The Centers for Disease Control released the findings of a study this week that says states with strict motorcycle helmet laws fare better than those without. According to the study, reported here from the Houston Chronicle, only 12% of motorcycle deaths involving no helmet occurred in states with strict helmet laws.
Including costs for medical expenses and lost wages, the CDC estimates $3 billion in costs were saved due to helmet use in 2010. If all cyclists wore helmets, that amount would be increased by another $1.4 billion.
While many states have blanket helmet requirements, requiring everyone to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, other states have the requirement only for certain age groups. Here in Texas, the helmet laws changed as recently as 2009.
According to the Department of Public Safety website:
- Former law required a person be covered with a minimum of $10,000 in health insurance for injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident to be eligible for an exception for the offense of operating or riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The law removes that minimum amount. The law requires the Texas Department of Insurance to prescribe a standard proof of health insurance for issuance to persons who are at least 21 years of age and covered by an applicable health insurance plan. “Health insurance plan” means an individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy, insurance agreement, evidence of coverage, group hospital services contract, health maintenance organization membership, or employee benefit plan that provides benefits for health care services or for medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of an accident. Read Texas Administrative Code §21.5201 (c)(1)(2) for details on requirements for health insurance plan providers; basically they must either add the words “MOTORCYCLE HEALTH” to the insurance card or supply a letter with the same basic information as the card to include the words “MOTORCYCLE HEALTH: Standard Proof of Health Insurance.”
- The law prohibits a peace officer from stopping or detaining a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a motorcycle health insurance plan and repeals provisions relating to a DPS-issued sticker required to be displayed on a motorcycle by a motorcycle owner.
Yes, this means you aren’t required to wear a helmet if you meet certain criteria. But motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. As the study shows, helmet use can cut down on motorcyclist fatalities.
About The Law Office of Kevin Krist
Kevin Krist has represented numerous people in the Houston, Pasadena, and League City areas after they were involved in serious accidents. He knows how traumatic accidents like this can be and how difficult it can be to navigate the insurance claim process following such a scary event.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident or if you lost a loved one who was hit while on a motorcycle, The Law Office of Kevin Krist may be able to help. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and what can be done. We can be reached for a free consultation at (712) 284-1660.
