New Tennessee Foot Peg Law a National First
In order to protect children who are passengers on Tennessee motorcycles, this state’s lawmakers have introduced a new law. And our state has gained national attention because it is the first with this type of legislation anywhere in the U.S.
This new legislation requires that any child riding on the back of a motorcycle be able to reach the foot pegs easily. Originally, lawmakers considered requiring that children under five be prohibited from being a passenger on a motorcycle, but later they decided that the height was the issue more than age.
According to a July 2012 Nashville Public Radio report, Tyler Hunt, a mechanic who works at America’s Motor Sports near downtown, calls the idea of protecting young motorcycle passengers a “no-brainer”.
Hunt says, “I think it should have just been common sense for your average, everyday rider to know that the safety of their passenger should be more important than worrying about, oh, they can’t touch, they’ll be fine to run up to the grocery store – because accidents happen every day.”
While the Tennessee Department of Safety has reported no deaths among children as passengers on motorcycles since 2005, Bob Ramsey, Maryville representative, says the law is needed to prevent any future deaths arising from Tennessee motorcycle accidents.
Any licensed motorcycle operator in Tennessee who is found toting a child who cannot reach the pegs will be cited and pay a $50 fine.
Tennessee children are also required to wear a properly fitted motorcycle helmet and eye protection if there is no windscreen on the bike.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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