In Fort Worth, the most common type of motorcycle accident cases I see are inattention to the other driver. Fortunately, over the past year there has been a decline in motorcycle fatalities. This is the first time in 11 years for the number of deaths to decrease.
The National Transportation Safety Board, the independent federal agency charged with determining the probable cause of transportation accidents and promoting safety, is urging states to enact mandatory helmet laws for all motorcycle riders.
More than 12 motorcyclists die in crashes in the USA each day, and the leading cause of death in those fatalities is head injuries. Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws. However, only 20 states and the District require them for all riders; the other 27 states require helmets only for some riders, usually those under 18, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, which has studied helmet use extensively. Three states — Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire — have no helmet law.
Motorcycles comprise just 3% of vehicles on the nation's road but are involved in 13% of fatalities. Helmets that meet federal Department of Transportation regulations are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities. The "novelty helmets" preferred by some riders have less padding against impact and penetration, and are more easily lost in crashes.
In Texas, motorcycle helmets are required if you are under 21 years of age. However, if you are over the age of 21, the rider(s) are not required to wear a helmet with proof of successful completion of rider training or hold medical insurance covering injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. A rider must simply submit proof of health insurance to be exempt from the helmet law, instead of proof of a $10,000 or greater health insurance policy.
