Why Wearing A Helmet is So Important for Motorcyclists

The reason so many people love the idea of motorcycles is because of that sense of freedom that riding a motorcycle can bring to a person on the open roads. Some however, may get too caught up into that freedom by also choosing not to wear protective gear, most importantly a helmet.

A motorcycle accident is way more dangerous than a car accident, due to the fact that unlike a car, which has multiple features that try to minimize injury such as an airbag, a motorcycle offers no protection. Therefore, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to wrecks resulting in severe and life threatening head injuries. Many states such as New York have laws requiring all riders to wear helmets as required safety equipment.

Motorcyclist with helmet in hand goes to his chopper, back view. Vintage bike, biker and his motorcycle, freedom lifestyle, biking

New York’s Motorcycle Helmet Law

New York is one of nineteen states that have adopted a universal helmet law. Twenty-eight other states require only some riders to wear a helmet, while three states (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire) have not enacted any helmet restrictions at all. 

NYS law requires the use of motorcycle helmets for both drivers and passengers. Protective eyewear is also required. Helmets and eye protection are also required for certain mopeds, those with a top speed of 20 mph or more.

Why is Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet so Important?

Wearing a motorcycle helmet is the single greatest means of preventing severe head injury in the event of a motorcycle accident. 

According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and of death by 37%. Riders opting out of wearing a helmet subject themselves to a higher certainty of debilitating head injuries, such as skull fractures and traumatic brain injury

Even if there is no physical evidence of injury in the head, the brain can often be severely affected by the blunt force of the accident. Catastrophic brain injury can result in loss of cognitive function, physical impairments, and emotional issues.  

By wearing a helmet, a rider provides a safety measure cushioning the brain from the impact and trauma of the motorcycle crash. This protection is designed to reduce and prevent permanent disabilities associated with brain damage.  

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to accident injuries. Even when wearing the right protective gear, there is no guarantee against significant harm to the body and brain. Oftentimes, motorcyclists aren’t at-fault for the accident, because many drivers on Long Island do not know how to handle sharing the road with a motorcycle. Additionally, you may have been wearing a helmet and still suffer from a traumatic brain injury. 

You have the right to pursue damages from anyone whose negligence contributed to your injury, including another driver or the manufacturer of a failed helmet. 

If you have been injured in a Long Island motorcycle crash and have suffered a head injury, contact a Long Island personal injury attorney today. Many offer a free consultation so you can see if you can be compensated for lost wages and medical bills as a result of your injury.

About the Author


Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.

His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.