain injury.
- Comfort padding
This is simply to make the helmet fit better and makes it easier to wear for long trips.
- Quality chin strap
You can have the best helmet money can buy, but it will be worthless if the helmet falls off when you have an accident. Be sure the chin strap is good quality and fits well.
Tip: When wearing a helmet for the first time, consider wearing it around the house or make a short trip of less than 30-45 minutes. This will give you time to see if the helmet is comfortable on all pressure points. Everyone is different. Take your time and find the right helmet for your head.