Motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death compared with drivers of cars and other larger, enclosed vehicles.
Riding a motorcycle brings about a sense of freedom and independence. However, at the same time, you are at far greater risk when you’re out on the road on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death compared with drivers of cars and other larger, enclosed vehicles.
As a result of the higher risks, motorcyclists are required, by law, to wear motorcycle helmets.
Read here all that you need to know about Georgia motorcycle helmet law. While the laws may vary depending on the state, helmets are required as a way to keep riders safer. Of course, as with anything, especially matters pertaining to laws, there are both pros and cons to motorcycle helmet laws. It’s important to understand them if you own a motorcycle or are planning on buying one.
What are the pros of motorcycle helmet laws?
There are many advantages to motorcycle helmet laws throughout the country. One of those that is key is that you are complying with the law when you wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Helmet laws are specifically in place to keep motorcyclists and the person riding with them as safe as possible.
Some states require all riders to wear helmets while others may require only those under 21 or 18 years of age to wear them. If your state has a set of laws pertaining to motorcycle helmets, you are not only abiding by the law when wearing a helmet but ensuring that you are staying safer.
Motorcycle helmet laws also ensure that your body is better protected against potential environmental hazards while riding. When you’re in a car, truck, or other large vehicle, you’re protected from various debris that may come into contact with the vehicle due to the vehicle’s enclosed design.
You don’t have that luxury on a motorcycle, which means a helmet protects you from debris that might otherwise fly into your eyes and obstruct your vision. Wind can also be bothersome, but motorcycle helmet laws give you the advantage of forgoing problems from these types of road hazards.
Another pro of motorcycle helmet laws is that they give you a much better chance of avoiding serious injury and death in the event of an accident. Without a helmet, there’s a greater risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury or TBI if you get into an accident and are thrown from your motorcycle. Helmets can play a role in preventing such a severe injury from happening.
What are the cons of motorcycle helmet laws?
One of the more obvious disadvantages of motorcycle helmet laws is that they require you to wear a helmet when you may not want to wear one. For some people, the helmet may be a hassle to put on. You may want to simply hop on your motorcycle and just ride. The helmet takes some time to actually put on your head, plus, you have to take a few minutes to properly adjust it.
Motorcycle helmets can be a bit stuffy while you’re wearing them. This is especially true if it’s sized incorrectly, even if it’s only slightly too small. Motorcycle helmet laws require you to wear them regardless of the size or fit you have gotten. Additionally, if you’re riding in the summer heat, you might sweat more, which can only exacerbate the stuffiness you may already feel.
Another con of motorcycle helmet laws is that having to wear a helmet may be seen as less cool. Motorcycle riding is generally seen as something that’s more freeing with riders throwing caution to the wind. When you have to wear a helmet, some people may view it as a restriction and the exact opposite of what riding a motorcycle is supposed to represent.
Get an attorney if you’ve been injured
If you have suffered injuries after a motorcycle accident, it’s absolutely imperative that you speak with your attorney. You can find out how a law firm can help you to recover your medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. Consulting with an attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you are due.
