In California, with all the vehicles on the road, the odds are that within your lifetime, you will be involved in a traffic collision. No traffic accident leaves you unscathed. If you are a motorcycle rider, any accident can result in serious injury and even death due to a significant lack of protection provided. With this risk in mind, California enacted a motorcycle helmet law in 1992. Vehicle Code section 27803, the California Motorcycle Helmet law, requires that all operators or passengers on a motorcycle use a motorcycle helmet in compliance with the Department of Transportation – a helmet that is fastened with straps and of a size that fits the wearer’s head properly. Additionally, it is recommended that motorcycle helmets be replaced once every 2 to 4 years.
According to the Advocates for Motorcycle and Auto Safety (2008 report) motorcycles account for only 2% of the vehicles on the road but over 9% of traffic fatalities. In 2006, in states where there are no mandatory helmet laws, 65% of motorcycle fatalities involved un-helmeted riders. Conversely, in those states which had mandatory helmet laws, motorcycle fatalities accounted for only 13% of riders.
Complying with the California helmet law while riding a motorcycle can save your life in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, if you find that you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash as a result of the negligence of another the experienced Campbell motorcycle accident lawyers at Caputo & Van Der Walde LLPs will work to obtain just compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation, call us at (800) 900-0863.