How can a motorcycle helmet help? As shocking as it may sound, many motorcyclists hate wearing a motorcycle helmet because they believe it obstructs their vision and hearing while cruising on the road.
However, this is so far from the truth. Motorcycle helmets have been proven to have more advantages than disadvantages, and you are about to find out just how much this safety gear can help you when you least expect it.
Why Is It So Important To Wear A Helmet On Motorcycles? How can a motorcycle helmet help?
Do you know that, according to a recent report by CDC, you can reduce your risk of death by 37 percent and the chances of head injuries by 69% when you wear a motorcycle helmet? Well, now you do. This is one of the most important benefits of wearing this safety gear.
The numbers are there for all to see that a motorcycle helmet could be the crucial difference between life and death if you ever get into an unfortunate accident. Moreover, you have a higher chance of suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident, but a motorcycle helmet can reduce the chances.
Cars provide greater protection with safety features like seatbelts and airbags, but motorcycles have none. Therefore, helmets serve as that much-needed extra protection. But, of course, the recommended helmets that meet standards set by the Department of Transportation do not obstruct the vision or hearing of the motorcyclist, as some people fear.
Also, apart from injuries, motorcycle helmets save a lot of money in the country as the average total of medical bills for motorcycle accidents with helmets is much lower. But on the other hand, higher medical bills from motorcycle accidents when you’re not on a helmet can also drive up the cost of your insurance, leading to more money spent on treatment overall.
Florida Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In Florida, an active motorcycle helmet law is backed up by Florida Statutes 316.211 (2). According to this law, every motorcycle rider must put on a helmet. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, this rule doesn’t apply to riders who are 21 and above and have $10,000 in medical insurance benefits. Other exceptions are riders who are 16+ and riding a bike/moped with nothing more than 50cc displacement or a moped that can’t exceed 30mph.
However, anybody under the age of 16 should always have a helmet. Remember the exception where riders above 21 must have 10,000 dollars in medical insurance benefits to be exempted from wearing
helmets? Well, this medical insurance only applies to policies that specifically cover motorcycle crashes.
While this is constitutional, there was a failed attempt to challenge this law on the grounds of privacy and due process. However, the court ruled that this law would stand as there is a benefit to the public alongside preventing the rider from getting harmed.
There’s also another dimension to this law. Every Florida motorcycle operator is required to wear eye protection while riding, with no exceptions. Finally, operating your motorcycle without a helmet is a non-criminal offense, but you’ll still have to pay a lot of fines and receive a ticket.
You should contact a personal injury attorney or motorcycle accident lawyer in tampa to explain these laws further.
How Do Motorcycle Helmets Protect Against Injury and Death?
Motorcycle helmets protect against injury and death by offering a cushioning effect for one of the most fragile parts of the body, the human head. Indeed, head injuries are often fatal, with increased chances of death compared to injuries on other external body parts.
Therefore, putting on a standard motorcycle helmet is handy in accidents where the impact between the head and a hard surface is not as fatal as it would be without any protection.
So, how exactly do motorcycle helmets protect against injury and death? Well, these helmets have a hard outer shell that stops the motion of the head on impact, while the inner lining of the motorcycle helmet ensures that the head remains in motion until it comes to a gentler stop.
So, while the outer shell successfully spreads the force of impact over a large surface area, the inner shell offers a corresponding cushioning effect that lessens the severity of blunt force trauma.
Do Helmets Eliminate the Risk of Concussion or Death?
The answer is a resounding yes. While motorcycle helmets are designed to offer protection and eliminate the risk of concussion or death, there are several types. So, using the wrong helmet as a motorcycle rider can be extremely dangerous. In addition, motorcycle helmets are designed to completely cover the head and face of the rider while offering eye protection.
This means that motorcycle helmets provide more coverage due to the higher impact risk of engaging in this activity. Therefore, when shopping for helmets, you should look for factors like design, weight, ventilation, and material. Some also have an emergency cheek pad system as an important safety feature.
So, be sure to check that the safety ratings of your helmet meet that of the United States Department of Transportation. The department has a minimum standard level of protection which has been deemed perfect for reducing the risk of concussion or death after a motorcycle accident. Finally, check that it’s the perfect fit for your head, as no technology can save you if you’re putting on a too-big helmet.
Coleman Law Group can Help You.
If you were asking questions like, “how can a motorcycle helmet help you?” or not sure that you should buy one, this article contains more than enough reasons to purchase some protection for your head.
Also, contact Coleman Law Group now if you find any part of the Florida motorcycle helmet laws confusing. Rest assured, we are always dedicated to helping you find answers and clear your confusion. We are also ready to represent you if you ever get into a motorcycle accident.
