Hitting the open road in Texas on the back of a motorcycle can be exciting. However, with that freedom comes the need for safety. There are rules about speeding, distracted driving, and lane usage. What about something that could keep you safe, like a helmet? Are motorcycle helmets required by Texas law?
Helmets protect motorcyclists. However, when it comes to Texas, the rules are a bit different from those of other states. You could be exempt depending on your age and whether you meet a few requirements. Let’s look at whether a helmet is required for motorcycle riding in your situation.
What Does the Law Say About Helmets in Texas?
Helmets can help protect you in the event of a bike crash, but are they required? The answer depends on the situation.
Under Texas law, helmets are required for all motorcycle riders. However, there’s a distinction based on age.
If you’re under the age of 21, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. It does not depend on whether you are the driver or the passenger; there are no exceptions.
For riders 21 and older, the rules are more relaxed. You don’t have to wear a helmet if you meet one of two conditions.
First, completing a motorcycle safety course is one way to get the exemption and become a safer rider. These courses teach the necessary skills to handle a motorcycle in various situations. They often improve the rider’s ability to react in emergency situations, potentially reducing the risk of a crash.
If you have health insurance that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries, you can also ride without a helmet. This requirement ensures that if an accident does happen, you’re covered for medical expenses that could arise.
If a rider does not meet either of these requirements, they are still required by law to wear a helmet, even if they are over the age of 21.
What About Passengers?
Like the rider, passengers are also subject to Texas’ helmet law. If they are under 21, they’re required to wear a helmet, whether the driver or a passenger.
The same conditions apply to those 21 and older. If they have completed a safety course or have adequate health insurance, they don’t need a helmet.
Helmet Use by the Numbers
Even though the law allows adults to go without helmets, there are still actual risks involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%. It reduces the risk of head injury by up to 69%.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 562 motorcycle fatalities in the state. Of those fatalities, 204 riders were not wearing helmets. This statistic alone shows a helmet’s impact on safety, even if the law doesn’t require everyone to wear one.
Should You Wear a Helmet If Not Required by Law?
Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter their skill or experience. Even the best riders can be caught off guard by a sudden stop, a distracted driver, or unexpected road hazards.
A helmet can mean the difference between life and death. At the very least, it can prevent severe head injuries that could alter your life forever.
Motorcycle helmets are designed to protect your head by absorbing the impact of a crash. They can reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident and increase your chances of surviving a crash.
With the risks involved in riding a motorcycle, choosing to wear a helmet is a smart decision.
Don’t Fall Victim to a Preventable Injury
Whether cruising through the heart of Texas or taking a weekend ride along the coast, remember that safety should always be a rider’s top priority. The decision to wear a helmet in Texas comes down to personal choice for most riders over 21. But there are requirements for those younger riders and those who don’t meet certain thresholds.
Keep in mind that a helmet might be the difference between a minor injury and a life-altering accident. If you have been injured in a bike-related crash, there are options. At Barrera Law Group, LLC, we can help you take the next steps for your claim.