The state of Arizona only requires helmets for motorcyclists under the age of 18. However, we strongly encourage all motorcycle operators and passengers in the state of Arizona to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times. Motorcycle helmets prevent severe head and facial injuries, and they can significantly reduce the chances a person will sustain a traumatic brain injury. Our team of Phoenix personal injury attorneys have worked alongside many who have suffered from the aftermaths of riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
Why a Motorcycle Helmet is so Important
When we examine data available from the National Safety Council, we can see that between the years 2002 and 2017, approved motorcycle helmets saved more than 25,000 lives. Though more recent estimates are not available, data shows that motorcycle helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing fatal motorcycle accident injuries for operators and 41% effective in preventing motorcycle passenger injuries.
Motorcycle helmets are essential safety devices. Unfortunately, motorcyclists lack very much protection, especially the protections afforded drivers and passengers in traditional vehicles. There are no large metal frames, seat belts, or airbags on a motorcycle, so when a collision occurs with another vehicle or a fixed object, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to sustain severe injuries. Approved motorcycle helmets help prevent some of the worst types of injuries that can occur – head and facial injuries.
There is no guarantee that a person wearing a helmet on a motorcycle will sustain no injury at all. Motorcyclists are still likely to sustain some type of bodily injury on the rest of their body but much less likely to sustain a severe head injury when they have a helmet on. It is important to contact a Phoenix brain injury attorney to ensure you are receiving the compensation justified from the injuries sustained.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that during a recent reporting year, nearly 800 additional lives could have been saved across the country if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. They also say that every year, the US could save around $1.5 billion in economic costs if every motorcyclist wore a helmet. CDC data says that helmets reduce the overall risk of head injury by around 69%.
What is an Approved Motorcycle Helmet?
You will notice that we keep saying “approved” when we talk about motorcycle helmets. Every state that has a motorcycle helmet law requires that the motorcyclist wear a US Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmet.
What we mean by approved is that the helmet must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. If you are searching for a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet, you need to find one that has a label that indicates the helmet is FMVSS No. 218 Certified. You will often find this label right on the outside or just on the inside of the motorcycle helmet. Unfortunately, there are many counterfeit helmets on the market, and we encourage you to be diligent about where you purchase your helmet from. Only purchase motorcycle helmets from reputable online or in-store retailers.
Approved Helmet Ratings Based on Four Categories
Impact
This revolves around the ability of the helmet to absorb shocks.
Penetration
This has to do with the ability of the helmet to withstand a blow from a sharp object.
Retention
This refers to the ability of the chinstrap locking mechanism to stay fastened when an impact occurs without breaking or stretching.
Peripheral Vision
This has to do with a person’s ability to see their surroundings even when the helmet is on.