Why Should Motorcycle Helmets Not be Mandatory?

We all know why motorbike helmets are mandatory but have you wondered why should motorcycle helmets should not be mandatory? Here’s the answer. 

Motorcycle helmets should not be mandatory because of rider independence and maximum airflow while riding. According to some riders, they feel the helmet interferes with their hairstyle. But because of rider safety, some states in the US make helmets mandatory for riders. 

Let’s look at what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorbike helmet issues.

I highly recommend riders wear motorbike helmets for their own safety, this post doesn’t teach anyone not to wear them. 

Why Should Motorcycle Helmets Not be Mandatory? 

We all know why helmets are mandatory because of rider safety but have you wondered why motorcycle helmets are not mandatory? 

Helmets should not be mandatory because of the following reasons: 

Why should motorcycle helmets not be mandatory?	Details:
Interface with rider independence.	Independence issues make riders hate wearing helmets and feel someone interfaces with their independence when they wear motorbike helmets.
Airflow issue.	Low airflow makes riders hate motorbike helmets, and that’s why motorbike helmets shouldn’t be mandatory but should be left to personal choice.
Hair Fall problems.	Wearing a motorbike helmet puts extra stress on the rider’s hair and makes them fall.

Interface with Rider Independence: 

People of the US always love independence, and it’s also true when it’s about riding a motorbike. 

Independence issues make riders hate wearing helmets and feel someone interfaces with their independence when they wear motorbike helmets. 

And that’s why helmets should not be mandatory but should be only a personal choice. 

Make Hair Fall: 

Wearing a motorbike helmet puts extra stress on the rider’s hair. It makes them fall, and that’s why a helmet should not be mandatory but should be a personal choice. 

Airflow Issue: 

Let’s be honest here, some tight motorbike helmets make riders suffocate because of low airflow, and it can worsen when it’s summertime. 

Low airflow makes riders hate motorbike helmets, and that’s why motorbike helmets shouldn’t be mandatory but should be left to personal choice. 

Note: motorbike helmets are beneficial. Every rider should at least wear it while riding to protect their head from severe injuries. 

Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Live?

Motorcycle helmets are indeed a critical piece of safety gear that should be included in your motorcycle gear list. They provide protection against life-threatening head injuries. Several studies support the effectiveness of helmets in saving lives and reducing the risk of severe injuries:

1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that helmets saved over 1800 riders’ lives in 2016. It also indicated that 809 lives could have been saved if those riders had been wearing helmets. You can see the report here on page no 8.
2. According to the NHTSA report, motorcycle helmets were found to be 37% effective for motorbike riders and 41% effective for motorbike passengers. You can see the report here.
3. The NHTSA published a separate report in 2017, stating that the United States could save more than $1 billion if all riders wore motorcycle helmets, providing potential economic benefits.
4. A comprehensive analysis of more than 60 studies conducted by a non-profit organization in 2008 concluded that helmets can reduce deaths caused by severe accidents by 42% and the risk of severe injuries by 69%. You can read the study in detail on Pubmed NIH.

While these studies demonstrate the life-saving benefits of helmets, it’s important to note that they may not provide detailed information on the effect of helmets on neck and cheek injuries. Additionally, there may be a need for further research on the impact of different helmet types on head injuries. Nonetheless, the overall consensus is that motorcycle helmets play a vital role in saving lives and minimizing the risk of severe injuries.

What Happens if You Crash Without Motorcycle Helmets: 

Crashing without a motorcycle helmet can have severe consequences both medically and financially. It is crucial to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself. Here are the key points to consider:

Medical Problems:

• Without a helmet, you are at a higher risk of sustaining life-threatening head injuries in a crash.
• Severe head injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries and long hospital stays.
• These injuries can have lasting effects on your cognitive abilities and may prevent you from riding a motorcycle again.

Financial Problems:

• Hospital bills for treating severe head injuries can amount to thousands of dollars, putting a significant financial burden on you.
• Insurance settlements may be challenging to obtain, especially if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
• In states like Washington that follow negligence jurisdiction, you may be considered partially at fault for your injuries if you failed to take necessary precautions.
• Insurance companies may use your lack of a helmet as a reason to reduce your settlement amount, potentially halving the compensation you receive.

To protect yourself, it is essential to purchase and wear a good motorcycle helmet. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries and the associated medical and financial consequences. In case of an accident, it is advisable to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to ensure you receive appropriate legal guidance and support in claiming your settlement.

By understanding the potential outcomes and taking proactive measures, you can avoid the detrimental consequences of riding without a helmet. Protect yourself and prioritize your safety by wearing a motorcycle helmet every time you ride.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed what is motorcycle jet helmet, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

Why should motorcycle helmets not be mandatory? Motorcycle helmets should not be mandatory because of rider independence and maximum airflow while riding. 

According to some riders, they feel the helmet interferes with their hairstyle. But because of rider safety, some states in the US make helmets mandatory for riders. 

I’ve also mentioned why you should always wear a motorbike helmet and what will happen if you don’t wear a motorbike helmet.