Home » Law and Legal Articles » Motorcycle Safety and Helmet Laws in South Carolina
Motorcycle Safety and Helmet Laws in South Carolina
In South Carolina, only riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet, and for that age group, it covers lower-powered bikes but not bicycles.
January 15, 2012 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- Motorcycle Safety and Helmet Laws in South Carolina
According to statistics from the state Department of Public Safety, 91 motorcyclists have lost their lives on South Carolina roads this year, as of October 31: approximately 80 percent were not wearing helmets. Despite the risk, however, many South Carolinians are resistant to mandatory helmet laws, despite statistics indicating helmets do save lives. For example, North Carolina, with its "all-inclusive helmet law," has a much lower fatality rate than its neighbor to the south, with only three deaths this year caused by motorcycle crashes as of September, 2011.
In South Carolina, only riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet, and for that age group, it covers lower-powered bikes but not bicycles. Laws mandating helmets for motorcycle riders are currently in place in 20 states.
Some South Carolinian Bikers Fighting Against Helmet Laws
Opponents of a helmet law for adults argue that requiring helmets is too much of a government intrusion and that educating riders is a better way to keep riders safe than forcing them to wear a helmet. Still others point to a more practical than philosophical reason, claiming that it is difficult to hear while wearing a helmet.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains that helmet use decreases motorcycle fatalities by almost 30 percent. In addition, helmet use increases when laws are passed requiring it, and -- though it isn't clear why -- the number of motorcycle accidents decrease.
Those in support of helmet laws always note that outside of safety issues, helmet laws may also cut back on motorcycle theft, as motorcycle thieves may not think to bring a helmet with them when they steal a bike. When helmets are mandatory, a rider without one will draw the attention of law enforcement.
Motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries for the riders, particularly brain injuries. Concussions and head bleeds are common, and chest injuries, broken necks, and other broken bones are among other injuries suffered by motorcycle riders. Unfortunately, all of these injuries can occur at relatively slow speeds and on neighborhood and rural roads.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle, the injuries can be severe. Contact a personal injury attorney to recover compensation for medical costs and lost wages.
Article provided by Schiller Law Firm
Visit us at www.theschillerlawfirm.com
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