In Georgia, the motorcycle helmet law has not changed since about 1969, but that is not true in all states. Today, only three states have no laws relating to helmet use. Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Another 28 states have partial helmet laws, typically requiring riders under a certain age to wear a helmet. Georgia is one of 19 states that makes it clear riders should always wear a helmet.
Section 40-6-315 of the Georgia statutes reads:
"(a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety..."
"(c) This Code section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab or motorized cart. This Code section shall not apply to a person operating a three-wheeled motorcycle used only for agricultural purposes."
In Georgia, you are required to wear a helmet when you are riding on or operating a motorcycle, unless the vehicle falls under the excluded section.
Look at the statistics?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) motorcycle crash deaths are costly, but preventable. Here are some alarming statistics regarding helmet use and motorcycle riders.
1. Helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016.
2. If all motorcyclists would have worn helmets in 2016, 802 more could have been saved.
3. Each year, the United States could save more than $1 billion in economic costs if all motorcyclists wore helmets.
4. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%.
5. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
Although reading these statistics make you wonder why a rider may neglect to wear a helmet, riders continue to go without a helmet all the time, putting their own safety at risk. If you are in an accident, this law may come into question if you are trying to get compensation for an injury. That is why it is so important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of motorcycle accidents.
What this means to you? Wear a helmet for safety!
Motorcycle accidents are very complicated. Sometimes, there is a bias against motorcycle riders because of the dangerous nature of motorcycles . Motorcycle riders have rights to use the roads and it is our job to make sure you are respected. If you or a family member were injured in a motorcycle accident, it is not necessarily due to your negligence. Make sure you have an experienced personal injury attorney to fight for your rights.
Who to call?
Melman Law Group has experienced attorneys dedicated to using our legal services to fight for victims of car accidents. We provide high-quality legal representation to every one of our clients. Every client is treated with personal attention and compassion. We help our clients receive proper compensation for their unfortunate circumstance. After all, insurance companies tend to seek to minimize compensation. What can seem like a fair settlement might fail to cover long-term medical costs, lost wages from missed work due to the accident, or delayed injuries or damages that weren’t accounted for in the original settlement amount. We’re experts at navigating the often confusing and uncertain legal and insurance process.
Call or text your experienced motorcycle accident lawyers 24/7 at 770.365.7556 or visit us on any of our social media pages.