Is Wearing a Helmet Really Necessary as an Illinois Motorcyclist?

 Posted on August 24, 2020 in Personal Injury Attorney

As is the case with any sense of freedom, no one wants to restrict their experience. Riding a motorcycle is the most open, free way to traverse Illinois roads. You can feel the wind hitting your body, see everything around you, and experience the feeling of speed without additional barriers standing in your way. However, this sense of exhilaration comes with a cost. Motorcycle riders are at the highest risk of sustaining injuries in an accident. With little standing between their bodies and the asphalt, many motorcyclists ride until they get into an accident that scares them from continuing on with their hobby. Studies show that the most common body parts that are harmed include head and neck injuries.

Helmet Safety

Illinois is one of the few states that allows motorcyclists to decide if they would like to wear a helmet while riding. While the option to wear a helmet provides motorcycle riders with the freedom to choose their level of protection, it leaves many riders with traumatic brain injuries or long-lasting neck issues. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the chances of sustaining head and neck injuries, though many riders still decide against wearing them. 

A common concern that motorcyclists have is their ability to see while riding. This is a valid concern as your visibility can greatly impact your safety. In order to disprove this false assumption, a study was conducted that analyzed over 900 motorcycle crashes. Approximately 40 percent of the drivers in the study were wearing helmets, yet none of the accidents were caused by a lack of visibility of the oncoming danger. 

Not all motorcycle riders are against wearing helmets; they simply choose to only wear them while going on long trips. The thought of “I will only be driving for 10 minutes” or “I will only be driving at low speeds” can lead many motorcycle riders into hot water. Most crashes occur on short trips, happening only five miles along their ride, just after the rider has started out. Additionally, most motorcycle riders are moving slower than 30 mph when a crash occurs. Regardless of the speed, motorcycle riders who are wearing a helmet are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing one.

Types of Helmets

There are two different helmets that motorcycle riders can choose from - three-quarter and full-face coverage. The three-quarter coverage covers the motorcyclist’s head and leaves his or her face open whereas the full-face coverage includes a face mask and chin cover. When looking for a helmet, riders should be sure to find one that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation and state standards. If it does not meet these standards, it likely will not protect them in an accident. The helmet should fit snugly so that in the instance of a crash, it will remain on the rider’s head in spite of the impact.

Contact an Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether wearing a helmet or not, anyone injured in a motorcycle accident should consider filing a personal injury claim. This will help in recovering financial assistance for any medical costs, time off work, ongoing injuries, and emotional trauma. Since Illinois does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, those who choose not to wear head protection still have a case. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we defend those who have been injured in accidents and are unsure where to turn. The financial and physical impact of motorcycle accidents should not go unnoticed by the driver who is at fault. For help with your case, contact our Palatine motorcycle accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free consultation.

Source: 

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x140.pdf