Helmet laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to stay current on the requirements of the area where you are riding. The specifics of these laws can vary dramatically, with some places requiring helmets only if you are under 18 and others requiring specific levels of coverage at all times.
You may get some benefit of the doubt if you are new to an area or just traveling through, but you certainly shouldn’t rely on the good graces of the officer who pulls you over.
At Slam Dunk Attorney, we understand how quickly a car or motorcycle accident case can become complicated, especially under Georgia’s helmet laws. You shouldn’t have to navigate the situation alone. Our Duluth motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Fatalities and Helmet Use
When we discuss laws requiring safety measures like helmets and seatbelts, it can help to thoroughly understand the reasons these laws may be in place. For example, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports helmet use as an integral part of motorcycle safety.
The CDC estimates that fidelity in helmet use can decrease your chances of dying in an accident by 37% and 41% for drivers and passengers, respectively.
Additionally, the same CDC page reports that motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by nearly 70%. In 2017 it is estimated that nearly 1,000 more lives could have been saved if 100% of riders were wearing helmets at the time of their accident. In 2020, the CDC reported over 5,000 fatalities and nearly 200,000 emergency room visits relating to motorcycle accidents.
In addition to the safety of our community, lawmakers and citizens may also consider the economic impact of compulsory helmet use. Every accident takes up time and resources, the more severe the accident, the higher the cost, and the CDC estimates that motorcycle accidents without helmets nationally cost around 1.5 billion dollars a year.
Georgia saw the 5th highest death count from motorcycles in 2022, so imagine what that might cost if no one was wearing a helmet.
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Helmet Laws in Georgia
Georgia first enacted compulsory helmet laws in the 1960s. This was in response to federal funding requirements stating that highway funding may be withheld from states that did not impose universal motorcycle helmet laws.
These requirements were enacted in the 1960s and repealed in 1975 when many states removed or loosened their helmet laws.
Georgia, however, did not repeal the laws. Today, the Georgia Department of Drivers Services (DDS) outlines helmet requirements in section 3, titled before you ride. According to Georgia DDS, you are required to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet in Georgia.
Georgia DDS also highlights that wearing a helmet can protect you from the elements, including wind and bugs. This is especially true if you choose a helmet with a face shield.
However, while Georgia does require a helmet, it does not require it to cover your entire face and presents different DOT-approved options. If you have questions or concerns about a motorcycle-related accident, you can meet our team and we can help you understand your options.
Department of Transportation Approved Helmet
The Department of Transportation provides certain requirements for helmets that they will sanction or approve. There are key components to look at when you are purchasing an approved helmet. Many retailers will have authentic DOT helmets, but counterfeits do exist, and for that reason, you should be familiar with how to spot an unsafe helmet.
- Weight: A DOT-approved helmet should weigh about three pounds. Any helmet that advertises being the thinnest or lightest available should cause some concern
- Quality of materials: Unsafe helmets may cut corners by using less sturdy materials such as cheaper plastic on fasteners that are more likely to break upon impact
- Thin helmets: a helmet that is less than an inch thick and lacks a stiff, foam inner liner may also be a red flag for an unsafe helmet
- Skullcap or German Army style: These types of helmets may meet federal regulations, but they often don’t
If you have considered all of the above components of a helmet, the last thing to check is that the DOT-certified sticker is on the helmet. While this is a sticker, it should not be easy to peel off.
For helmets made after May of 2013, it should list the manufacturer and brand name, model, and DOT on it. Additionally, it should include FMVSS No.218, CERTIFIED on the bottom segment of the sticker.
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Styles of Helmets in Compliance with Georgia Law
The NHTSA link above discusses unsafe helmets, it also details some of the types of helmets available. Everyone has a different head size and shape and different comfort preferences when they ride. To accommodate that, there are a number of styles available:
- Full face coverage
- Modular
- Dual sport
- Half helmets or open face
- Off-road
- High visibility (Add on for most styles)
These different styles allow the rider to pick and choose the qualities that they feel are most important. For example, a half helmet may provide excellent airflow but not as much face and eye protection.
Similarly, people may feel that a full-face helmet gets stuffy, but an adjustable visor may be a trait that helps meet their preferences without compromising safety.
Appropriate Fit
While the style of the helmet is important for comfort, it is irrelevant if the helmet does not fit appropriately. To find your fit, you can measure your skull, and from there, you should find a helmet that fits snuggly but comfortably.
The helmet should not be so tight that it is uncomfortable or ill-fitting and should not be so large that it may come off in a collision.
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Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who knows how tricky these cases can become and who is familiar with Georgia’s helmet laws.
You may be unsure of what damages you can recover in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, but our motorcycle accident lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney Injury Lawyers can explain your options.
Call us today so we can help you understand what to expect in your Duluth motorcycle accident case value. We offer free case consultations at no cost to you. Call us today.
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