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Helmets and the Law: Understanding Texas Safety Standards for Motorcycle Riders
What You Need to Know:
- Helmets are required in Texas for motorcycle riders under 21 and riders who have not fulfilled the requirements outlined by state law.
- Helmets reduce injuries and save lives in the event of a motorcycle crash.
- An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is needed in the event of a motorcycle crash.
As a guy, I have had both longer hair (which my mom hated) and shorter hair. It was always cool to walk out of the barbershop after having my hair chopped off and feel the wind hit my scalp. Many of my motorcycle-riding friends have the same feeling when riding their bikes. They feel like wearing a helmet is restricting and cuts into their ability to enjoy riding. All of them will acknowledge the risks that come with not wearing a helmet in the event of a motorcycle crash. However, they readily accept those risks to be able to do what they love.
Motorcycle riders do not always get this choice. In some states, it’s required for motorcycle riders to wear helmets, just like seatbelts are required for vehicle occupants. The specific rules vary from place to place. 19 states have universal motorcycle helmet laws, meaning the law requires all operators of motorcycles to wear helmets at all times. Another 28 states haves laws requiring some riders to wear helmets, usually determined by age. Only three states (Iowa, Illinois, and New Hampshire) have no law requiring helmets at all.
Motorcycle Safety and Texas Law
Texas law requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. Riders aged 21 and over can choose for themselves as long as they meet either of the following two requirements:
- They have taken a certified motorcycle operator training and safety course, or
- They have an insurance policy in place that sufficiently covers motorcycle crashes.
Motorcycle riders do not have to wear a helmet in Texas according to state law as long as they are over 21 and have taken a motorcycle safety course, which is generally required to get a motorcycle license. In Texas, illegally riding without a helmet is a secondary offense. This means that police officers are not allowed to pull a helmet-less rider over simply to check that they meet these requirements.
There are currently no state-wide safety standards requiring helmet use when operating a bicycle, although certain cities have implemented municipal helmet bylaws.
Regardless of where each person stands on the issue, there is no doubt that helmets reduce injuries and save lives in motorcycle crashes. Studies show that helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by 69% and death by 39% in a motorcycle crash. Whose choice wearing a helmet should be is up for debate, but it is necessary to fully understand the safety standards before making such an important decision around Texas motorcycle helmet laws.
In a case involving either a motorcycle crash or bicycle crash, determining fault and liability can be extremely complex. These motorcycle crash cases should be handled by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. A motorcycle accident attorney can look at the entire picture and determine the best course of action for each individual.
For more information about how motorcycle accident cases are different from motor vehicle crash cases, watch this video:
Call the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Snellings Law
At Snellings Law, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys has handled many bicycle and motorcycle accident cases. It is crucial to have someone in your corner who understands your legal position and can help you obtain the best result possible after a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one were injured on a motorcycle or bicycle, call Snellings Law’s motorcycle accident attorneys now to set up your free consultation at (214) 387-0387.
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