Why It’s Crucial to Wear a Helmet as a Wisconsin Motorcyclist

An educated Wisconsin motorcyclist is a safe one, and generally motorcycle drivers are improving their safety year to year. One of the simplest ways to avoid serious injury in the event of a motorcycle accident is to wear a helmet. Though the state of Wisconsin does not require bikers to wear helmets over the age of 18, several statistics prove the benefits of wearing an approved helmet:

Head and neck injuries occur in one out of every five motorcycle crashes.
Most Wisconsin motorcycle crashes occur at a speed slower than 30 mph. At such speeds, helmets can reduce the frequency and severity of head injuries by 50 percent.
Helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those involved in a crash while not wearing a helmet. Head and neck injuries comprise the majority of serious and fatal injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident.
Not all helmets interfere with peripheral vision. Approved helmets allow the wearer to utilize their peripherals as far to each side as necessary.

The issue of whether Wisconsin should have a mandatory motorcycle helmet law has been especially controversial. Opponents of such a law argue that forcing bikers over age 18 to wear helmets interferes with their freedoms. Those in favor of tougher laws say that the pain and suffering which follow Wisconsin motorcycle crashes would be greatly reduced.

Our position: even if state laws do not require an adult Wisconsin motorcyclist to wear a helmet, it’s a good idea to wear one.

When choosing the best helmet for you, you have the option of either a full fall helmet or a three-quarter helmet. Look for helmets that have been approved by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Even with the best protection, accidents happen. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the state of Wisconsin, contact the Milwaukee personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678 (toll-free) or 414-223-4800 (local) for a consultation and a free copy of The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims and your Bikers’ Rights Card.