Driving a motorcycle brings its own set of dangers, and riders are intimately familiar with them. The most experienced motorcyclists can have their trip, or even their life, cut short by a careless driver in a car in an instant. While the risk will always persist, there are ways of decreasing it. For that reason, we’ll be talking about the Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law today. Motorcyclists in Tampa, Winter Haven, and the rest of Florida: Pay close attention!
The Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law: What it actually says
You may have noticed that riders without helmets are a fairly common occurrence in our state. That’s because Florida has a partial helmet law. Here’s what Florida law says about helmets:
“a person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.”
As long as you’re over the age of 21 and are covered by an acceptable insurance policy, you are not required to wear a helmet in our state.
For younger motorcyclists, helmets are mandatory, regardless of the level of your insurance policy. Once you hit the age of 21, all bets are off. You’re free to make your own decisions about your level of road safety.
Why Should You Wear a Helmet?
There are few feelings that compare to riding a motorcycle on open roads. Without any restraints or thick glass to separate you from the asphalt, it’s a feeling of freedom. The pavement flies by, the wind blows through your hair and few things else matter. This unique experience comes with a cost, however.
We’re not here to take away your personal freedom, neither is the Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law. Many motorcyclists find wearing a helmet to be an impediment to their experience. Only 71% of motorcyclists across the US wore them in 2018. Those who don’t may think it takes away from part of the thrill of riding in the first place. That’s your decision to make.
If you’re an adult that is aware of the risks and has an appropriate level of insurance coverage (far higher than the required $10,000, in our opinion), you are free to make your own choices in our state – see the Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law quoted above.
However: Let’s take a look at some of the compelling reasons why you should wear a helmet:
- Helmets prevent roughly 37% of motorcycle deaths
- Helmets are around 67% effective in preventing brain injuries
- In 2017, motorcycle helmets saved more than 1,800 lives
Those are numbers that are pretty hard to ignore.
The bottom line is that motorcyclists in our state have a choice. If you’re aware of the facts and are willing to face the risks, you have the freedom to do so.
Still, it’s our goal to present you with those risks so that you might think twice the next time you hop on your bike. We’ve seen enough tragic stories to know that a helmet is something we wouldn’t leave home without.
Contact Brooks Law Group for Motorcycle-related Cases in Florida
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, you need guidance from experienced motorcycle crash attorneys. At Brooks Law Group, we’ve been fighting for motorcycle accident victims since we opened our doors more than 25 years ago.
Our attorneys and staff will rise to any challenges presented by our clients’ cases. We’re dedicated to providing the best client experience possible every step of the way. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover money for your accident.
Call our offices at (800) LAW-3030 or fill out our online form for your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Connect with a law firm that cares about you: Look to Brooks!
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