Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Laws
July 11, 2018

Motorcycles provide a great form of transport, and their popularity has been increasing over the past several years. However, motorcyclists also face a great number of risks while on the road. Due to the smaller size and mobility of motor bikes, other motorists can easily overlook motorcycles, leading to tragic accidents. In fact, Phoenix is one of the most dangerous cities in the country for motorcycles, with a high number of accidents and fatalities.

Arizona motorcycle laws exist to address safety concerns and make the road a safer place for all motorists. While several such laws exist, some of the most important to safety are those related to motorcycle helmets. If you’ve been injured while riding a motorcycle, contact the Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with your case.

Helmet Laws

Unlike other states, which require all riders to wear helmets, Arizona law only requires that any motorcycle riders or passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Such individuals must wear the helmet properly and securely at all times while on a bike. This law also applies to riders and passengers on other motor-driven cycles and all-terrain vehicles.

Regardless of age, all riders and passengers must wear some form of eye protection in the form of protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield. The exception is for bikes that already have a protective windshield.

Failure to wear proper helmet or eye protection can result in fines anywhere between $25 and $75, with increased fines for repeat offenses.

The Importance of Proper Protection

Arizona lawmakers attempted to pass House Bill 2052 in 2016, which would have required all motorcyclists to wear helmets regardless of age. While this law did not go into effect, helmets are still a critical component to motorcycle safety and survival.

Motorcycles are more likely to crash than cars. When they do, motorcycle riders do not have the additional protection of an enclosed vehicle to keep them safe from harm. It is much easier for a motorcyclist to fly off his or her bike and collide with another obstacle on the road, leading to severe injuries and possibly death.

According to the US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Even when such injuries don’t result in fatalities, they can still cause life-altering traumatic brain injuries to the victims.

Helmets provide cushioning against impacts, which can be the difference between life and death for a rider in a motorcycle accident. Riders who don’t wear helmets are 40% more likely to suffer fatal head injuries than those who do. Properly fitting helmets can also help reduce the impact of wind noise, improving the rider’s ability to stay alert for other sounds.

Eye protection also helps reduce the risk of potential accidents. When motorcyclists do not have to worry about insects or other debris getting in their eyes, they can instead be more aware of their surroundings. Alertness and other safe driving practices combine to prevent accidents.

Like a seatbelt, a helmet cannot eliminate all possibility of suffering injury in a crash. It can, however, increase your chances of survival in an accident. Though Arizona law only requires for riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets, it is best for everyone who gets on a motorcycle to wear some form of protection.

Helmets approved by the US Department of Transportation provide some of the most comprehensive protection in an accident. When selecting a helmet, you should look for the DOT symbol of approval and make sure that the helmet fits properly. No matter the length of the trip, wearing a helmet can keep you and your passengers safe on the road.