Despite the fact that motorcycle helmets save lives and are required by law in some states, there is still confusion about the necessity of wearing a helmet while riding. In this blog post, we'll explore Oklahoma state laws regarding wearing one, why it’s beneficial to wear a helmet even if not required, and the most common types of helmets and their benefits.
The Law Regarding Helmets in Oklahoma
As of 1976, Oklahoma does not have a universal helmet law; instead, the state requires that any motorcycle rider under the age of 18 and any passenger wear one at all times. Although the Oklahoma Department of Health acknowledges that universal helmet laws directly correlate with a substantial decrease in motorcycle-related head injury and death, there have not been any movements to reinstate this law in recent years.
Why Wear A Helmet Regardless?
Though it might seem like you don’t need to bother with a helmet if you’re over 18, there are still many reasons to consider wearing one. For starters, helmets reduce the risk of serious injury or death in an accident by about 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. Furthermore, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists without helmets are three times more likely than those with them to suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Wearing one can also help decrease your medical costs if you get into an accident.
In short, when it comes to safety, there’s no reason not to wear one—it could save your life.
Types of Helmets and Their Benefits
If you choose to start wearing a motorcycle helmet, you may wonder which type is best for you. While it all comes down to personal preference, every style has pros and cons. Here is a brief overview of each type of helmet and its benefits:
Full-Face Helmets
These helmets offer maximum protection as they cover your entire face down below your chin. They typically come with built-in visors to stay protected from wind and debris while providing clear vision ahead. Additionally, they offer some noise reduction benefits so that engine noise won’t be too loud in your ears (some models even come with earplugs).
Open-Face Helmets
As its name suggests, these helmets only cover part of your face—usually just up above your eyes—so that you can enjoy greater visibility around your surroundings compared to full-face models. They provide decent protection from the wind but aren’t quite as good at preventing debris from entering your mouth and eyes as full-face models.
Half Helmets
Also known as “brain buckets” due to their egg shape design, half helmets provide minimal coverage but can still be effective at protecting your head from impact during an accident. If you prefer maximum visibility around you rather than optimal protection from wind and debris, this might be the best choice!
Off-Road Helmets
These helmets look similar to full-face ones but usually have fewer bells and whistles, such as ventilation systems and integrated visors, because they prioritize maximum protection over comfort features like those found on road helmets. This makes them ideal for off-road riders who need extra protection when tackling tough terrain or performing stunts with their motorcycles.
Were You in a Motorcycle Crash? Contact Our Oklahoma Attorneys
When another motorist’s negligent actions cause you to crash your bike and sustain injuries, you have a legal right to pursue justice. Our award-winning Oklahoma attorneys at Martin Jean & Jackson can help you advocate for full and fair compensation. Request a free consultation with our team to discuss your legal options by calling or filling out this short form.
