Do I Need to Wear a Helmet in Idaho?

Feeling the wind on your face as your cruise on your motorcycle can be exhilarating. You may have considered wearing a helmet in the past, but decided against it. 

The facts may put your indecision at rest: Idaho experienced 554 motorcycle crashes in a recent year, with only 57.5% of those motorcyclists wearing a helmet.

Wearing a helmet can mean the difference between minor and catastrophic injuries. Fatalities increase significantly when a rider chooses to not wear head protection. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle crash near Caldwell, Attorney Matthew Andrew is available for a free consultation. 

Idaho Helmet Law

Idaho requires riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This law pertains to drivers and passengers on motorcycles, motorbikes, utility type vehicles (UTVs), and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). 

Head protective gear is NOT required for riders in the following circumstances:

• vehicles that are operated on private property;
• when used to breed livestock or cultivate plants;
• when riding a completely enclosed autocycle

The helmet law is designed to protect minors from serious injuries while riding. While wearing a protective helmet may impede your freedom, it can save your life.

Why is Riding a Motorcycle Dangerous?

Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a passenger vehicle due to:

• a lack of stability in maneuvering during emergency braking and swerving
• a lack of protection since the driver is not in an enclosed vehicle
• a lack of visibility—other drivers cannot see motorcycles as easily on the road

Since motorcyclists are not protected by an enclosed vehicle, a crash carries serious consequences. One study found that per mile driven, motorcyclists are twenty-four times more likely to die in a crash than car drivers. 

With the odds against them, wearing safety equipment, especially a helmet, can reduce the risk of serious injury and death.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcyclists are prone to the following complications:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): more common in riders not wearing a helmet, a TBI can cause brain dysfunction; motorcycle helmets have been found 67% effective in preventing brain injuries

• Lower extremity injuries: 94% of leg injuries in motorcycle accidents are fractures to the femur (thigh bone)
• Road rash: when not utilizing protective gear, motorcyclists are more likely to experience road abrasion
• Facial fractures and disfigurement: protective head gear can reduce a rider’s risk of damage to the facial bones that can be irreparable
• Spinal cord injuries: damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, affect the ability to breathe, and prevent a person from being able to take care of himself or herself

How Can I Stay Safe on the Road?

The federal government estimates that wearing a helmet reduces your risk of dying in a crash by 37%. 

In addition to wearing head protection, motorcyclists can take the following precautions while riding:

• Using an antilock braking system (ABS) which prevents wheels from locking up, and significantly reduces the chance of falling 

• Slowing down: speed limits apply to perfect road conditions, so it is essential that riders slow down while traversing rough terrain or inclement weather
• Practice your braking: key to avoiding an accident; motorcyclists should practice their braking skills to give other motorists time to react
• Prepare for traffic ahead: motorcyclists failing to look ahead contribute to riders switching lanes and increasing their chances of being in a collision
• Maintaining proper distance: don’t tailgate—it is essential to keep a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you

An Idaho Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Looking Out for You

The injuries you can face in a motorcycle accident can prevent you from living a full life. If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you need a dedicated attorney working on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.