Articles Tagged with motorcycle collisions

Each year, hundreds of motorcycle riders are injured or killed in the State of Tennessee. While there are many reasons for casualties in motorcycle collisions, one thing that a person can do to prevent more serious injuries, is to wear an state approved helmet. Under Tennessee state statutes, all motorcycle riders, or riders of any motorized, two wheel conveyance, are required to wear a helmet at all times while operating the vehicle. However, not all helmets sold are approved for use in the State of Tennessee. Therefore, all motorcycle, moped and scooter operators should be aware of what type of helmets are approved.

Specific Helmet Requirement

The laws of Tennessee, concerning helmets for motorcycle operators are specific in requiring crash helmets that meet federal safety requirements as covered under Tennessee statute 49 CFR 571.218. This includes passengers as well. Unless the operator/passenger is over 21 years of age, in which case the crash helmets must meet the same federal standards as listed in 49 CFR 571.218 but are allowed to have ventilation airways that do not exceed one and one half inches and are passed through the protective shell of the helmet. Additionally, all helmets are required to bear an appropriate sticker designating that the helmet is approved by the American Society for Testing Materials, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Southern Impact Research Center or approved by the Snell Foundation.

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Many motorists today love the freedom and thrill of riding a motorcycle, but when the negligence of other drivers leads to an accident, it can have devastating consequences, even for motorcyclists who are wearing proper safety gear and following all traffic rules. The legal process is complex, so if you or a loved one was injured in this type of crash, a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you to get fair compensation that eases the burden of injuries and medical bills.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle accident statistics from 2010 show that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of a vehicle (per vehicle mile traveled), and about five times more likely to be injured. Motorcycles make up only about three percent of total registered vehicles in the U.S., but they account for more than one in seven fatalities.