Brian White | January 15, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
Most people ride motorcycles for the thrill of the journey. And most people who ride motorcycles know that they take on a little risk every time they hop on a bike. Still, that little bit of risk is usually worth the adventures, the experience, and the memories.
But if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, there are things you can and should do to protect yourself while adventuring. After all, if you can minimize the risks, why wouldn’t you?
In this post, we’ll cover the importance of a good motorcycle helmet. If you’ve been debating whether you really need to wear a motorcycle helmet in Texas, discover the laws that apply to its riders below.
Motorcycle Helmets and Texas Law
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, every rider should wear a helmet. But under Texas law, not every rider has to.
In Texas, you may be exempt from the helmet requirement if you meet these standards:
- You are 21 years or older; and
- You have passed an operator training course; or
- You maintain at least $10,000 in medical insurance
A Texas police officer cannot pull you over to ask if you meet these requirements. A violation will only cost you about $10 to $50 in fees.
With that being said, you really should consider wearing a helmet when you hop on your bike. These vehicles are notoriously dangerous.
The Risks of Riding a Motorcycle
Motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. In all, more than 5,000 riders die each year.
Why is riding so dangerous? It comes down to two inherent problems: size and visibility. Motorcycles are smaller than other traveling vehicles; they tend to sustain the most damage in accidents. And since they are so small, they easily fall into the blind spots of other drivers.
How a Helmet Makes a Difference
There are a lot of things you can do to avoid unnecessary accidents. Skillful riding requires good judgment, awareness, and coordination. However, not every accident is avoidable, and even skilled riders can become injured. That’s why a quality helmet is so important.
According to the CDC, a universal helmet law could save hundreds and even thousands of lives. Protective gear is proven to reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. The next time you ride, think twice about leaving your helmet at home.
What a Quality Helmet Looks Like
Of course, not all helmets are created equal. Invest in a DOT-approved helmet if you really want to protect yourself from a devastating injury, invest in a DOT-approved helmet. And if you want to go the extra mile, look for one that has Snell certification.
Keep in mind that these helmets aren’t always the most expensive option. In this case, money does not equal superiority. As long as the helmet has a DOT sticker or logo, you can feel comfortable making the purchase. Keep in mind that most helmets need to be replaced every five years.
Call an Attorney After an Accident
Now you know that wearing a helmet can save your life and help you avoid catastrophic injuries in an accident. But what a helmet can’t do is prevent every motorcycle accident.
If you do become injured because of another driver’s negligence, call an attorney. They can help you explore your options for recovering compensation for your losses. If you were injured in Houston, TX, then call Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston motorcycle accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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