Tennessee Legislature Attempting to Abandon Motorcycle Helmet Law
A bill recently introduced in the Tennessee Legislature could drastically change Tennessee’s current motorcycle helmet law. The current law, T.C.A. section 55-9-302, requires all drivers or riders of a motorcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. The proposed bill, SB0548/HB0044, would give the driver of a motorcycle the option of not wearing a helmet if the driver is 21 years old. In addition to paying a $50 fee, the requirements for being able to purchase a “helmet-free sticker” include:
(1) The operator must have at least $100,000 in liability insurance coverage;
(2) The operator must have at least $200,000 in medical insurance coverage;
(3) The operator must complete a department of safety approved motorcycle safety education course; and
(4) The operator must have been legally operating a motorcycle for at least two years prior to applying for a special helmet-free sticker.
Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found that states that do not have a universal helmet law see drastic increases in motorcycle rider fatalities for individuals not wearing a helmet than those of states with a universal helmet law. Even if a rider who injures his head lives, there is a strong likelihood that he will suffer from a traumatic brain injury as a result of not wearing the proper helmet.
The attorneys at Bailey & Greer encourage all drivers and riders to wear the proper helmet when on a motorcycle, regardless of what law is passed. Although a helmet can help prevent an injury during an accident, sometimes an injury is inevitable. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another driver’s negligence, contact the experienced Memphis motorcycle attorneys at Bailey & Greer today at 901-680-9777 for a free consultation.
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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