Winder Motorcycle Helmet Laws

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Motorcycle riding is an enjoyable pastime for many Americans. However, riders are susceptible to severe injuries in a crash, making it vital to wear safety gear such as helmets. Motorcycle riders not wearing protective gear could sustain serious or life-threatening harm in a collision.

Failure to wear a helmet could make it tricky to recover financially after an accident, but an attorney could help you prove the other motorist’s negligence. Speak with a motorbike accident attorney at Smith Hulsey to learn more about Winder motorcycle helmet laws.

Wearing a Helmet is The Law

Because motorcycles lack any form of external protection, riders may sustain more severe injuries in an accident compared to drivers in cars. Motorcyclists who do not wear state-approved helmets may be more likely to suffer catastrophic head, brain, and skull injuries.

Riders must follow safety laws and legislation to protect themselves and other motorists. Since unique risks are associated with riding motorcycles, additional laws have been implemented.

Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-315, state law requires that all motorcycle riders, regardless of age, wear a federal and state-approved helmet while operating a bike on state roads and highways. A Winder attorney could answer any questions about motorcycle helmet laws and how they may impact a specific case.

The Legal Safety Standard Requirements for Helmets

Motorcycle riders must wear helmets that meet state safety requirements and regulations. According to the guidance from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, helmets must meet specific absorption, effectiveness, and penetration criteria.

After issuing safety approval, a sticker is placed on the back to establish the helmet meets state standards. Other helmet requirements that are important to note include:

  • Helmets must never restrict the rider’s vision or limit their hearing
  • Helmets can only have speakers if they are for communication purposes
  • All helmets must have a protective shield for the face, or the rider must wear goggles that meet federal standards
  • The helmet must fit properly and be secure on the driver’s head
  • Helmets with cracks or other damages are ineffective, and the rider must purchase a replacement

Failure to wear a helmet that meets safety standards could result in fines of up to $1,000, jail time, community service, and suffering from severe or fatal injuries in a crash. Operating a motorcycle without a helmet may constitute a misdemeanor conviction on the rider’s permanent criminal record. Our firm’s seasoned attorneys are familiar with Winder motorcycle helmet laws and could help an individual understand how these regulations might affect their case after a wreck.

Call a Seasoned Attorney About Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Winder

Even when you take all the necessary precautions while on your bike, accidents can still happen. A helmet could save a rider from debilitating injuries during an accident, making it vital that all motorists do their part to protect themselves and other drivers by following the state’s safety laws and regulations.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and were not following safety regulations, recovering damages may be challenging without seasoned legal guidance. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Smith Hulsey attorney to learn more about Winder motorcycle helmet laws.

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