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.

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