Tennessee’s Motorcycle Helmet Law May Be Changing

Currently, in Tennessee, all motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a crash helmet meeting federal standards.  This universal helmet law may be changing, however, as a proposal to relax current helmet laws makes its way through the legislature.  The Tennessee State Senate has advanced a bill that would remove the requirement that some motorcyclists wear a helmet.

The proposal, which has passed a Senate panel in March, is sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville.  It was approved by a 6-3 vote in the Senate Transportation Committee.  Under the proposal, motorcycle operators aged 25 and older would have the ability to ride their motorcycle helmet free if they completed the following: obtain an additional $25,000 in medical coverage; maintain a motorcycle license for at least 2 years; and take a motorcycle riding course.  The proposal also requires the purchase of a $50 sticker to go on the helmet, and $40 from the cost of the sticker would go to trauma centers.

Much opposition exists against the bill.  Opponents question the safety implications such a bill may have, as helmets prove vital to the protection of human life.  They state the bill will lead to more motorcycle crash deaths each year and will lead to higher costs in trauma hospitals.

Governor Bill Haslam expressed disapproval of the bill and has given it the so-called “philosophical flag.”  Haslam’s office has additionally attempted to call attention to the danger of motorcycle crashes.  Governor Haslam’s office reported recently that over the last 14 years, the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the state has more than tripled.  Further, from just 2011 to 2012, the number of traffic fatalities involving motorcyclists spiked 21%.  The Governor’s office declared May to be “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” and has used the month to encourage drivers to be more careful when near motorcyclists, in addition to encouraging increased safety among bikers.

Proponents of repealing the universal helmet law urge that it will reap economic benefits as motorcycle registrations and purchases will increase.  They also argue the bill will increase tourism in the state.  Additionally, they insist the law caters to freedom of choice, which they claim is vital to motorcyclists.  If Tennessee is to repeal its helmet law, it will join the ranks of 31 other states which do not require all motorcyclists wear a helmet.

A look at statistics from other states which have repealed motorcycle helmet laws tends to support the maintenance of a universal helmet law.  When Arkansas and Texas repealed their helmet laws, half as many bikers wore helmets and the number of deaths due to motorcycle crashes increased by 20-30%.  One can also glean the effectiveness of helmet laws by comparing the number of deaths pre and post-enactment of such laws.  When California, Maryland, and Oregon enacted mandatory helmet laws, deaths dropped by one-third and there was an over 50% decrease in motorcycle crash related brain injuries.

At Bailey & Greer, we know firsthand the devastating results that a failure to wear your motorcycle helmet can wrought.  Victims of motorcycle crashes experience traumatic brain injuries at alarming rates, and the number one contributor to these serious injuries is the lack of a helmet.

The experineced and knowledgable Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer have years of experience assisting motorcycle crash victims in their recovery.  We understand the special concerns involved in motorcycle crashes and know the ins-and-outs of motorcycle accident law in Tennessee.  Our attorney team has the experience, passion, and determination for fight for your maximum recovery.  Call us today at 901-680-9777 for a free case evaluation.