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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If You Ride a Motorcycle, Protect Your Head with a Helmet - Pennsylvania Protective Equipment for Motorcycle Riders Law : "(a) Protective headgear.--Except as provided in subsection (d), no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle (other than a motorized pedal cycle) unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the department."
The majority of states in this country require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Limited helmet laws or universal helmet laws are in place in all but three. Although there are variations of this requirement, the implication is the same - motorcycle riders who wear helmets are less likely to suffer injury or death due to a head wound obtained in an accident.
But helmet laws have suffered as much scrutiny as seat belt laws. Die-hard riders rest on the Constitution, demanding the freedom to choose whether or not a helmet is necessary, and state lawmakers face heated debates about personal freedoms versus safety issues. There is currently no Federal helmet law for motorcyclists, even though the research is overwhelming in proving that helmets significantly minimize motorcycle accident injuries.
Consider wearing a helmet every time you ride, without exception, even if it is only a short trip! Without a helmet, you are many times more likely to suffer brain damage or be killed. Helmets are required by law and have saved the lives of countless motorcyclists and passengers. Invest in good gloves that help with grip and serve to protect your hands in the event of a fall. Another important protective wear is proper footwear. Sandals are not acceptable footwear for motorcyclists! A good pair of boots can protect your legs from hot metal and provide protection for the legs and feet in the event of a crash. Be sure to wear bright clothing with reflective materials on the helmet, shoes, and body, especially at night, to help other drivers spot you on the road. You may also want to wear sturdy goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from weather elements and injury during a fall. You want to wear thick clothing when riding, such as leather pants and jacket, to protect your body from cuts if an accident occurs. Many companies make special clothing designed to prevent skin injury utilizing extra padding, rubber, or other materials.
Research continues as a push for a nationwide helmet law gains supporters, and injury statistics constantly show the benefits of helmet protection. With help from the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, and other agencies, awareness of motorcycle safety is on the rise.
Find out more about your rights as a motorcyclist. Contact the Motorcycle Accident lawyer at Pomerantz Perlberger & Lewis for a one-on-one consultation.
