Always Wear A Helmet When You Ride
For decades, some anti-helmet riders and advocacy groups have claimed that motorcycle helmets do not protect the cervical spine during an accident, with some even suggesting that helmets may increase the risk of serious cervical spine injury. Research continues to debunk those claims. A study from the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics found that motorcycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of spine injuries, most notably cervical spine fractures. Researchers reviewed 1,061 patients injured in motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin between 2010 and 2015 and found that cervical spine injuries occurred in 7.4% of helmeted riders compared to 15.4% of those not wearing a helmet. That is a statistically significant difference that is hard to argue with.
And the spine injury data is just part of the picture. Helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities and the highest number recorded since at least 1975. A properly worn, DOT-compliant helmet is one of the most effective tools a rider has to survive a crash.
Helmet Use Is Improving But Still Falls Short
According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, use of DOT-compliant helmets by all motorcyclists was 73.8% in 2023, the highest ever recorded and an increase of 7.3 percentage points compared to 2022. That is encouraging progress, but it still means that more than one in four riders on the road is not wearing a compliant helmet. In 2023, 64% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted, and helmet use was lower, at 49%, for people killed as passengers.
The gap between states with universal helmet laws and those without is stark. Observed use of DOT-compliant helmets in states with universal helmet laws was 82.7%, compared to 65.9% in states with weak or no helmet laws. That difference in helmet use translates directly into a difference in lives lost.
Colorado And Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Colorado does not have a universal motorcycle helmet law. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, only riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet in Colorado. Eye protection is required for all riders and passengers regardless of age. Beyond that, adult riders are free to make their own choice — but the data makes clear what the safer choice is.
While Colorado law does not require adult riders to wear helmets, your decision about whether to wear one can affect more than just your physical safety. In a personal injury claim, riding without a helmet could potentially be used by an insurance company to argue that you contributed to the severity of your own injuries. This is another reason why having an experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorney in your corner from the start matters so much.
What Makes A Good Motorcycle Helmet?
Not all helmets are created equal. A DOT-compliant helmet must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 and will have a DOT sticker on the back. Be aware that counterfeit DOT stickers exist, so look for helmets from reputable manufacturers that also carry Snell or ANSI certification. A proper helmet should fit snugly, cover your ears, be at least an inch thick, and have a sturdy chin strap. A helmet that does not fit correctly provides significantly less protection than one that fits properly, so always try one on before buying.
Full-face helmets provide the most comprehensive protection, covering your chin and face in addition to the top and back of your head. While open-face and half helmets are legal in Colorado and may feel more comfortable in summer heat, they leave your face and chin unprotected in a crash, which is where a significant amount of impact often occurs.
If You Have Been Injured In A Motorcycle Accident
Even riders who do everything right, wear proper gear, ride defensively, and follow the rules of the road, can still be seriously injured by negligent drivers who do not see them or do not share the road safely. Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was almost 28 times the passenger car occupant fatality rate. The physical vulnerability of riders makes every crash potentially life-altering.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you may be unable to work, and the insurance company for the at-fault driver is not on your side. Understanding what damages you may be entitled to recover and being aware of the statute of limitations on your claim are important first steps.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for you and your rights after a devastating crash. We are riders ourselves, and we understand what is at stake. We do not let insurance companies take advantage of our clients, and we work tirelessly to ensure that you are protected throughout the entire legal process. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and here to help.
