Due to the current pandemic, it is essential for motorcyclists to have all the necessary driving equipment when riding a motorcycle. Helmets are highly recommended as they can help reduce the risk of serious injuries in a crash. In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists under 21 years old must wear helmets on public roads. Those 21 and older are exempt from this rule, provided they have had their license for more than two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course.
Exceptions to this rule include three-wheeled motorcycles or those with enclosed cabs. It is important to note that if you are found to be at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced depending on the percentage of fault. The at-fault party's insurance company may allege that their injuries were preventable and that their own negligent actions (not wearing a helmet) were the cause. If they can prove that you are 50% or more at fault for the accident and your injuries, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
When searching for a helmet, make sure it has a “DOT” sticker on the back of it, which certifies compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Be aware that counterfeit DOT stickers are sometimes placed on helmets that don't meet the standards, so it's important to know all the other rules that distinguish whether a helmet is safe. The sticker should be visible on the outside of the helmet, and it is recommended to place it on the back in a centered position. In addition, getting a helmet that fits properly is important both for comfort and for minimizing the risk of injury in a motorcycle accident.
There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers in Pennsylvania, but they must wear a helmet if they are under 21 years old. Ever since Greg Lemond won the Tour de France in 1989 with a Giro Aerohead, the tail has been an unavoidable presence in helmet design, although it offers no performance benefits for anyone driving at less than 35 mph (all of us). We read the latest findings from another laboratory, one from Virginia Tech, which is pioneering a way of testing linear and rotational forces on helmets (very dramatic news in the world of cycling helmets). If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact motorcycle accident lawyer Brad Tabakin to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
It is essential to understand all of Pennsylvania's laws regarding helmets when driving a motorcycle so that you can stay safe and avoid any legal issues.
