Disclaimer: Please note that the opinion in this article is for general information only and is not legal advice. You should seek your own legal advice in relation to your specific circumstances. Please do not rely on the below information as legal advice, as it is only general in nature. You should always conduct your own research and seek specific legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
The United States has a variety of laws when it comes to motorcycle helmets. Some states, like Texas, have what is known as a universal helmet law. The universal motorcycle helmet law means that all riders are required by law to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. Other states have more lenient laws, only requiring riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Still, other states have no mandatory helmet law at all.
Helmet laws can vary from state to state, so it’s important to be aware of the laws in your state before hitting the road on a motorcycle. In Texas, the universal helmet law is designed to help keep riders safe.
Studies have shown that helmets are effective in reducing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. So, whether you’re a resident of Texas or just visiting, make sure you buckle up that helmet and stay safe on the roads.
Helmet Exemptions
Under Texas motorcycle helmet laws, helmets are not required for motorcycle riders over the age of 21 under specific circumstances. The helmet exemption requirements include:
- A rider must prove that they have completed an approved motorcycle operator course and hold a valid motorcycle license or
- That they have medical insurance coverage of at least $10,000.
According to Texas Law, all motorcycle owners / riders and passengers under 21 years of age must wear a helmet at all times.
More information regarding the specific helmet exceptions can be found on the Texas Department of Transportation Website
Do Many People Actually Wear Motorcycle Helmets?
In the United States, helmet use among motorcycle riders varies by state. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately two-thirds of motorcycle riders in the United States wear helmets. However, there is significant variation among states. Helmet use ranges from a high of 97% in Louisiana to a low of 48% in Iowa.
Helmet use is also significantly lower among riders who are under the age of 21. This variation highlights the importance of state laws mandating helmet use. In states with mandatory helmet laws, nearly all riders wear helmets, whereas in states without such laws, helmet use is significantly lower.
Why You Should Wear a Helmet
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in the United States. While motor vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, one thing they have in common is that they can all pose a serious threat to your safety. That’s why it’s so important to always wear protective headgear when operating a motor vehicle.
While some people may believe that helmets are only for racing or off-road riding, the truth is that they serve a vital purpose for all motorcycle riders and passengers.
Helmets are designed to protect your head and neck in the event of a crash, and they can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. In fact, studies have shown that helmets are approximately 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
So, if you’re looking for one good reason to wear a helmet, consider this: it could be the difference between life and death. Wearing a helmet may not seem like a big deal, but it could very well be the most important decision you make while on your motorcycle.
In addition, although many believe their sole purpose is protection from a crash, motorcycle helmets also help to protect riders from the elements, including wind, rain, and sun.
How Does a Motorcycle Helmet Work?
A motorcycle helmet is the best way to protect yourself from serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. Helmets work by absorbing the impact of a collision and spreading the force over a larger area of your head. This helps to reduce the risk of head injury.
Motorcycle helmets are required by law in many states, and there are strict safety standards that all helmets must meet. When shopping for a helmet, be sure to look for one that is at minimum certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This indication means that the helmet has been tested and found to meet DOT safety standards.
What Are the Different Motorcycle Helmet Ratings?
Motorcycle helmets are designed to protect riders from head injuries in the event of a crash. While all helmets must meet certain safety standards, there are three main rating systems that are used internationally.
DOT is the most common type of rating, and it is required in the United States. DOT-rated helmets must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can protect riders from serious head injuries. DOT rated helmets are generally considered the bare minimum safety standard.
SNELL is another common type of rating, and it is often used for racing helmets. SNELL-rated helmets are subjected to even tougher tests than DOT-rated helmets, and they must provide a higher level of protection.
ECE is the third type of rating, and it is used in Europe. ECE-rated helmets must also meet strict safety requirements, but they are tested differently than DOT and SNELL-rated helmets.
ECE rated helmets are generally considered the baseline that motorcycle riders should aim for in an everyday riding helmet. They provide a higher safety standard than a DOT helmet and protect riders against different types of impact than a more race-oriented helmet that is SNELL rated.
Does Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet Impact My Insurance?
In the event of a motorcycle accident, insurance companies will typically send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much the insurance company should pay out.
Adjusters are trained to look for any factors that may have contributed to the accident, and one of the things they will often check is whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet.
If it is determined that the rider was not wearing a helmet, this can impact the insurance payout in several ways.
First, the insurance company may argue that the rider was partially at fault for the accident. This can be due to their failure to take proper safety precautions.
Secondly, if the rider sustained any head injuries as a result of the accident, their medical benefits may be reduced or denied altogether depending on their health insurance plan.
Thirdly, the rider may not have health insurance. They may then be responsible for all of their medical expenses out of pocket.
In addition, riders who are not wearing helmets are more likely to be sued by personal injury attorneys. This includes for accidents with injuries or property damage.
It’s also important to note that some insurance agencies will include wearing a motorcycle helmet in their Terms and Conditions. For all of these reasons, it is always advisable for motorcycle drivers to wear a helmet.
Can Police Stop you for not wearing a helmet in Texas?
In the state of Texas, it is not currently against the law to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. A Police Officer does not have the authority to pull you over based solely on not wearing a helmet.
However, that doesn’t mean that law enforcement officers can’t pull you over if they see you riding without one. While officers can’t issue a ticket for not wearing a helmet it is a sure way to draw their attention. They can still use their discretion to pull you over if they feel it is warranted.
For instance, if an officer sees you weaving in and out of traffic or driving recklessly, they may choose to pull you over. In addition, if an officer believes you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may also pull you over and request that you submit to a sobriety test. So, while you may not be breaking the law by not wearing a helmet, it’s still best to err on the side of caution and wear one whenever you’re out on your motorcycle.
What Safety Gear Should You Wear When Riding a Motorcycle?
In addition to wearing a helmet, there are several other items of safety gear that you should wear when riding a motorcycle. For instance, you should always wear protective clothing. A leather or armored textile jacket combined with reflective gear, is the best way to help make you more visible.
You should also consider investing in a good pair of over the ankle motorcycle boots and a pair of quality gloves.
Eye protection is also very important when riding a motorcycle, and you should always wear a pair of shatter resistant goggles or a helmet with a face shield.
By taking the time to invest in the proper safety gear, you can help to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
Finally, although it’s not a piece of physical gear it’s also a good idea for motorcycle operators to invest in some form of motorcycle insurance. This can help cover the cost of damages if you’re involved in an accident. It can also provide you with financial assistance if you’re unable to work due to injuries sustained in an accident.