Arizona’s landscape boasts beautiful broad basins. mesmerizing mountains and sprawling plains. We have one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy these many wonderful landscapes with the freedom of the open air and a passion for adventures. However, with the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle also comes the underlying danger that riders face every time they are on the roads.
Although motorcyclists follow the rules of the road to keep riders and drivers safe, precautions such as wearing a motorcycle helmet can provide additional safety due to the increased risks of motorcyclists being injured in auto accidents. If there is a crash involving a motorcycle driver who is not wearing a helmet, that MC driver faces a reduced recovery even though not at fault for the collision itself due to the “comparative fault” from any increased injury which a helmet could have prevented.
According to Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), the State of Arizona has about 3,000 motorcycle accidents every year, with nearly 3 percent resulting in a fatality. Although Arizona does not require that motorcyclists wear helmets—and many people and organizations debate over whether or not helmets save lives—there has been substantial research and evidence that proves that motorcycle helmets do save lives.
Arizona does not have a statewide law requiring helmets. However, some big cities such as Tucson and Flagstaff have laws requiring anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. There are no federal mandates on helmet laws, so each state decides what their helmet laws are. Arizona motorcyclists traveling the roads and not wearing helmets may be subject to law enforcement penalties if they cross into a state that requires a helmet.
If you need more information on motorcycle helmet laws in Arizona, or if you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.
Motorcycle helmets are designed to protect the head from the traumatic brain injuries that often cause fatalities and catastrophic injuries in motorcycle accidents. Time and time again, statistics have shown that many traumatic brain injuries and motorcycle accident fatalities could have been prevented or minimized with the use of a motorcycle helmet.
Because motorcyclists are not as protected as an individual would be in a vehicle surrounded by the shell of an automobile and seat restraint system plus air bags, motorcyclists are only protected by the gear that they wear. While a motorcycle may provide some protection in accidents, it also acts as a shield against wind noise, windblast on the face and eyes, and bugs.
The following information provides an additional overview of the 4 basic components of a helmet and how it is designed to protect the wearer:
The outer shell of the helmet is designed to compress when it hits with anything hard. Its components are able to disperse energy away from the head, lessening the force to the skull.
This liner prevents the head from moving and also acts as a shock absorbing liner with dense layers for added cushioning.
Every helmet is meant to adjust to an individual head. The comfort padding ensures that the head is snug and comfortable for the wearer.
The retention system is much like a seatbelt and consists of the chin strap that is secured to each side of the helmet. This system helps to keep the helmet on the head.
In addition, motorcyclists must take added precautions and ensure that their helmet is clean of debris and without cracks or damage. It is recommended that helmets be replaced every few years because its protective qualities can wear over time and use.
Everyone on the road has to do their part and ensure the safety of others by following the rules of the road, and not driving while distracted. It is equally important for motorcyclists to protect themselves every time they ride, because accidents happen when it is least expected.
The following are types of injuries caused in a motorcycle accident:
In addition to wearing a helmet, motorcyclists can wear protective clothing and proper shoes for motorcycle riding. Because every ride poses a risk of being in an accident, motorcyclists have to take precautions and never assume that other drivers are being as careful as they are.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, our law office may be able to help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we have been helping accident victims for decades, and understand the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies and investigating claims. Our personal injury attorneys can help ease some of the stress by providing support, knowledge and guidance, and helping you get your claim paid quickly. Contact our office today at (928) 778-2660 or fill out our contact form.