Do I Have to Wear a Helmet when I Ride my Motorcycle in Texas?

 

A: Texas helmet law only requires riders less than 21 years of age to wear helmets. The Texas helmet law does not require riders 21 or older to wear helmets as long as they can show proof of either a current medical insurance policy or completion of a motorcycle operation and safety course. If you're 21 or over and riding your bike without a helmet, police cannot legally stop you for the sole purpose of checking to see whether you satisfy either of these conditions. But if they stop you for another valid reason, they may look into this issue as a secondary matter.
Even though the law doesn't make you wear a helmet if you're over 20, you would be wise to wear one at whatever age you choose to ride a bike. Even the most careful and conscientious of Texas motorcyclists can have motorcycle wrecks. This is partly because drivers of cars and trucks, who are generally looking out for vehicles of similar size on the road, often fail to notice the smaller, slimmer profile of a motorcycle in time to avoid hitting it. And in a wreck, Texas motorcyclists are far more exposed to impacts than riders of enclosed vehicles. Collisions of any speed often hurl cyclists dozens of feet through the air before they impact the ground. Severe head traumas can result from these impacts.
Statistics show that riders lacking helmets die from their wrecks in a much higher proportion than helmet-wearing riders. Studies say that helmets save the lives of approximately 1,800 motorcyclists per year. So although Texas doesn't require you to wear a helmet once your reach the age of 21, you would be wise to do so anyway. Our Clear Lake, TX motorcycle accident lawyers have seen too many motorcycle wrecks where injuries could have been reduced and fatalities prevented if only the rider had been wearing a helmet. We suggest you wear your helmet. A good helmet might just save your life.

Call us at 877-307-9500 to speak with a Board Certified Clear Lake Personal Injury Attorney about YOUR case today!