NATIONAL TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD RECOMMENDS NATIONAL HELMET LAW

The National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") has recommended legislation that would require all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear safety helmets.

The NTSB recommends that motorcyclists should be required to not only wear a helmet, but a specific kind of helmet - namely a FMVSS 218 compliant helmet. These specific helmets are designed with a hard outer shell, an impact-attenuating liner, and a retention system to protect the head.

The NTSB reported that motorcycle fatalities have increased more than 127 percent in 10 years. More than 4,800 riders died in motorcycle crashes in 2006, and 10 percent of all highway fatalities involve a motorcycle.

While the NTSB has urged state legislatures to implement helmet laws in accordance with their recommendations, they also recommended that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") and the Federal Highway Administration ("FHA") implement plans and guidelines which support their position.

State laws vary

State laws vary on helmet use as there is no national requirement. Currently, approximately 20 states (and the District of Columbia) require riders to wear a helmet. Another 27 states have partial laws that require either minors or passengers to wear a helmet. At the present time, only three states do not have any helmet requirements.

Helmet laws vs. education

Many consumer groups differ on whether requiring riders to wear a helmet will improve safety. Some believe that the requirement is long overdue. Others believe that improved education, for the rider and for automobile drivers, is a better solution.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, contact Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Our personal injury attorneys will provide you with a free telephone consultation to determine the best course of action.