Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable motorists on the roads. Motorcyclists do not have the same protection around them as motorists in trucks and cars. For motorcyclists, protection comes from protective gear such as helmets. There is no doubt that helmet use protects motorcyclists and their passengers from injury or death resulting from a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatalities to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers.
Nevada law requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to use helmets. They are also required to wear protective glasses, goggles, or face shields if the motorcycle is not equipped with a transparent windscreen. The intent of the law is to protect the head and the face while riding a motorcycle and there are several reasons why full coverage of the face and head with a full face helmet is advisable for motorcyclists.
Enhanced Protection: Full face helmets cover the entire head, including the chin, jaw, and forehead in one sturdy device. This coverage provides the most comprehensive protection for a motorcyclist’s head and face and offers a significantly higher level of safety for riders compared to open face helmets.
Face Protection: Full face helmets have a shield that protects the eyes, jaw, and chin. When riding, motorcyclists’ eyes are exposed to flying debris, wind, insects, and other hazards. A full face helmet shields the eyes from these hazards so that the motorcyclist can maintain a clear vision and ride safely. When a motorcyclist is thrown off their motorcycle in a collision, they may fall on their face, and the impact can cause severe facial injuries. A full face helmet reduces the risk of facial trauma including facial fractures and jaw dislocations.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Studies show that full face helmets significantly reduce the risk and severity of facial injuries in motorcycle accidents. They effectively protect against facial fractures, jaw dislocations, and severe facial lacerations. A recently published study found that the risk of head and cervical injuries for riders who used full face helmets was 64% lower compared with those who used half coverage helmets, and 32% lower than in those who used open helmets.
Weather protection: full face helmets protect riders and their passengers from the elements. Rain, wind, and dust can make riding uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in different weather conditions.
Legal compliance: many states including Nevada have adopted mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists. While Nevada does not require full face helmets, the law requires protective glasses, goggles, or face shields if the motorcycle is not equipped with a transparent windscreen. While full face helmets are not required to comply with Nevada helmet laws, the enhanced protection while complying with the law makes them the smart option for motorcyclists.
If you have questions about Nevada’s motorcycle laws, or if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney for more information. You can contact Koch & Brim, LLP at 702-410-6034.