{"id":3367,"date":"2022-07-25T07:52:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T07:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=3367"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:18:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:18:08","slug":"why-wear-motorcycle-helmet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/motorcycle-insurance\/motorcycle-safety\/why-wear-motorcycle-helmet\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Should You Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Motorcycles are fun, but inherently dangerous. They are less visible to others on the roads and if there is an accident, those riding a motorcycle don\u2019t have the protection of metal and steel around them like people in a car. Therefore, any protection a motorcycle rider can use will lessen the chances of a serious or fatal injury. A helmet is a good place to start. Besides the physical protection motorcyclists can employ to protect themselves, making sure you have good motorcycle insurance<\/a> will also help cover you in the event of an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millions of people enjoy riding motorcycles. Some take their bikes out occasionally, others belong to a group that rides every weekend, and a small number of riders depend on their motorcycles for transportation to and from work. And they all should wear a motorcycle helmet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Many People are Killed Due to Not Wearing a Helmet on a Motorcycle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to this motorcycle injury lawyer<\/a>, riding without a helmet increases your risk of death by 37 percent in an accident. In 2020, more than 5,500 motorcyclists were killed in accidents. About 40 percent of those were not wearing a helmet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, if you survive a bad crash on your motorcycle, the odds of having to live the rest of your life with a traumatic brain injury or serious lifelong complications go up when you don\u2019t wear a helmet. It makes sense to consider wearing various protective gear \u2013 and especially a helmet \u2013 every time you climb on your bike. And in some states, it\u2019s the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What States Require a Motorcycle Helmet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It depends on the state you live in and, in some cases, other factors, such as your age. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the various state laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State<\/strong><\/td>Helmet Law<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Alabama<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Alaska<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Arizona<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Arkansas<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
California<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Colorado<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Connecticut<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Delaware<\/td>Helmet required for 18 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
District of Columbia<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Florida<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Georgia<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Hawaii<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Idaho<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Illinois<\/td>No helmet law<\/td><\/tr>
Indiana<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Iowa<\/td>No helmet law<\/td><\/tr>
Kansas<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Kentucky<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Louisiana<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Maine<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Maryland<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Michigan<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Minnesota<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Mississippi<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Missouri<\/td>Helmet required for 25 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Montana<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Nebraska<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Nevada<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
New Hampshire<\/td>No helmet law<\/td><\/tr>
New Jersey<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
New Mexico<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
New York<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
North Carolina<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
North Dakota<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Ohio<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Oklahoma<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Oregon<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Pennsylvania<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Rhode Island<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
South Carolina<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
South Dakota<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Tennessee<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Texas<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Utah<\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Vermont<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Virginia<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Washington<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
West Virginia<\/td>Helmet required for all riders<\/td><\/tr>
Wisconsin<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr>
Wyoming<\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why Does the State Care if I Wear a Helmet on My Motorcycle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mainly because of the huge economic toll motorcycle accidents take on the government. Of course, your state lawmakers also care about the suffering and long-term disabilities of those who survive a bad motorcycle crash. But in the long run, the CDC estimates the U.S. could save $1.5 billion if all motorcyclists wore a helmet. Your motorcycle insurance<\/a> is only going to go so far when you have sustained a catastrophic head injury in a motorcycle wreck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Young<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the Best Motorcycle Helmet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today, motorcycle helmets run the gamut and picking one can be confusing. Most helmets for sale are subject to strict safety guidelines. As long as you purchase your motorcycle helmet<\/a> from a reputable dealer, you should be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you choose an open-face, modular, half, dual-sport, off-road, full-face, or some other design, there\u2019s something for everyone. The best motorcycle helmet for you is dependent on what kind of riding you will be doing. Those who plan to cruise on city roads and highways will need a different sort of helmet than those who plan to do some off-roading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main thing is to be sure your helmet fits. With such a wide variety of helmets available, don\u2019t buy one unless it feels snug and comfortable. Your helmet (or brain bucket in motorcycle parlance) is too important to skimp on, so be sure and get the best you can afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should consider other protective riding gear \u2013 for both you and your bike – as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Right Gear for Your Motorcycle Can Save You Money on Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The better protected you and your passengers are, the less chance you\u2019ll be seriously injured if you have to lay your bike down. That\u2019s why it\u2019s advised to wear boots and protective clothing, such as leather chaps and leather coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your motorcycle itself, the following are some of the things you should consider adding to an existing bike or when buying a new one. These motorcycle protections<\/a> could save you money on your motorcycle policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n