Motorcycle Helmets Are Optional in Illinois but Mandatory for Maximum Safety When You Ride

Although Illinois does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet when riding, there are many good reasons to do so. Helmets can help protect motorcyclists against severe head injuries or even death. In fact, a 2008 study entitled “Helmets for Preventing Injury in Motorcycle Riders” concluded that motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by approximately 42 percent and head injury by about 69 percent. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration also estimated that, in 2011, motorcycle helmets saved 1,617 lives.

So, how do you go about selecting a motorcycle helmet that will help to keep you safe? Following are some guidelines:

How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

• Choose a helmet with a Snell Memorial Foundation decal. While all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must adhere to the U.S. Department of Transportation FMVSS 218 Standard, those with a Snell Memorial Foundation sticker have passed rigorous testing by Snell technicians at a Snell laboratory to ensure they comply with the high safety standards developed by the foundation.
• Make sure the helmet fits properly, gripping your cheeks, jaw and head firmly.
• Make sure the helmet is comfortable and stylish—you will be more likely to wear it.
• Do not wear a used helmet—you have no way to verify whether it has been structurally compromised in a crash.
• Replace your motorcycle helmet every five years. Over time, helmet materials can break down, degrading performance. In addition, advances in helmet technology make new helmets even more effective for preventing severe injuries and death.
• Wear a full-face helmet for maximum protection against rocks, insects, cigarette butts, and other road debris.

While Illinois law does not require you to wear a helmet when you ride, it is in your best interests to do so—especially since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 83 percent of motorcyclists who died in motorcycle crashes in Illinois were not wearing a motorcycle helmet. Stay safe and strap on a helmet every time you ride. Also, if this article helped you, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook.