Motorcycle Helmet Usage in North Carolina
North Carolina motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. While there are some legislative attempts to change the law, no change (as of February 2014) has been formally approved.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Motorcycle Handbook notes that motorcycle crashes are common, and that when a crash does occur, the odds are twenty percent (1 in 5) that there will be head or neck injuries. Sadly, these injuries are often fatal. The manual notes that while there are some exceptions, helmets do prevent head and neck injuries and save lives.
Helmets, according to the NCDOT:
- Must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards.
- Should have a DOT (Department of Transportation) insignia on the helmet.
- Should identify the manufacturer – including the name, model number, the size, and the year of manufacture as well as the type of liner construction and shell materials.
- Must be secured with the proper strap.
- Should let the wearer see to the sides.
Because most crashes occur when riders are traveling on short trips and going less than 30mph, helmets do cut down the number of head injuries and on the number of fatalities.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today for More Information
Unfortunately, even motorcycle riders who are careful and protect themselves with the use of a motorcycle helmet can suffer devastating injuries because of the negligence of other parties. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s wrongdoing, let the legal team at Joe Miller Law, help you fight for compensation from the party responsible for your needless suffering. To learn more, contact us today at (888) 694-1671.
