THE IMPORTANCE OF BICYCLE HELMETS

Dec 6, 2019 | Bicycle Injury | 0 comments

Bicycle helmets are one of those pieces of safety equipment that is often overlooked. Many riders choose not to wear bicycle helmets, and that can be a big problem. In 2013, over 900 cyclists were killed and there were 494,000 bicycle accident-related injuries that made their way to an ER in the United States. Those statistics sound worrisome, however, you can do several things to protect yourself and your loved ones.

One of the most vital is wearing a helmet to protect your skull and brain from traumatic brain injuries. A helmet that fits correctly can be very beneficial. There are several benefits that come from utilizing a secure helmet.

Helmets Provide Head Protection

The first benefit that bicycle helmets offer is protection. Helmets protect riders from traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other head injuries. While a bicycle helmet doesn’t guarantee a rider will be injury free, helmets can go a long way towards protecting their heads in case of an accident. A helmet can even reduce or eliminate an injury that resulted from a fall or collision.

Helmets Help Cyclists Remain Visible

Another benefit of wearing a bicycle helmet is that you’ll be visible to other bicyclists and motorists. Accidents often happen when the other party wasn’t able to see the bicyclist. Helmets are typically brightly colored or have reflective surfaces on them, which helps the rider be more visible. Visibility, especially when riding in poor weather conditions, can be essential for preventing accidents.

Helmets Offer Weather Protection

A bicycle helmet not only protects your head, it can also protect you from the weather while your traveling. You may not think about protecting your scalp from the sun, even when you apply sunscreen to your face. Wearing a helmet will protect your scalp, and gives you protection from other weather elements like rain and wind.

Helmets Are Required

There are a few laws in Georgia that pertain to wearing bicycle helmets. Any rider or passenger on a bicycle, bicycle trailer, or in an infant sling, that is under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet. This helmet must meet or exceed the impact standards for helmets, be in good condition, and must fit securely after it is appropriately fastened.
When children don’t wear helmets, parents can receive a misdemeanor citation.

If you’re a bicyclist and you’ve been in an accident, then you may need legal assistance. Consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney.

Helmets Are Travel Ready

You may not be required under Georgia law to wear a helmet, but if you like to travel with your bicycle, you may find yourself in an area where you could get a citation for not wearing a helmet. Every state creates their own helmet laws, and some states require adults to wear helmets. By always wearing your helmet, you’ll always be on the right side of the law no matter where you’re traveling.

Wearing A Helmet Can Make You A Role Model

Georgia has bicycle laws that have to be followed, and younger cyclists may think that wearing a helmet makes them look uncool. When you wear a bicycle helmet, it gives you the chance to be a role model for children, who are often more susceptible to accidents and injuries. This action provides them an incentive to want to protect their developing brains.

Accidents do happen no matter what precautions you take. Have you or a loved one been injured in a bicycle accident? Contact the experts at Law Offices of Wells and McElwee, P.C. today to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your situation may entitle you to compensation, so don’t hesitate to call to learn more about your rights.

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